Maryland – the “Old Line State” – is a true hub on the East Coast, connecting major metropolitan areas with charming small towns and stunning natural beauty. For travelers looking for a comfortable, efficient, and often scenic way to navigate, Amtrak offers a fantastic solution.
Whether you’re commuting to Washington D.C., heading to the beaches, catching a flight, or exploring Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, Maryland’s Amtrak stations serve as vital gateways. This complete guide will take you through each station, detailing its services, unique features, and crucial distances to key cities and airports.
Let’s embark on our journey through Maryland’s Amtrak network, from the bustling Northeast Corridor to the tranquil Western mountains and the picturesque Eastern Shore.
1. BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport Rail Station (BWI)
Location: Linthicum, MD (Anne Arundel County) Vibe: A highly functional intermodal hub, designed for seamless transitions between air and rail travel. Why it’s key: This station is an absolute lifesaver for travelers flying into or out of BWI Airport, offering direct connections to Amtrak and MARC commuter rail lines. A free shuttle bus (Amtrak/MARC shuttle) runs frequently between the station and the airport terminals.
Key Amtrak Services:
- Acela Express
- Northeast Regional
- Vermonter
- Carolinian
- Palmetto
- Silver Service (Silver Meteor, Silver Star)
- And other long-distance trains as scheduled.
Local Connections:
- BWI Airport Shuttle (free)
- MARC Penn Line (commuter rail to Baltimore and Washington D.C.)
- Local bus routes
Approximate Distances from BWI Rail Station:
| Destination | Approximate Driving Distance (miles) | Estimated Driving Time |
|---|---|---|
| BWI Airport | 1 | 5-10 min (shuttle) |
| Baltimore City Center | 10 | 20-30 min |
| Washington D.C. | 30 | 45-60 min |
| Annapolis, MD | 25 | 35-45 min |
| Philadelphia, PA | 100 | 1 hr 45 min – 2 hrs 15 min |
| New York City, NY | 200 | 3 hrs 30 min – 4 hrs |
| Ronald Reagan Nat. Airport (DCA) | 35 | 50 min – 1 hr 15 min |
| Washington Dulles Airport (IAD) | 55 | 1 hr 15 min – 1 hr 45 min |
2. Baltimore Penn Station (BAL)
Location: 1500 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD (Midtown-Belvedere) Vibe: A grand, historic Beaux-Arts building serving as Baltimore’s primary rail gateway. It’s buzzing with commuters and long-distance travelers. Why it’s key: Baltimore’s largest and busiest station, offering extensive connections within the city and along the Northeast Corridor. It’s an iconic landmark itself.
Key Amtrak Services:
- Acela Express
- Northeast Regional
- Vermonter
- Carolinian
- Palmetto
- Silver Service (Silver Meteor, Silver Star)
- Capitol Limited (to Chicago)
- And other long-distance trains as scheduled.
Local Connections:
- MARC Penn Line (commuter rail to BWI Airport and Washington D.C.)
- MTA Light RailLink (direct access to downtown, Camden Yards, M&T Bank Stadium)
- MTA Local Bus routes
- Charm City Circulator (free bus service)
- Taxi and ride-share services
Approximate Distances from Baltimore Penn Station:
| Destination | Approximate Driving Distance (miles) | Estimated Driving Time |
|---|---|---|
| Inner Harbor | 2 | 10-15 min |
| BWI Airport | 10 | 20-30 min |
| Washington D.C. | 40 | 50 min – 1 hr 20 min |
| Annapolis, MD | 30 | 40-55 min |
| Philadelphia, PA | 100 | 1 hr 45 min – 2 hrs 15 min |
| New York City, NY | 190 | 3 hrs 15 min – 3 hrs 45 min |
| Ronald Reagan Nat. Airport (DCA) | 45 | 1 hr – 1 hr 30 min |
3. New Carrollton Station (NCR)
Location: 4300 Garden City Dr, New Carrollton, MD (Prince George’s County) Vibe: A major intermodal hub just outside Washington D.C., designed for efficiency and connecting multiple modes of transport. Why it’s key: This station is a crucial transfer point for travelers heading into D.C. or connecting to the Metro subway system without driving directly into the city.
