Travelling To BronyCon

So, you’ve got your hotel all set, you’ve bought your badge, and now you’re planning out your trip. We’ve provided you some helpful information below, which will get you there in a few different ways. So whether you’re coming by land or air, you can find some tips below to make your trip that much easier and stress free.

If you’re debating how you’re planning on getting there, keep in mind that BronyCon is proud to announce a convention discount with Amtrak for 10% off the best available fare. If you’re interested in riding down and letting someone else do all the hard work at the helm of a speeding Amtrak train, click the “By Train” link below!

NOTE: BronyCon always recommends that you do some preliminary research yourself, in addition to utilizing these tips, whether you are coming by car, train, or by air. BronyCon also recommends that if at any time during your stay in Baltimore, you plan on using public transportation, that you have cash on hand for any fares on the MARC Transportation System. Be sure to check all train and public transportation schedules if you are relying on these methods to make a flight, or a train home prior to coming to BronyCon 2013. Figure out your travel schedule early, and check it often. We want everyone to be able to make it safely to, and from BronyCon this year.

By Car

The Baltimore Convention Center is a central location, easy to get to from I-95 from all directions. As you're approaching Baltimore from I-95, take exit 53, and then merge onto I-395 North. Drive approximately 1 mile on I-395, at which time it will become a surface road, continue to follow this. Continue down this street, and take a right onto West Pratt Street, the Baltimore Convention Center will be on your right.

If you’re heading to the Baltimore Hilton instead, take a right onto West Camden Street, which will take you past Oriole Park. Then take a right onto South Paca Street, which is the second turn. Then, take another right onto West Pratt Street, it will be your next intersection. The Baltimore Hilton is on your right.

If your destination is one of our other hotels, be sure to consult Google maps.  We will provide links with directions to each as they become available with the BronyCon discounted rates over on our Hotel Page.

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By Train

First and foremost, BronyCon is pleased to announce a convention rate with Amtrak, which will give anyone coming to, or from BronyCon 2013 10% off the lowest available rail fare. This is great for all of you coming from another major city, as Amtrak has stations in most major cities all across the continental United States. These fares are available on any trains taken to or from Baltimore, MD from July 30th – August 7th.

These fares cannot be booked via Amtrak.com. You must call in to be eligible for this convention rate.

In order to redeem this rate, call the booking line at 1-800-872-7245. Be sure to give them the following code: X69M-962. This offer is valid with all trains except for the Auto Train and Acela Service. However, it is valid with Sleeper Cars, Business Class, or First Class Seats, so you can travel in style, just like Rarity would want.

Now, once you’ve arrived in Baltimore, there are two different stations; the Baltimore Penn Station, and the BWI Marshall Amtak/MARC Station. Directions from both can be found below.

Baltimore Penn Station – Recommended Arrival

Those looking for the fastest route to the convention center can hop onto the Light Rail towards Camden Yards at Penn Station, where you’ve just arrived. Ride the light rail for approximately 15 minutes (for six stops). This will bring you to the Pratt Street Light Rail station. Hop off here, and take a quick 500 foot walk over to the convention! A full map of the Light Rail stations is located here. A one-way ticket will cost you $1.60, and an unlimited day pass will cost $3.50. The Light Rail operates from 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM on weekdays, from 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM on Saturdays, and from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm on Sundays.

An alternative is to travel by the free Charm City Circulator bus. You’ll want to take the Purple Route bus from Stop 311 at Baltimore Penn Station to Stop 319 at the Inner Harbor. This will place you just down the road from the Convention Center on the corner of Light Street and Pratt Street. A full map of the Circulator Bus routes can be found here. Busses run from 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM on Monday through Thursday, 6:30 AM - 12:00 AM on Friday, 9:00 AM - 12:00 AM on Saturday, and 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM on Sunday.

BWI Marshall Amtrak/MARC Station

If you’re arriving by train at the BWI Amtrak/MARC rail station, you can follow the same directions as those traveling by plane. Take the free shuttle bus from the Amtrak station to the BWI terminal and see the section below for more information about your various options to reach the Baltimore Convention Center. Shuttle buses between the BWI Marshall building and the rail station operate every 12 minutes from 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM daily and every 25 minutes between 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM daily.

By Air

So, you’re flying into BronyCon. That’s awesome! Getting from the BWI Airport to the Baltimore Convention Center is quite easy, and there are plenty of travel options to meet your needs.

The most direct method of getting to the Convention Center is once again the MTA Light Rail service. Board the Light Rail at Terminal E of the airport and ride for eleven stops to arrive at the Pratt Street Light Rail station. Hop off here, and take a quick 500 foot walk over to the convention! A full map of the Light Rail stations is located here. A one-way ticket will cost you $1.60, and an unlimited day pass will cost $3.50. The Light Rail operates from 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM on weekdays, from 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM on Saturdays, and from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm on Sundays.

Another option is reserve a space on a Super Shuttle van. This option is more expensive than the Light Rail, but cheaper than a taxi and great for those with more luggage or those with flights arriving during hours when other transit services are not operating. A direct one-way trip from the BWI to the Baltimore Convention Center will cost approximately $22.

The BWI provides additional information about alternative travel options and private car rentals over on their website.

MARC Train Service

Are you traveling to BronyCon from the DC or greater Maryland area? The MARC train provides rapid and direct transit to the Baltimore Convention Center from all over the state and surrounding areas, for a very affordable price. If you’re coming from DC, you’ll want to board the MARC at Union Station, and take the Camden Line all the way to Camden Station, which will put you right in front of the Convention Center! In addition, the MARC train connects the BWI Airport and Baltimore Penn Station via the Penn Line. A full map of the MARC service lines can be found here. Fares for the Camden and Brunswick lines are provided here, and fares for the Penn line are located here.