title: Amtrak Baltimore to DC: Times, Stations and Whether It's Worth It
url: https://boardspy.site/blog/amtrak-baltimore-to-dc/
type: Article
dateModified: 2026-08-16
publisher: BoardSpy
quick_answer: Quick answer: Roughly 30 to 40 minutes, Baltimore Penn Station to Washington Union Station. That is faster than driving at any hour of any day. The real question is whether Amtrak is worth the fare over MARC.
primary_keyword: amtrak baltimore to dc
keywords[7]{term}:
  amtrak baltimore to dc
  baltimore amtrak to dc
  amtrak dc to baltimore
  amtrak baltimore to washington dc
  amtrak washington dc to baltimore md
  amtrak from washington dc to baltimore
  dc to baltimore amtrak
faqs[5]{q,a}:
  How long is Amtrak from Baltimore to DC?,Roughly 30 to 40 minutes, Baltimore Penn Station to Washington Union Station. That is faster than driving at any hour of any day.
  Is MARC cheaper than Amtrak on this corridor?,Yes, and it is not meaningfully slower. Both run the same rails between the same two stations. Take MARC on a weekday when the schedule works; take Amtrak on weekends, for a reserved seat, or when you are continuing beyond DC or Baltimore.
  Does MARC run on weekends between Baltimore and DC?,Weekend MARC service is reduced or limited. Amtrak runs daily, including weekends. Check the timetable rather than assuming.
  Can you take Amtrak or MARC to BWI?,Yes. BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport Rail Station sits between Baltimore and DC and is served by both Amtrak and MARC.
  Should you drive Baltimore to DC instead of Amtrak?,Drive when either end is suburban, you need a car at the far end, or you are a group of three or more splitting costs. Centre-to-centre, rail wins on time and parking.
citations[4]{name,url}:
  Amtrak,https://www.amtrak.com/
  MARC Train,https://www.mta.maryland.gov/marc-train
  BWI Rail Station,https://www.bwiairport.com/to-from-bwi/transportation/amtrak-marc-train
  BoardSpy data sources,https://boardspy.site/facts/data-sources/
internal_links[3]{label,url}:
  BWI to Washington, DC,https://boardspy.site/blog/bwi-to-washington-dc/
  Baltimore to DC: drive, train or bus,https://boardspy.site/blog/baltimore-to-dc-drive-train-or-bus/
  best time to drive Baltimore to DC,https://boardspy.site/blog/baltimore-to-dc-best-time-to-drive/