Getting to the Convention Center
Congrats! You’ve done all the hard work, you’ve finished your research project and it’s been accepted by ARVO! You’re putting the final touches on your presentation and getting ready for your trip to ARVO 2017. The first question on your mind probably is how to get to the convention center in Baltimore.
From Penn Station:
If you took the Boltbus or Amtrak to get to Baltimore, you will get dropped off at the Baltimore Penn station. The purple line of the free Charm City Circulator offers free rides from Penn Station to Inner Harbor. The stop is just a few blocks' walk from the convention center at the intersection of Light and Pratt Street (see map below). You can also track this bus on their website tracker. Also, this is not the only free route offered in Charm City; there is the Orange route, the Green route, the Banner route and the Harbor Connector. The Harbor Connector is actually a free boat ride across the harbor! I would advise checking the website for service updates, or you can also sign up for mobile alerts.
From BWI Airport:
The cheapest ride from the BWI Airport is the light rail, which leaves from BWI and drops off at the convention center stop right next to the convention center (see map below). The ticket for the light rail is priced at an unbeatable value of $1.70 for a one-way trip and you can get the ticket on your way out from the BWI airport. Just follow signs for the light rail. Light rail runs daily, from 5am to 12am weekdays, from 6am to 12am Saturdays, and from 11am to 7pm Sundays. More information can be found on their website. Although generally safe, I would advise against using this if you are traveling alone late at night.
You can also take the Marc train (service available on weekdays only) or Amtrak, both of which would bring you to Penn Station. Tickets are about $7 for Marc and $10-20 for Amtrak, and are cheaper if you buy in advance. Prices can be pretty high if you buy last minute. If you’re planning on using Amtrak it's best to buy a ticket ahead of time on their website. There’s a free airport shuttle that can take you from the terminal to the Amtrak/Marc Station. See above on how to get from Penn station to the convention center.
If you get in late or the above transportation options are not available, Uber and Lyft are convenient and easily available all times of the day. Download the free app on your phone and get going. Check for surge pricing during rush hours.
There are also shared ride services, such as Super Shuttle, available from the airport. It's usually best to reserve these ahead of time.
Yellow-cab of Baltimore offers flat rate of $30 from BWI airport to Inner Harbor area, which is where the convention center is located.