Key Amtrak Services:
- Acela Express (limited stops)
- Northeast Regional
- Vermonter
- Carolinian
- Palmetto
- Silver Service (Silver Meteor, Silver Star)
Local Connections:
- Washington Metro (Orange Line)
- MARC Penn Line (commuter rail to Baltimore and Washington D.C.)
- Local bus routes (WMATA and Prince George’s County “The Bus”)
- Taxi and ride-share services
Approximate Distances from New Carrollton Station:
| Destination | Approximate Driving Distance (miles) | Estimated Driving Time |
|---|---|---|
| Washington D.C. (Union Station) | 10 | 20-35 min |
| BWI Airport | 25 | 35-50 min |
| Annapolis, MD | 25 | 35-50 min |
| Baltimore City Center | 30 | 40-60 min |
| Ronald Reagan Nat. Airport (DCA) | 15 | 25-45 min |
| Washington Dulles Airport (IAD) | 35 | 50 min – 1 hr 20 min |
4. Aberdeen Station (ABE)
Location: 18 E Bel Air Ave, Aberdeen, MD (Harford County) Vibe: A smaller, historic station serving a suburban community and travelers to and from the Aberdeen Proving Ground. Why it’s key: Provides convenient rail access for Northeast Maryland, bridging the gap between Baltimore and Wilmington/Philadelphia.
Key Amtrak Services:
- Northeast Regional (limited stops)
Local Connections:
- MARC Penn Line (commuter rail to Baltimore and Washington D.C.)
- Local bus routes
- Taxi and ride-share services
Approximate Distances from Aberdeen Station:
| Destination | Approximate Driving Distance (miles) | Estimated Driving Time |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore City Center | 35 | 45-65 min |
| Wilmington, DE | 40 | 45-60 min |
| Philadelphia, PA | 70 | 1 hr 15 min – 1 hr 45 min |
| Dover, DE | 60 | 1 hr 15 min – 1 hr 30 min |
| Havre de Grace, MD | 5 | 10-15 min |
5. Bowie State Station (BWI) – Note: Same code as BWI Airport, but distinct location
Location: 14000 Jericho Park Rd, Bowie, MD (Prince George’s County) Vibe: A humble, practical stop primarily serving Bowie State University and the surrounding residential areas. Why it’s key: Offers a suburban alternative for specific Northeast Regional services, often less crowded than major hubs.
Key Amtrak Services:
- Northeast Regional (very limited stops, check schedule carefully)
Local Connections:
- MARC Penn Line (commuter rail to Baltimore and Washington D.C.)
- Local bus routes (UMD Shuttle, Bowie State shuttle)
Approximate Distances from Bowie State Station:
| Destination | Approximate Driving Distance (miles) | Estimated Driving Time |
|---|---|---|
| Washington D.C. | 20 | 30-45 min |
| Annapolis, MD | 15 | 25-35 min |
| Baltimore City Center | 25 | 35-55 min |
| BWI Airport | 20 | 30-45 min |
6. Rockville Station (RKV)
Location: 200 E Montgomery Ave, Rockville, MD (Montgomery County) Vibe: A busy suburban station, well-integrated with the Washington D.C. Metro system, serving Montgomery County residents. Why it’s key: Provides vital long-distance train access (Capital Limited) and some Northeast Corridor connections for the D.C. suburbs, alongside Metro and MARC.
Key Amtrak Services:
- Capitol Limited (to Chicago and Washington D.C.)
- Northeast Regional (very limited stops, check schedule carefully)
Local Connections:
- Washington Metro (Red Line)
- MARC Brunswick Line (commuter rail to Frederick and Washington D.C.)
