Guide

A Student’s Guide to Public Transportation in Baltimore

Navigate from Hampton Court Apartments to anywhere in Baltimore City with ease using this guide which highlights the best public transportation options for students, including shuttles, buses, and light rail.

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Hampton Court Leasing

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Baltimore City's Light RailLink Cultural Center Stop near Hampton Court Apartments
Baltimore City's Light RailLink Cultural Center Stop near Hampton Court Apartments

Moving to Baltimore for college? Whether you’re attending MICA, the University of Baltimore, or Johns Hopkins Peabody Institute, getting around the city efficiently is key to making the most of student life.

Luckily, Baltimore offers several convenient and affordable public transportation options that make commuting to campus, exploring the city, and running errands easy.

Here’s a complete guide to navigating Baltimore’s public transit as a student.

Baltimore’s Public Transportation Options

1. Charm City Circulator (Free Shuttle Service)

One of the best ways for students to get around Baltimore is the Charm City Circulator—a free shuttle service that runs through key neighborhoods, including Mount Vernon, Inner Harbor, and Penn Station. With multiple routes and frequent stops, it’s a great option for getting to class, grabbing coffee, or heading to a local museum without spending a dime.

2. MTA Bus System

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) bus system operates more than 60 CityLink, LocalLink and Express BusLink bus routes throughout the city and beyond, making it a reliable option for students who need to travel further distances. Routes serve major university areas, shopping centers, and residential neighborhoods.

  • Best for: Commuting between school, work, and home
  • Cost: $2 per ride or $4.60 for a day pass
  • Student Discount: Students may qualify for reduced fares through MTA’s student pass program
  • Website & Schedule: MTA Trip Planner / MTA Bus Schedules / Route Maps
  • Access from Hampton Court Apartments: Our building is a block away from the intersection of Dolphin Street and N Eutaw Street. Residents can access the CityLink Yellow and CityLink Lime buses from this intersection. Residents can access additional bus stops with a 4-minute walk to the intersection of Eutaw Street & Preston Street or a 4-minute walk to the intersection of Dolphin Street and N Howard Street.

The Light RailLink is an above-ground train that runs from Hunt Valley to BWI Airport, stopping at key locations like Camden Yards, Penn Station, and Mount Royal (near MICA and UBalt). This is a great option for students who need a quick way to travel to sports events, the airport, or even day trips outside the city.

  • Best for: Traveling to Penn Station, BWI Airport, or sporting events
  • Cost: $2 per ride or $4.60 for a day pass
  • Website & Schedule: Light RailLink Website
  • Access from Hampton Court Apartments: The closest Light Rail stop to our building is the Cultural Center stop which is a short 4-minute walk East on Dolphin Street.

Baltimore’s Metro SubwayLink provides an underground rail option connecting Owings Mills to Johns Hopkins Hospital. While its reach is limited compared to metro systems in larger cities, it’s useful for students commuting to and from East Baltimore.

  • Best for: Quick travel to Johns Hopkins Hospital and surrounding areas
  • Cost: $2 per ride or $4.60 for a day pass
  • Website & Schedule: Metro SubwayLink Website
  • Access from Hampton Court Apartments: Residents can reach the State Center SubwayLink Station with a brief 4-minute walk south of Eutaw Street.

5. University Shuttle Services

Many colleges and universities in Baltimore offer their own free shuttle services to help students commute between campus buildings, housing, and key transit hubs.

  • MICA: The Maryland Institute College of Art offers two shuttle service options
    • MICA Circulator: Runs between campus buildings, local apartments, and several nearby shopping locations.
    • MICA Evening Safety Shuttle: offers free transportation to students who live within a limited range near MICA. Hampton Court Apartments is in within their service range. The three ways to request a MICA Evening Safety Shuttle are:
  • UBalt Shuttle: Connects UBalt students to Penn Station and nearby neighborhoods. The closets stop to Hampton Court Apartments is their State Center Metro stop.
  • Johns Hopkins University Shuttle Services: Provides transportation between Johns Hopkins campuses and surrounding areas
    • Route Maps
    • Use the TransLoc app for up-to-the-minute information on arrival times
    • Penn Station is the closest Stop to Hampton Court Apartments. It's accessible on the Homewood-Peabody-JHMI Shuttle Route which is a 15-minute walk from our building.

Check with your school’s transportation office for specific routes and schedules.

Tips for Using Public Transportation in Baltimore

✔ Download Transit Apps – Apps like TransLoc and CharmPass help track bus and train schedules in real-time.
✔ Carry a Student ID – Some transit systems offer student discounts, so always have your school ID on hand.
✔ Know Peak Hours – Public transit is busiest during rush hours (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM), so plan accordingly.
✔ Use Contactless Payment – The MTA allows mobile payments through CharmPass, making it easy to pay fares without cash.
✔ Stay Aware – Like any city, be mindful of your surroundings, especially when traveling late at night.

Final Thoughts

Navigating Baltimore as a student doesn’t have to be difficult. With free shuttle services, affordable public transportation, and bike-friendly streets, you’ll have plenty of options to get around. Whether you’re commuting to class, heading downtown, or catching a game at Camden Yards, knowing how to use Baltimore’s plethora of public transit options will make your student experience even better.

Looking for student housing near MICA, UBalt, or the Peabody Institute? Check out Hampton Court Apartments! We offers convenient, student-friendly apartments close to public transit and campus. Call 410-291-1212 or visit us online today for pricing and availability details.

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