Anyone here know about the MARC trains? Specifically, I’m landing at Dulles and taking public transportation to Baltimore, which will include a MARC train from DC. Since these are commuter trains, I’m wondering if I will have a problem with getting all my stuff on the train - a duffel bag, a carry-on, and a knapsack. (And of course, when leaving, I’ll have to go the opposite way.) I’ve traveled Amtrak, but never via any of the MARC trains.
You take a bus from the terminal to the airport. If you’re travelling at rush hour, the train will be packed. If not, you’ll have plenty of room. There is an automated ticket machine. Buy your ticket prior to boarding. If you prefer Amtrak, it uses the same station. Rush hour is just as packed, and obviously more expensive.
I commute using the MARC train, They are quite spacious. You won’t have trouble with your stuff. The Bus/Metro from Dulles to Union Station will be more of a hassle.
Note that the MARC trains run on a fairly limited schedule. Also it’s better to buy your ticket at a kiosk in Union Station. If you wait until you are on the train, you must pay cash, and there is a $5 surcharge.
Dulles to Union Station might be more of a chore than the MARC/AMTRAK. The Metro line does not go all the way to the Airport (yet) and you need to take a shuttle bus to connect with the Silver Line, then have to change to the Red line at Metro Center to get to Union Station. Might want to explore shuttle services…slight more expensive but less hassle.
I thought about a shuttle, but friends in the area (and several commuter websites) advised against it - I’m (hopefully) landing at 3:50 in the afternoon, so I’ll be leaving the airport at the height of the rush hour.
If your flight arrives on-time at 3:50pm, figure 40 minutes to get your baggage/find shuttle bus. Then plan on 80-90 minutes for shuttle/silver line/red line/get to MARC area of station. (it might go faster, but better safe than sorry). That puts you about 6pm, and there are MARC trains leaving at 6:25pm and 7:02pm, each about a hour’s trip. So that’ll get you to Baltimore Penn Station about 7:30-8:00pm, then you’re on your own on getting to your final destination.
Sorry about that, I overly plan all my trips by planes/trains. YMMV.
There are also MARC trains to Baltimore Camden station that departs at 6:55pm and 7:45 pm, if you get delayed.
And there are northbound Amtrak trains if the timing ends up working out.
Google knows the local public transit if you get lost.
Just out of curiosity, why didn’t you just fly into BWI? Airline doesn’t fly there?
There’s a website called Dans Deals that often shows low cost airline deals. My wife happened to find one from Tel Aviv to Dulles, via Amsterdam, round trip for $395. The flights only flew into Dulles.