If you’re planning a trip to or through Maryland, you’re in luck—this state offers some of the best Amtrak service in the country. The Northeast Corridor runs right through the heart of Maryland, and there are connections to the west as well. Whether you’re commuting between cities or starting a cross-country journey, you’ll have plenty of options. Discover how Amtrak in Maryland can serve your travel needs!

This guide provides comprehensive information about riding Amtrak in Maryland, including routes, major stations, and practical booking tips.

Which Trains Serve Maryland?

Amtrak in Maryland offers day-trip options and allows travel beyond the Northeast.

Northeast Corridor & Regional Trains

The following services are the most frequently offered in Maryland:

• Acela – Boston ↔ Washington, DC
  • Stops at: Baltimore Penn Station (BAL) and BWI Airport (BWI)
• Carolinian – New York ↔ Charlotte, NC
  • Stops at: Baltimore Penn Station
• Northeast Regional – Boston/New York ↔ Washington, DC / Virginia
  • Stops at: Baltimore Penn Station, BWI Airport, New Carrollton, Aberdeen
• Palmetto – New York ↔ Savannah, GA
  • Stops at: Baltimore Penn Station, BWI Airport
• Vermonter – St. Albans, VT ↔ Washington, DC
  • Stops at: Baltimore Penn Station, BWI Airport

Long-Distance Trains

These travel far beyond the Northeast but still stop in Maryland:

• Cardinal – New York ↔ Chicago (3 days per week)
  • Stops at: Baltimore Penn Station
• Crescent – New York ↔ New Orleans
  • Stops at: Baltimore Penn Station
• Floridian (replaced the Capitol Limited & Silver Star combo) Chicago ↔ Miami
  • Stops in Maryland: Rockville, MD, Cumberland, MD
  • You can transfer between the Floridian and the Acela or regional train services in Washington, DC, to reach Baltimore and BWI.
• Silver Meteor – New York ↔ Miami
  • Stops at: Baltimore Penn Station

Amtrak in Maryland: Stations (Alphabetical List)

Here is a complete list of all current Amtrak stations in Maryland, organized alphabetically, along with the trains that serve each station. Click the links for the most current information, including hours of operation and more.

Aberdeen (ABE)

• Address: 18 E Bel Air Ave, Aberdeen, MD 21001
• Station Type: Unstaffed station with restrooms
• Trains:
  • Select Northeast Regional trains
  • Palmetto
  • Silver Meteor
• Services: Platform shelter, parking
• Location: Harford County
• Note: From this station, you can catch MARC and local buses.

Baltimore Penn Station (BAL)

• Address: 1500 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201
• Station Type: Staffed full-service station
• Trains:
  • Acela
  • Northeast Regional
  • Vermonter
  • Carolinian
  • Palmetto
  • Crescent
  • Cardinal
  • Silver Meteor
• Services: Ticket office, waiting room, restrooms, limited food options, baggage service
• Connections: Baltimore Light Rail, local buses, walkable to Mount Vernon and downtown

Maryland’s busiest Amtrak station and one of the most beautiful stations on the Northeast Corridor.

BWI Airport Rail Station (BWI)

• Address: 7 Amtrak Way, Baltimore, MD 21240
• Station Type: Staffed the station
  • Ticket office 4:45 am to 9:45 pm
  • The waiting room is open 24 hours
• Trains:
  • Acela (select trains)
  • Northeast Regional
  • Vermonter
  • Palmetto
• Services: Small indoor waiting area, ticket machines, restrooms
• Airport Connection: Free shuttle buses operate daily every 6-8 minutes from this station to the BWI Airport terminals (every 25 minutes from 1:00 am to 5:00 am). Buses stop next to the rail station garage, directly across from the station building.

The indoor waiting space is limited, so plan accordingly if you arrive early.

Cumberland (CUM)

• Address: 201 E Harrison St, Cumberland, MD 21502
• Station Type: Unstaffed stations with a waiting room
• Trains:
  • Floridian (Capitol Limited Substitute)
• Services: Platform shelter, limited parking, no ticket office
• Western Maryland’s only Amtrak station is a scenic gateway to the Allegheny Mountains.

New Carrollton (NCR)

• Address: 4300 Garden City Drive, New Carrollton, MD 20784
• Station Type: Staffed full-service station
• Trains:
  • Northeast Regional
  • Palmetto
  • Vermonter
• Services: Ticket office, waiting room, restrooms, parking garage
• Connections: Metro Orange Line, MARC Penn Line, local buses
• A popular commuter station just outside Washington, DC, in Prince George’s County.

Rockville (RKV)

• Address: 307 South Stonestreet Avenue
• Rockville, MD 20850
• Station Type: Unstaffed
• Trains:
  • Floridian (Capitol Limited Substitute)
  • Cardinal (3x weekly)
  • Select Northeast Regional trains
• Services: Waiting area, ticket machines, parking
• Connections: Metro Red Line (Rockville Station)

Located in Montgomery County with easy Metro access to downtown DC.

Getting Around Maryland by Train

Baltimore to Washington, DC:
The most popular route in Maryland. Baltimore Penn Station to Union Station takes about 40 minutes on the Northeast Regional ($17-35 depending on time of day) or 30 minutes on Acela ($35-80). BWI to Union Station is roughly 30 minutes.

