Baltimore day trip & concert

Question

I have a visit to Wash DC planned for November. Yesterday band Marion 5 announced Autumn tour dates including a shoe in Baltimore in the middle of my stay on the night of Sunday, November 16.

I realize for most DC residents this would probably be an easy drive. But looking at Google maps, I am concerned about getting back to DC late at night via transit services.

I found some inexpensive hotels with good reviews close to the arena. I'm thinking maybe it might be better to just stay the night, & return in the morning?

I hadn't considered visiting Bsltimore, but perhaps now I will make it a day trip. Leave my big luggage at my DC hotel & just bring a backpack with essentials.

Am I overthinking this? Is the train back to DC on a Sunday night no big deal?

Answer

You’re definitely thinking this through wisely. A Sunday night concert in Baltimore is manageable, but there are some practical considerations for traveling back to DC late at night.

Transit Options:

Amtrak: Offers service between Baltimore Penn Station and DC Union Station roughly every 30–60 minutes during the day, but late-night options on a Sunday may be limited. The last trains typically run around 10:30–11:30 pm, but schedules can vary, so checking the exact timetable in advance is essential.
MARC Train: Slower and fewer trains on Sunday evenings. Last trains usually depart Baltimore around 9–10 pm. If your concert ends later than that, you may miss the last MARC train.
Bus services (Greyhound, BoltBus, Megabus): Buses can run later than trains but may also be less frequent on a Sunday night and depend on the exact departure location.
Rideshare / Taxi: Available 24/7, but can be expensive (~$120–$150 one way) and surge pricing may apply if multiple events occur simultaneously.

Practical Considerations:

If the concert ends late, your options for public transit back to DC may be very limited.
Driving yourself and returning by car is possible, but parking in DC late at night can be a hassle and expensive.
Staying overnight in Baltimore near the arena provides peace of mind and allows you to enjoy the concert without rushing. You can return to DC the next morning by train or bus when service is frequent and convenient.

Day Trip Option:

You could still make it a daytime trip to Baltimore for sightseeing, leaving your large luggage at your DC hotel and taking a backpack with essentials.
Return to DC in the late afternoon or early evening if you choose not to stay overnight, but this may limit how long you can enjoy the concert if you rely on public transit for the return.

Recommendation: Given that it’s a Sunday night concert and public transit options back to DC are limited late, booking a nearby hotel in Baltimore for the night is the safest and least stressful option. You can enjoy the concert, rest, and then return to DC the next morning without worrying about missing trains or late-night transportation.

In short, you’re not overthinking it—staying overnight is a practical choice, especially for a solo traveler or if you want a stress-free experience.

Baltimore day trip & concert

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