Transportation from Penn Station to Oriole Park

We’ll be attending a Saturday game in May, so MARC won’t be available. I saw that there is a taxi stand outside of Penn Station. However, if we decide to take the light rail, this is what I found while researching: walk to Mt. Royal/MICA, take southbound to Convention Center Stop (or Camden Yards if operating), walk about 5 min to Oriole Park. Reverse for going back. So 1) is it better to take a taxi or is traffic and availability a concern on game day 2) is the light rail route I listed accurate 3) why wouldn’t the Camden stop be operating and should I just plan for the Convention Center Stop 4) if we want to visit Inner Harbor before the game, we’d get off at Convention Center stop, correct 5) is it an easy walk from Inner Harbor to Oriole Park (Google says 1 mile, which is fine). Thanks!

It sounds like you’ve already done some good research for getting from Penn Station to Oriole Park, and I’d be happy to help clarify your questions. Let’s break down your concerns one by one:

1. Taxi vs. Light Rail on Game Day: Taking a taxi is certainly an option, but it’s important to consider traffic, especially on game days when the area around Oriole Park can get quite congested. A taxi might take longer due to traffic or difficulty finding a parking spot near the stadium. During a busy Saturday game, availability of taxis could also be an issue as other fans will be trying to get to the park too.

  • Taxi: Convenient but may experience delays and potential surge pricing on game days. Availability of taxis may be slightly limited after the game.
  • Light Rail: It’s generally a reliable and affordable option, and you won’t need to worry about traffic or parking. However, it might take a little longer depending on waiting times.
If you want to avoid any delays and the hassle of finding a cab, taking the light rail could be the best choice for convenience and cost-efficiency.

2. Light Rail Route Accuracy: Your light rail route seems mostly accurate. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

  • Walk to Mt. Royal/MICA Station: This is correct. From Penn Station, you’ll walk to the Mt. Royal/MICA light rail stop, which is a short walk (about 3-4 minutes).
  • Take the southbound Light Rail: You’ll want to take the southbound light rail heading toward the Camden Yards station or the Convention Center stop. Either one is convenient for Oriole Park. The Convention Center stop is generally closer to the stadium, but Camden Yards might be a more direct drop-off depending on operational schedules.
  • Walk to Oriole Park: From either the Convention Center or Camden Yards stop, you’ll walk about 5 minutes to Oriole Park. The walk is easy and well-signposted, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding your way.

3. Why Camden Yards Stop Might Not Be Operating: The Camden Yards stop could be under maintenance or might not be operational during certain hours. This can happen on game days when extra service is needed elsewhere. In this case, planning for the Convention Center stop is a safer option, as it's a more frequent stop for the light rail system. You can always check the schedule or service notices ahead of time just to confirm if Camden Yards will be open for your visit.

4. Visiting the Inner Harbor: If you want to visit the Inner Harbor before the game, getting off at the Convention Center stop is correct. From there, it’s just a short walk (around 10 minutes) to the harbor. You can explore the waterfront, check out the National Aquarium, or enjoy one of the many restaurants or attractions in the area. The walk is easy, and the Inner Harbor is very tourist-friendly.

5. Walking from Inner Harbor to Oriole Park: The walk from the Inner Harbor to Oriole Park is around 1 mile, as you mentioned. It’s an easy and scenic walk, and it shouldn’t take more than 15-20 minutes. You’ll be walking through the downtown area, which is safe and bustling with energy, especially on game days. So, it's a pleasant walk with plenty of sights along the way.

In summary, here’s the recommended plan:

  • Take the light rail from Mt. Royal/MICA to the Convention Center stop.
  • If you want to visit the Inner Harbor, get off at the Convention Center stop and enjoy the area before heading to the stadium.
  • From Convention Center, walk to Oriole Park (5-minute walk).
  • If the Camden Yards stop isn’t operational, plan for the Convention Center stop for your return as well.

By using the light rail, you’ll avoid the stress of traffic and parking and get to the game with plenty of time to spare. Enjoy your trip to Baltimore and the Orioles game!


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