How to Visit Inner Harbor in Baltimore, MD

Inner Harbor has been a major seaport in Baltimore since the 1700s. Since 1970, it has blossomed as an area for dining, entertainment and great views.

Inner Harbor is an area in Baltimore rich in history, beauty and entertainment. This seaport, used since the 1700s, began buzzing in 1970 when it became the cultural center of the city. Going on a water cruise, checking out the Maritime Museum, National Aquarium or seeing the city from the Top of the World observation deck are some of the activities to do. There are many ways to get to Inner Harbor. Depending upon the origin, one may be better than the others.

Things You'll Need

• Plane ticket
• Train ticket
• Lightrail ticket
• City map
• Inner Harbor map
• Car

Instructions

Ride the Amtrak train

1. Go to the Amtrak website and reserve a ticket from any Amtrak station that will go to Baltimore-Penn Station (BAL).

2. Ride Amtrak to Baltimore-Penn Station. After arriving, walk to Baltimore's Lightrail transit system located within Penn Station.

3. Buy a ticket for the lightrail system. As of the publication date, one-way tickets cost $1.60 -- but the better value may be a one-day pass which costs $3.50 and includes unlimited rides on local buses, Metro subway and lightrail for one day.

4. Take the lightrail southbound from Penn Station. Get off in six stops at the Convention Center station.

5. Exit the station and follow Pratt Street going east. Inner Harbor will be on the right.

Fly by plane

1. Reserve an airplane ticket to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI).

2. Fly by plane and arrive at BWI. After arriving, walk to the airport lightrail station. It is located outside the lower level of the terminal building, next to Concourse E.

3. Buy a ticket for the lightrail system. As of the publication date, one-way tickets cost $1.60 -- but the better value may be a one-day pass which costs $3.50 and includes unlimited rides on local buses, Metro subway and lightrail for one day.

4. Take the lightrail northbound from BWI station. Get off 11 stops later at the Convention Center station.

5. Exit the station and follow Pratt Street going east. Inner Harbor will be on the right.

Go by car

1. Drive into the city via I-95 South, I-95 North or I-70 East. All of these major highways go into Baltimore.

2. Take exit 53 (I-395 North, Downtown) if traveling on I-95. Then, continue in the left or center lane. If traveling on I-70, take exit 91 followed by exit 11A to get on I-95 north. Take exit 53 and continue in the left or center lane.

3. At the third light, turn right onto Pratt Street.

4. Drive four blocks on Pratt Street. Inner Harbor will be on the right.

5. Park at one of the parking garages near Inner Harbor.

Tips & Warnings

• There are three loading/unloading zones near Baltimore Visitor Center/Light Street, National Aquarium/Pratt Street and Maryland Science Center/Key Highway. Each has different vehicle and staging requirements.

• All cars parked, staged or unattended illegally may be cited up to $102.

References

• BWI Airport: Lightrail
• Goucher College: Directions to the Baltimore Inner Harbor
• Maryland Transit Adminstration: Lightrail
• Visit Baltimore: Baltimore's Inner Harbor

Resources

• Visit Baltimore: Parking Information
• Amtrak
• Visit Baltimore: Interactive Map