Baltimore Travel Answers

NYC - The most "convenient" way is by Limo or Taxi. Both (at least Taxi) are fixed fee for the trip (about50 or so - it's been a couple years so prices have probably gone up). The Bus lines are "ok" but although much less expensive, take much longer and you go on their schedule, not yours. Subway is also an option. It's the least expensive, but takes the longest. DC - I'd stay in Crystal City, outside of "downtown" DC. The Marriott is right on the Subway line and the trains run at relatively convenient intervals. Another option for "in the city" would be the Marriott on H Street. It's close to Metro Center subway line and is also convenient. There are lots of restaurants within walking distance of both locations.

Hi Al, Thanks for your speedy reply. Is flying from JFK to BWI a better option of getting into Baltimore than land transport? However, it seems there are very few direct flights, most flights that transit elsewhere take hours. How frequent are Amtrak train services to Baltimore from NYC? Any changes in schedule around Christmas? Any suggestions of hotels in Baltimore and NYC? Regards!

"We also plan to travel and spend a few nights at DC, Philly and NYC, any advice on hotels and places of interest? Are there any places around these areas which are worth a visit?" Well, NYC is the business capital of the world, Philadelphia was the home of American independence, and Washington DC is the capital of the world's only superpower (I hope that continues), so, yes, I guess there are a few places here which are worth a visit... Both NYC and Washington DC has excellent Metro/public transit systems - hmmmn, the one in DC may be the best in the US. So you can stay in a large number of places, and if you're close to a Metro stop ("subway"), you can get most anywhere. In the DC area, Al is suggesting that you stay in Crystal City (if I remember his note right). This area has the advantage of being in Virginia, where the hotel costs are generally somewhat cheaper than in DC itself. Crystal City is a modern area ("crystal city" is for all the glass-box buildings there) with plenty of shopping and easy access to DC; if you stay a little farther south in Alexandria, you can stay in a historic area (Old Town Alexandria, with history back to the colonial days), although the King Street Metro station is about 1/2 mile west of Old Town. Because the area around the King Street Station has improved a lot over the last 20 years, you can stay either in Old Town or out near the Metro stop without any problem (except an occasional walk to the other part of Alexandria). As for Philly, the most interesting part to part casual tourists is the area near Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Note that the Convention Center is about 7 blocks west of the park area for the Liberty Bell, and there are a zillion hotels around it. The part of Philly from Independence Hall to the Convention Center/Reading Market to City Hall to Rittenhouse Square is all walkable, livable, and reasonably safe. Actually, there's a lot more to the city than this, but for people with one day in Philly, this is mostly what you will have time for. Note: if you are traveling by train (Amtrak) from Baltimore to NYC, the station in Philly is the 30th Street Station. If you get off at this station and take the Septa train (upstairs) to Reading Market, you won't even have to buy a new ticket as the Amtrak ticket gives you free access to this segment of the Septa train. Once at Reading Market, you are across the street from the Convention Center with all the hotels nearby. Bill