Baltimore to DC on Inauguration Day - Foreigner Help

Question

Hi All,

Apologies if this is a tired question!

CONTEXT

I'll be in US around the Inauguration Day so figured I would try to witness the spectacle, why not? To no surprise, DC itself is booked out like no tomorrow with any remaining rooms being total price gouges, specifically on the 20th.

I heard about the ability to get the MARC in/out DC for a reasonable time commitment (40ish?), and the hotel prices in Baltimore (for now) are much more reasonable. I wouldn't mind ticking off another city too, so the idea sounds good to me on paper.

What are the logistical realities of all of this though? I truly have little idea. From what I can gather, it's a bit of a 50/50 on whether the MARC will operate on this day as they did not at the last event due to the Jan 6th concerns.

This puts me in a bit of a weird situation as I want to book the room to secure it before it's too late, but I don't want to put myself in a situation where I am just in Balitmore with no real way to get to DC if they end up not operating the MARC. Nothing against Baltimore, just my main reasoning for doing this would be to get to the event somewhat cheapy.

QUESTION

TLDR: Is the MARC my only real option to get to DC easily, and if not what else could I utilise? Is there anything I can pre-book and guarantee, travel-wise?

At present I was thinking I'd stay in Baltimore 19th-21st but only go into DC on 20th.

Thank you in advance

Answer

Attending the Inauguration in DC while staying in Baltimore is doable, but it requires careful planning because transportation options may be limited or altered due to security measures on Inauguration Day.

MARC Train:

The MARC Penn Line from Baltimore’s Penn Station to Union Station in DC is typically a straightforward option, taking roughly 40–50 minutes each way. However, on Inauguration Day, service may be reduced, altered, or even canceled due to heightened security and restricted access in Washington. There is no absolute guarantee until schedules are officially released closer to the date. In past inaugurations, MARC has operated with adjusted schedules, but it’s important to check the official MARC website for updates.

Alternative Options:

Amtrak: Amtrak runs frequent trains between Baltimore and DC (roughly 35–50 minutes). Tickets can be pre-booked and guarantee your travel. On major events like Inauguration Day, it’s highly recommended to book as early as possible, as trains can fill quickly and prices surge.
Private Shuttle Services: Some private bus companies offer chartered or scheduled shuttle services from Baltimore to DC. These may require pre-booking and can sometimes coordinate with major events. Availability may be limited due to demand.
Rideshare or Taxi: Uber, Lyft, or taxis are options, but expect high surge pricing and potential road closures. Travel times can be unpredictable due to restricted areas around the National Mall.
Car Rental: Driving is generally discouraged on Inauguration Day due to street closures, limited parking, and heavy traffic. If you do drive, plan for significant delays and restricted drop-off zones.

Recommendations for Planning:

Book your Baltimore hotel first, as you’ve planned, but choose one near Penn Station if possible for easier MARC or Amtrak access.
Purchase an Amtrak ticket early for guaranteed travel, even if MARC ends up running. Amtrak is your most secure pre-bookable option.
Stay flexible with timing and anticipate long security lines and possible transportation delays in DC.
Monitor official announcements from MARC, Amtrak, and DC security authorities in the weeks leading up to the event.

In summary, MARC is a traditional option, but Amtrak provides the most reliable pre-booked travel. Plan for contingencies and arrive early in DC. Baltimore is a reasonable base for your hotel, but don’t rely solely on MARC without backup arrangements.