Getting around without a car

Question

Are there any options for visitors (like me) getting to the popular tourist sites around town that have no car?

Answer

Baltimore is quite visitor-friendly for those without a car, especially if your focus is on popular tourist areas like the Inner Harbor, Fells Point, and Federal Hill. While having a car can be convenient for reaching outlying attractions, there are several practical ways to get around using public and private transportation.

Charm City Circulator: This is a free bus service that runs several routes around downtown Baltimore and nearby neighborhoods. Routes cover the Inner Harbor, Fells Point, Camden Yards, and other key attractions. It’s easy to use and ideal for short trips between major points of interest.
MTA Light Rail: The light rail connects downtown Baltimore to BWI Airport, Camden Yards, and several neighborhoods along the route. It’s useful if you want to visit areas like Canton or Mount Vernon without a car.
Metro Subway: Runs from Johns Hopkins Hospital in the north through downtown and connects to the Light Rail at the University of Maryland station. Convenient if you are near the north side of the city.
Water Taxi: The Baltimore Water Taxi is a scenic way to travel between waterfront destinations such as the Inner Harbor, Fells Point, and Fort McHenry. It’s both practical and a fun sightseeing experience.

In addition to public transportation, there are private options and convenient short-distance alternatives:

Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): Reliable and easy for destinations not directly served by public transport. Great for evenings or trips to neighborhoods slightly outside downtown.
Bike Rentals / Scooters: Baltimore has some dockless bike and e-scooter programs that allow short rides around downtown and Inner Harbor areas. Check availability and local regulations.
Walking: Many of Baltimore’s main attractions—Inner Harbor, National Aquarium, historic ships, and waterfront restaurants—are walkable from each other, making it easy to explore without any vehicle.

Overall, a combination of the free Charm City Circulator, occasional water taxi rides, and rideshares will allow you to see most of the popular sights in Baltimore without a car. Staying in a central location near the Inner Harbor or Fells Point is highly recommended to minimize transit time.