It’s important to note that MARC Commuter Rail operates on the Penn Line between Baltimore and Washington, DC, on weekdays, and a one-way ticket costs $9. However, MARC does not offer weekend service and has limited weekday schedules. If Amtrak’s schedule aligns better with your travel times, it may be worth paying the premium for greater flexibility and weekend availability.

Connections Beyond Maryland:

• From Baltimore or Washington, DC, you can connect to the entire Northeast Corridor—Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Richmond.
• The Floridian route travels west to Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Chicago, and south through the Carolinas to Florida. In Chicago, you can transfer to many trains heading to the West Coast.
• The Cardinal provides a scenic route through the Appalachians to West Virginia and beyond – a Kev suggest ride!

Using Amtrak for BWI Airport Connections

BWI Marshall Airport is one of the most train-friendly airports in the country, with frequent Amtrak service on the busy Northeast Corridor.

The Station Setup

BWI Rail Station is situated approximately one mile from the airport terminals. However, you needn’t worry about that distance—a complimentary shuttle bus operates between the rail station and the airport 24 hours a day.

Shuttles operate approximately every 10 minutes throughout most of the day. However, service is less frequent during late-night and early-morning hours. The ride takes about 10 minutes, stopping at both terminals before heading back to the train station.

The train station is simple yet functional. It features ticket machines, a waiting area, restrooms, and a staffed ticket counter during operating hours. To ensure a smoother experience, it’s recommended that you purchase your ticket in advance via the Amtrak app or website.

Which Trains Stop Here

Most Amtrak trains that run between Washington, DC, and northern destinations stop at BWI Airport Rail Station.

• Most Acela trains operate between Boston and Washington, DC.
• Most trains in the Northeast Regional service
• The only long-distance train that stops here is the Palmetto. If you want to connect to another long-distance train from this stop, you can, but please note that you will need to transfer. When you book your ticket, Amtrak will provide you with all your available options.

A few Northeast Regional trains do not stop at BWI, particularly late at night. The Pennsylvanian train also does not stop at BWI, so always verify your specific train number before booking. In some instances, MARC may be a better option.

Timing Your Connection

Train → Flight:
Make sure to arrive at BWI at least 2 to 2.5 hours before your flight’s departure. This gives you enough time for the shuttle ride, airport security, and locating your gate. If you are checking bags or flying internationally, it’s a good idea to add 30 minutes to your travel time.

Flight → Train:
Plan for a 60 to 90-minute wait after your flight lands before your train departs. This allows time for baggage claim and the shuttle ride to the train station.

The BWI Advantage

Unlike many major East Coast airports, BWI offers direct access to Amtrak’s mainline service, making travel times convenient and predictable.

• About 30 minutes to Washington, DC (Union Station)
• About 75 minutes to Philadelphia
• About 2.5 hours to New York City

If you are connecting to or from an Amtrak train, BWI is generally more convenient than Reagan National (DCA) or Dulles (IAD), even though those airports appear closer to downtown Washington on a map.

What to Expect Onboard

Northeast Corridor trains provide Reserved Coach seating with power outlets, WiFi, tray tables, and café car service. Some trains offer Business Class with additional legroom and complimentary beverages.

Long-distance trains provide both coach and sleeper accommodations. Coach passengers can buy meals and snacks from the café car, while sleeper passengers receive complimentary meals.

Learn more about Amtrak Coach Class, Amtrak Sleeping Accommodations, and eating on Amtrak.

Booking Tips for Maryland Travel

• Book your Baltimore-DC trips early; same-day Northeast Corridor tickets are significantly more expensive than advance-purchase tickets.
• BWI connections: The airport station facilitates air-rail combinations, but allow extra time.
• Cardinal operates three days a week. Please check schedules carefully for service at BWI or Rockville.
• During weekday rush hours and holidays, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas, Maryland stations on the Northeast Corridor fill up quickly.

Why Take Amtrak in Maryland?

Maryland is one of the best states for practical Amtrak use:

• Avoid traffic – The Baltimore-DC corridor is quicker and less stressful than I-95 during rush hour, and it avoids TSA and airport hassles.
• Airport access – BWI Rail Station offers seamless connections between Amtrak and flights, making travel easy. Friends are often more willing to drop you off at a train station rather than an airport, and rideshares can be more affordable.
• City-to-city convenience – Arrive in the heart of Baltimore, DC, not in a suburban airport
• Connections west and south – Convenient access to Chicago, western routes, Florida, and various destinations in between.

Whether you’re commuting for work, visiting family, or starting a longer journey, Amtrak in Maryland offers reliable, comfortable service.

Amtrak in Maryland Wrap-Up

I have traveled on both Acela and regional trains through Maryland multiple times, as well as on the Floridian and, when it was operating, the Capitol Limited route through western Maryland. The views of the Potomac River can be spectacular, and the rural stretches remind you that there’s more to Maryland than just the Baltimore-DC corridor. Additionally, BWI’s rail connection is genuinely useful; it’s one of the few airports where train travel makes sense as part of your trip.

Safe Travels and Happy Planning,

Kev