Station Guide

Baltimore Penn Station

Baltimore Penn Station is a Beaux-Arts landmark serving as the city's primary intercity rail station. Opened in 1911 and designed by Kenneth M. Murchison, it handles Amtrak, MARC Train, and light rail connections.

Baltimore Penn Station exterior view
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)

Current Logistics

  • ▶Located at 1500 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
  • ▶Station open 4:00 AM – midnight daily
  • ▶Amtrak ticket counter and self-service kiosks available
  • ▶Free Wi-Fi in the main waiting area
  • ▶Limited food options inside — better restaurants within 2 blocks
  • ▶Restrooms on the main concourse level

Transit Links

Amtrak

  • Acela
  • Northeast Regional
  • Palmetto
  • Carolinian

MARC Train

  • Penn Line (Baltimore–Washington)

Light RailLink

  • Penn Station stop (north-south line)

Charm City Circulator

  • Purple Route (free bus)

Station History

Designed by Kenneth M. Murchison in the Beaux-Arts style, Baltimore Penn Station opened on September 15, 1911, as a joint project of the Pennsylvania Railroad and the Northern Central Railway. The station features a grand skylit waiting room with pink Tennessee marble, ornamental plasterwork, and classical detailing. A major renovation in the 2010s restored the station's original grandeur while adding modern amenities.

Accessibility

  • ▶Elevators from the main entrance to platform level
  • ▶Accessible entrance on Charles Street with automatic doors
  • ▶Level boarding on Amtrak trains with bridge plates available from conductors
  • ▶MARC Train cars have designated wheelchair spaces — board at the accessible car (usually car 1 or 2)
  • ▶Accessible restrooms in the renovated main waiting area
  • ▶Light RailLink platforms are fully accessible with low-floor boarding
  • ▶MTA Mobility paratransit: call 410-764-8181 for eligibility and scheduling

Insider Tips

  • ★The Station North Arts District is directly adjacent — great for dining and nightlife
  • ★MARC Penn Line is the fastest way to Washington, D.C. (~1 hour, much cheaper than Amtrak)
  • ★The Light Rail connects to BWI Airport with a free shuttle from the Linthicum stop
  • ★Charles Street northbound has excellent walkable restaurants within 5 minutes