Originally Posted by exilencfc

Hi everyone,

In September i'll be visiting America from the UK. Still finalising the details and would appreciate some advice. Bit of a random list i'm afraid, but at least lots of you will have the chance to help

1- Immigration at Dulles- are the queues significantly longer for Europeans than for Americans? I'm travelling with a friend who is American but her husband and I aren't; our flight (BA) from London arrives at around 2pm.

Queues and process are always longer for nonUS document holders, figure 40 minutes or so longer on average (i once waited an hour, not so happy)


2- Shuttle van from Dulles to Annapolis- please tell me i'll arrive alive and on the same day I set off
no idea of this one, but consider renting a car if there are a few of you and someone is okay driving in 'our' side of the road. Expect traffic and delays, ESP as you arrive at the beginning of rush hour - which can last until almost 8 o'clock. I assume this is a special van to Annapolis, it is not something you can purchase at arrival easily, I expect so make arrangements early, if they are needed

3- Commuter bus from Annapolis to Patapsco Light Rail stop- is this reliable/safe on sunday mornings? (i'm female, i'll be on my own)

can't help you with this, but there may be more frequency/better options to DC, and then train from there to Baltimore. That'd be longer but something else to look into.

4- Train from Baltimore to Philadelphia - do you have to book this in advance? If not, how much cheaper is booking in advance? (NE regional service) Am I right in thinking its similar to travelling by rail in the UK- turn up, climb on, get off at far end and doesn't involve massive pre-boarding security or checking in luggage?

while you can buy tickets last minute, buying in advance will save you money. Tickets are fully refundable until they are printed, so make a ressie and then cancel it if you won't need it later. The AAA rate is usually a good discount for the regional

5- Flying home from Philadelphia - Is there anything to be wary of in terms of traffic congestion, massive security lines etc? Flight leaves at 10pm

you can take the train to philly airport as an option. Nothing in particular to worry about either other than the usual TSA nonsense that is unfortunately prevalent in the US

Also any tips for staying in Baltimore- cheapish places to eat, things to do