- Local bus routes (Ride On)
- Taxi and ride-share services
Approximate Distances from Rockville Station:
| Destination | Approximate Driving Distance (miles) | Estimated Driving Time |
|---|---|---|
| Washington D.C. (Union Station) | 15 | 30-45 min |
| Frederick, MD | 30 | 40-55 min |
| BWI Airport | 35 | 50 min – 1 hr 15 min |
| Washington Dulles Airport (IAD) | 25 | 35-55 min |
| Ronald Reagan Nat. Airport (DCA) | 25 | 40 min – 1 hr |
7. Cumberland Station (CUM)
Location: 12 Cumberland St, Cumberland, MD (Allegany County) Vibe: A charming, historic station nestled in the mountains of Western Maryland, offering a taste of the region’s rich railroad heritage. Why it’s key: The sole Amtrak stop in Western Maryland, serving as a gateway to the Appalachian region and a crucial stop on the Capital Limited route.
Key Amtrak Services:
- Capitol Limited (to Chicago and Washington D.C.)
Local Connections:
- Allegany Transit (local bus service)
- Great Allegheny Passage (bike trail)
- Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (heritage railway)
- Taxi and ride-share services
Approximate Distances from Cumberland Station:
| Destination | Approximate Driving Distance (miles) | Estimated Driving Time |
|---|---|---|
| Washington D.C. | 140 | 2 hrs 30 min – 3 hrs |
| Baltimore City Center | 170 | 2 hrs 45 min – 3 hrs 15 min |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 140 | 2 hrs 30 min – 3 hrs |
| Deep Creek Lake, MD | 50 | 1 hr – 1 hr 15 min |
| Harpers Ferry, WV | 70 | 1 hr 30 min – 1 hr 50 min |
8. Salisbury Station (SAL) – Amtrak Thruway Bus Stop
Location: 540 Fitzwater St, Salisbury, MD (Wicomico County) Vibe: While not a direct train station, Salisbury is a vital Amtrak Thruway Bus Stop, connecting Maryland’s Eastern Shore to the broader Amtrak network. Why it’s key: Provides the only Amtrak-affiliated access to the Eastern Shore, allowing travelers to reach destinations like Ocean City via bus connection to major train stations.
Key Amtrak Services:
- Amtrak Thruway Bus Service (connects to trains at BWI Rail Station, Wilmington, DE, or Newark, DE)
Local Connections:
- Shore Transit (local bus service)
- Taxi and ride-share services
Approximate Distances from Salisbury Bus Stop:
| Destination | Approximate Driving Distance (miles) | Estimated Driving Time |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean City, MD | 35 | 45-60 min |
| Rehoboth Beach, DE | 30 | 40-55 min |
| Dover, DE | 50 | 1 hr – 1 hr 15 min |
| Baltimore City Center | 120 | 2 hrs 15 min – 2 hrs 45 min |
| Annapolis, MD | 90 | 1 hr 45 min – 2 hrs 15 min |
General Tips for Traveling Amtrak in Maryland:
- Book in Advance: Especially for Acela Express and long-distance routes, booking early can secure better fares.
- Check Schedules Often: Amtrak schedules, particularly for Northeast Regional and limited-stop services, can vary. Always confirm your departure and arrival times.
- Utilize the Amtrak App: It’s great for booking, checking train status, and mobile ticketing.
- Consider MARC: For purely commuter-focused travel between Washington D.C., BWI Airport, and Baltimore, MARC commuter rail (which often shares tracks with Amtrak) can be a cost-effective and frequent option.
- Accessibility: All Amtrak stations and trains are designed to be accessible. Check Amtrak’s website for specific accessibility details for each station.
- Parking: Most stations offer paid parking, but availability and cost can vary. Consider ride-sharing or public transit if parking is a concern, especially at popular stations like BWI or New Carrollton.
Maryland’s Amtrak stations truly open up the state and the entire Northeast Corridor. Whether you’re a daily commuter or an adventurous traveler, the convenience and comfort of train travel make it an excellent choice. So, next time you’re planning a trip through the Free State, consider the rails – you might just discover your new favorite way to travel!
Which Maryland Amtrak station is your go-to? Share your experiences in the comments below!
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