We love Baltimore but sometimes it’s good to get outside of the city and explore our surroundings, and beyond. The following five spots are reachable by train from Baltimore’s Penn Station, all clocking in under 3.5 hours of travel time. If it’s a weekend day trip away you seek, then read on. These are some of the best day trips from Baltimore by train that you can take.

1. Ocean City, Maryland
Ocean City, MD, USA
Flickr / m01229
Maryland's favorite vacation destination is also close enough for a day trip. Leave early in the morning and the 3.5 hours of travel time will be over before you know it. Pack your day full of the beach and seafood and then check out some of the best spots on the Ocean City Boardwalk before heading back that evening.

2. Washington DC
Washington, DC, USA
Flickr / PeterPanFan
The nation's capital is a mere 50-minute train ride away. History awaits at the museums, monuments, and landmarks. There are so many jaw-dropping places to see in Washington DC and they all provide an educational, yet beautiful way to spend a Saturday. It's one of the best day trips near Baltimore.

3. Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, USA
Flick / smilla4
If you've never visited Harpers Ferry then do yourself a favor and go! This historic town is speckled with charming old homes and the water views along the Potomac River are extraordinary. We highly recommend this spot in the fall to witness the colorful foliage. A trip to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia is one of the most unique things to do near Baltimore.
4. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA, USA
Pgiam/E+ via Getty Images
It's amazing how close the City of Brotherly Love is to Baltimore. In fact, a train ride here from Baltimore is a little over an hour. This city is steeped in history and the architecture alone is worth the trip. It's one of the most memorable day trips near Baltimore you can take.

5. New York, New York
New York, NY, USA
Flickr / kaysha
America's favorite city can be reached in only 2.5 hours by train! The best part is that by taking the train, you won't have to deal with the insane NYC traffic. Whether you head here for a Broadway show or simply to shop around, you can easily make this a day trip. It's one of the most exciting getaway spots near Baltimore!

Would you like to take one of the best train trips from Baltimore? What’s your favorite day trip spot to escape the city? Tell us about it in the comments. You can find more trips and book your travel on the Amtrak website.

If you’d rather drive to some memorable spots around the city and beyond, check out this epic road trip to some of the best landmarks in Maryland.

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Best Day Trips Near Baltimore

Melissa M. | June 30, 2022

What are some of the best day trips you can take from Baltimore?

Maryland is a small enough state where you have plenty of day trip options coming from Baltimore, such as:

  • Visiting the C&O Canal for a bike ride if you are looking for something different.
  • If you enjoy history, check out the Antietam Battlefield in Sharpsburg where you can learn more about the bloodiest single-day battle in this country’s history.
  • If you would rather take a day trip within the city, there’s no better, or quirkier, place than the Visionary Art Museum. The building is just as unique as the art you’ll find inside. 

 

Are there any scenic train rides you can take near Baltimore?

 

Yes, there are scenic train rides you can take near the city. In Cumberland, take the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad through gorgeous mountains and valleys. Amtrak is always an easy way to get from Point A to Point B, but hop aboard a train and look at all the gorgeous scenery from the window. You can learn more in our article, Maryland day trips you can take by train.

Are there any train museums in and around Baltimore?

One of the best train museums in the state is the B & O Railroad Museum. Located in Baltimore, you can step into the past and learn more about railroad history and enjoy a short ride aboard a historic train.

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