I'm flying in to BWI on Saturday night and was hoping to take the train in. It looks like only Amtrak is running at that time (no MARC). Does anyone know how often the shuttle to the BWI train station runs on the weekends, and how long it takes? I called Amtrak and they said the shuttle takes 30 minutes (which I find hard to believe, but maybe that's right). They didn't know how often the train ran, so they gave me the number to the train station, but the train station's automated phone system keeps hanging up on me.

Any help anyone can give me would be greatly appreciated. I'm starting to get very frustrated! Thanks!

According to the signs posted at the station, the shuttle runs 24/7, as long as the trains are running. The 30 minute figure probably comes from the fact that you have to wait for it at BWI - the run itself is only about 10 minutes or less.

If time is tight for the connection, you might be able to get a cab to the station, but they won't be happy about it.

www.amtrak.com

2/15/03 Trains depart BWI at 9:34p, 10:48p, 11:38p, 12:37a, 1:53a, arrive WAS about a half hour later.

As I recall, no MARC service on weekends to/from BWI.

Another option depending on the time of day is that DC metro runs a bus from BWI to the Greenbelt station. Best part is that the fare is only $2.00 (then you need a Metro fare from there...):

http://www.bwiairport.com/4grndtrn/in_mb.shtml

Last bus daily is 10:50 PM

Edited to add: Here's the timetable:
http://wmata.com/timetables/md/B30.pdf

[This message has been edited by pdhenry (edited 02-10-2003).]

The shuttle, once you board it, takes less than 10 minutes to get to the AMTRAK station. I think they run about every 15 minutes or so as long as the station is open. Less often late at night but that wouldn't affect you. I park there when I fly out of BWI because it is cheap. Catching it can be a pain because of the contstruction. You really have to watch for it and flag them down. You can also take a cab for about $5 if you don't want to wait for the shuttle. The drivers don't mind at all. It is a quick easy run for them.

Follow the links already listed here for the train schedules. It looks to be $9 one way. They have trains running just about every hour from 5pm until midnight-ish. You can book your ticket online.

For $9 I think you're better off taking AMTRAK than the bus/metro. The train is fast and easy to catch.

[This message has been edited by tazi (edited 02-10-2003).]

My experience has been more along the lines of a 30 minute ride, not 10.

JP

Thanks everyone!!

Buster, I hate to say but I have found taking the train in to be very frustrating. I prefer the bluevan.

Good luck!

The shuttle from BWI to the BWI Amtrak station? It's less than three miles away. I've taken the shuttle both going to the airport and coming back to pick up my car and it has never taken longer than 10 minutes.



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"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety
deserve neither liberty nor safety." -- Ben Franklin

Sorry I wasn't clear. That would be the ride into D.C.

JP