If you're taking a cruise out of Baltimore and staying in a hotel in the city or coming straight from BWI airport in Linthicum, you can take shuttle transportation to Port of Baltimore cruise terminal. It's likely to be less expensive than taking a cab, and there will probably be more room for your luggage in the vehicle. Since the port caters to ocean liners, there are sure to be dozens of other passengers departing at the same time you are.
About Shuttle Transportation to Port of Baltimore Cruise Terminal
Shuttle transportation is provided by Baltimore Tours, which specializes in shared rides. A shared ride is one in which a bus picks up dozens of passengers, sometimes at several different locations, during its ride to the port. While stops and starts make the trip longer than it would if you took a cab, it can also save you a considerable amount of money.
Baltimore Tours offers a shuttle to BWI from the port and back, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This allows it to meet both very early and very late arrivals. If you want a ride. you must reserve the shuttle at least 24 hours in advance of your arrival in order to receive guaranteed service. If you need a shuttle with wheelchair service, you must reserve a spot 72 hours ahead of time.
To save money it's a good idea to reserve the shuttle in advance for your trip back to the airport or hotel prior to setting sail. It's difficult and quite expensive to call while you are at sea, and by the time you get back it will be too late.
Cost
Shuttle transportation to Port of Baltimore cruise terminal costs $20.95 per person, as of May 2010. Children under three are free, but older children are charged the same rate as adults. This charge does not include gratuity. If you have a large party of four or more people you may be better off taking a taxi and splitting the cost. It depends on where you're coming from.
To book the shuttle, you can buy a ticket online. Simply click on the dates when you need a ride and you'll be able to get a paper pass you can print out. It's important to note that some days and times may not be available due to high demand, so you'll want to book as far in advance as you can. Baltimore Tour managers advise that you call them even if you reserve online so that you can confirm where and when you need to be picked up. The phone number is 888-848-3822.
Alternative Shuttles
Another way you may be able to get shuttle transportation to the Port of Baltimore cruise terminal is by contacting your cruise line. If there's enough interest, sometimes cruise lines will charter shuttle buses to pick up passengers. In fact, some lines have been known to send buses to places as far away as New York City. If the cruise line provides the bus, you shouldn't have to pay extra for it. Rather, it should be factored into the cost of your trip. However, it is still customary to tip the driver.
