Baltimore is a historic port city with a vibrant waterfront, world-class museums, and excellent seafood. Whether you have a short connection or a longer layover at MTN, you can experience some of the city’s best attractions or enjoy a relaxing break at the airport.
Before You Leave the Airport
Essential Information
- Language: English is spoken throughout Baltimore
- Currency: US Dollar (USD). Use ATMs for the best exchange rates – avoid airport currency counters
- Time Zone: Eastern Time (ET)
- WiFi: Download offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me) before landing. Airport WiFi can be unreliable
Getting to Baltimore from MTN
MTN airport is located approximately 10 miles south of downtown Baltimore. Several transit options are available:
| Transit Option | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi/Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) | 20-30 minutes | $25-40 |
| Public Transit (Light Rail) | 30-40 minutes | $1.75-3.50 |
| Rental Car | Varies | $40-80+/day |
For the most current transit information, visit the BWI Airport website.
What to Do During Your MTN Layover
Short Layover (2-4 Hours)
If you have limited time, stay near the airport or enjoy airport amenities:
- Rest at the airport: Find a quiet seating area or check if airport lounges are available. SleepingInAirports.net has reviews of the best spots to rest
- Grab food: Airport dining options are available, though prices are 2-3x higher than the city. Pack snacks in your carry-on if possible
- Stay connected: Use airport WiFi or download offline entertainment before your layover
- Refresh: Use restroom facilities and stretch your legs in the terminal
Medium Layover (4-8 Hours)
With 4-8 hours, you can explore Baltimore’s highlights:
- Inner Harbor: Baltimore’s iconic waterfront district features shops, restaurants, and scenic views. The National Aquarium and USS Constellation are popular attractions
- Fells Point: Historic neighborhood with cobblestone streets, waterfront bars, and casual dining. Great for a quick walk and meal
- Federal Hill: Offers panoramic views of the harbor and downtown skyline. Perfect for photos and a short visit
- Eat local: Try Baltimore’s famous crab cakes at a local restaurant rather than the airport – better quality and value
Time Budget for City Exploration:
- Transit to city: 30 minutes
- Explore: 2-3 hours
- Transit back to airport: 30 minutes
- Check-in buffer: 1-2 hours before departure
Long Layover (8+ Hours)
With a full day or overnight layover, you can experience more of Baltimore:
- Walters Art Museum: World-class art collection with free admission
- National Museum of the American Indian: Located at the Inner Harbor
- Edgar Allan Poe House: Historic home of the famous author
- Luggage storage: Use Bounce, Stasher, or LuggageHero for luggage storage near the airport ($5-10/bag/day) – much cheaper than airport lockers
- Overnight rest: Book a hotel near the airport or downtown for a few hours of sleep
Quick Layover Tips
- Pack a layover bag: Keep snacks, entertainment, a change of clothes, and basic toiletries in your carry-on for easy access
- Bring an empty water bottle: Fill it after security to stay hydrated and save money
- Use a Wise or Revolut card: Get the best exchange rates with zero markup instead of using airport currency counters
- Download offline maps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me offline to navigate without relying on airport WiFi