Baltimore flights and travel guide

Set in the border state of Maryland, Baltimore effortlessly combines the work ethic of the north with southern charm.

Maryland was founded by Lord Baltimore, a catholic, and was one of the first American colonies to embrace the freedom of religion. Baltimore the city had a major part to play in the American Revolution and briefly became the home of congress. When the Civil War broke out, Maryland stayed in the union, but the decision was far from unanimous and many civilians were arrested as sympathizers with the South.

The biggest attraction, for travellers taking cheap flights to Baltimore, is the city’s redeveloped waterfront. Among its must-see items is the USS Constellation, the US Navy’s last all-sail warship. Nearby you will find Federal Hill Park, which offers one of the best views of the city, as well as the American Visionary Art Museum which specializes in the work of self-taught artists.

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Baltimore climate

Summers in Baltimore tend toward the hot and humid with temperatures reaching into the 30s (Celsius) meaning that spring and fall are better bets. These transitional seasons feature temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius. Winters are rarely very cold with only occasional snow and temperatures rarely dropping below freezing.Summers in Baltimore tend toward the hot and humid with temperatures reaching into the 30s (Celsius) meaning that spring and fall are better bets. These transitional seasons feature temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius. Winters are rarely very cold with only occasional snow and temperatures rarely dropping below freezing.

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When to fly to Baltimore

Peak Season:

Both the spring and summer make for peak periods to visit Baltimore. Mid to late May are particularly crowded as horseracing fans flock to the city for the Preakness, the second race in the Triple Crown. The summer is marked by several waterfront and neighbourhood celebrations and festivals.

Off Season:

The fall is many ways the perfect time to visit the city. Cheap flights to Baltimore are considerably easier to find and the weather is usually still pleasant.

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Getting downtown Baltimore

The airport is about 10km south of downtown Baltimore. Baltimore/Washington International allows access to limousines as well as shuttles, buses, light rail, and taxis.

The Airport Shuttle and Smart Ride both provide door-to-door service to the Baltimore area while Baltimore’s Mass Transit Administration (MTA) bus and light rail services provide links to downtown.

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Getting around Baltimore

If you’re sticking to the harbour during your Baltimore trip, you’ll be able to get around by walking or water taxi. To get north from Inner Harbour, it’s recommended that you take a taxi. Downtown has limited bus and rail service, but the service in the suburbs is excellent. If you want to rent a car, all the major rental companies are located at the airport, with one shuttle servicing them all. Driving around town is pretty easy, since Baltimore is laid out on a grid with alternating one-way streets. Traffic is usually heavy, even when it’s not rush hour, and parking is expensive and limited. Make sure you watch out for tow zones during rush hour and red-light cameras at intersections.

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Baltimore insider information

• It is hardly a claim to fame but worth noting just the same. Baltimore claims to have been the first among the thirteen colonies to see the use of an umbrella in 1772 and also the first balloon ascension in the US in 1784.
• Baltimore would not be a port city without offering its fair share of water outings including tall ship cruises and narrated harbor tours. However, your best bet may be to jump on board a water taxi, that offers a cheap cruise en route to many of the local attractions.
• The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum is set on a 16-hectare plot in the city.
• The Baltimore Museum of Art features collections from the US, Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania and also boasts a sculpture garden with works by artists as varied as Rodin and Calder, providing an inspirational oasis in the middle of the city’s downtown core for travellers who have arrived on cheap flights to Baltimore and feel like a breather.
• Those looking for more cultural diversions should seek out the Walters Art Museum which, as the name suggests, houses the Walters family collection. It was started in Paris by William Walters who moved there during the Civil War. Its collection is varied and includes pieces from pre-dynastic Egypt as well as 20th-century Europe. Finally, the Baltimore Museum of Industry focuses on the growth of industry and technology.
• Check out Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts for the latest details of current exhibits and performances as well as film, theatre, club and restaurant listings for the area.
• Thrill seekers will be, well, thrilled with Six Flags America. Located about 40 minutes south of Baltimore near Washington, DC, the park features all the traditional amusement park features including rides and slides.

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Baltimore airports

The main airport in Baltimore is:

Baltimore/Washington International (BWI)

Alternative airports include:

Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) (about 50km away);

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) (website: www.mwaa.com) (about 65km away)

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