Public transport fares

Question

I asked a separate question about safety on public transport in Baltimore, but assuming it's safe, what is the best way to pay for it? I'll arrive by car on a Saturday afternoon/evening and have 5 full days plus a trip to the airport in the afternoon of the following Friday, so I was thinking if I'm going to be using it regularly a weekly pass might be easiest? It looks like there's a phone app or you can buy a card and load fares onto it, although I'm not sure where you buy the card and load it. Or it looks like there's a paper ticket, but unless I'm going to be using transport enough to make the weekly pass worth it, buying single or day tickets seems easier with the card or an app.

I read the Charm City Circulator is free, but sometimes Google maps is recommending CityLink, which I think are the regular buses. Can you transfer buses on a single trip fare or would that use 2 single trip fares (making the daily/weekly passes more likely to be of value)?

Thanks. If anyone has any gratuitous advice I didn't ask for that would be great too!

Answer

When visiting Baltimore and using public transportation, there are a few options to consider for paying fares, depending on how often you plan to use the system. Here’s a detailed guide to help you choose the best option:

1. Charm City Circulator (Free Service):

The Charm City Circulator is a free bus service that operates throughout downtown Baltimore, connecting several neighborhoods, including key spots like the Inner Harbor, the Johns Hopkins campus, and more. Since it’s free, it’s a great option if you plan to stay within the downtown area and use this service frequently. Google Maps often recommends this service for short trips within the city.

2. CityLink and MTA Buses (Paid Service):

CityLink buses are part of Baltimore's regular public bus service and do require a fare. If you plan to use these buses, you will need to pay. The good news is that you can transfer between buses without paying an additional fare, as long as the transfer happens within a 2-hour window. This makes it easier to travel around the city without needing to purchase multiple fares.

3. Fares and Payment Options:

Baltimore’s public transportation system offers several ways to pay for your rides:

CharmCard: This is the city's reloadable smart card that works on the bus, light rail, and subway. You can load funds onto it and tap it when you board. It’s available at most retail locations around the city, as well as at MTA transit stores.
CharmPass App: The CharmPass app is a convenient option for paying fares digitally. You can load funds onto the app and use it to pay for rides on all MTA services, including buses, light rail, and subway. You can buy day passes or store a balance for single fares.
Paper Tickets: Paper tickets are available, but they can be less convenient than using a card or app. Single-ride tickets or day passes can be purchased from ticket vending machines at light rail or subway stations, but this might be less efficient if you plan to use transit regularly.

4. Weekly Pass Option:

If you plan to use public transport regularly throughout the week, a weekly pass could be a great value. A weekly pass covers unlimited rides on the MTA buses, light rail, and subway. It's available through both the CharmCard and the CharmPass app. It’s especially worth considering since you’re in Baltimore for five full days. You’ll save money if you’re making multiple trips each day, and it’s easier than loading fares on a single-use card or buying tickets each time.

5. How to Get the Card or App:

CharmCard: You can buy the CharmCard at most retail locations, including CVS and Walgreens, or directly from MTA locations. You can also purchase and load funds at MTA's ticket vending machines.
CharmPass App: You can download the CharmPass app on your smartphone from the App Store or Google Play. It's easy to set up, and you can start using it immediately after loading your funds or buying passes.

6. Transportation Tips:

Plan your routes in advance: If you plan to use public transportation frequently, it’s a good idea to check routes on Google Maps or the Charm City Circulator website to make sure the buses or trains are running at the times you need.
Consider Uber or Lyft for convenience: If you find public transport isn’t running at the right times or locations, using a ride-share app like Uber or Lyft can be a quick and easy alternative to get around.
Explore the Inner Harbor on foot: The Inner Harbor area is walkable, and many of the attractions are just a short walk from one another, which can save you time and fare costs if you’re sticking around that area.

In Summary:

If you're planning to stay in Baltimore for five days, a weekly pass on the CharmCard or the CharmPass app might be the best option, as it offers unlimited travel on MTA services and is generally more convenient for tourists. For shorter trips, the CharmCard and CharmPass app are easy to use and provide flexibility. Don't forget the free Charm City Circulator if you’re staying in the downtown area, and you can transfer buses within a 2-hour window on regular CityLink routes. Enjoy your stay in Baltimore!

Public transport fares

More Baltimore Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions