ICMB

All estimated costs are for one-way travel. Pricing can fluctuate with seasonal demand, so check individual provider websites for the most up to date costs. Leave yourself plenty of time if traveling via bus or car, since traffic in the region is often severe.

Annapolis (30 mi/48 km)

Maryland's state capital, and the unofficial sailing capital of the U.S. East Coast. Nestled between the mouths of the Severn and South Rivers on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, picturesque Annapolis offers a respite from big city life. See the Visit Annapolis website for information on planning a visit to Annapolis.

Attractions include colonial history landmarks and museums, the U.S. Naval Academy, the historic City Dock, popular restaurants, and lots of opportunities to get out on the water.

Getting There

• MTA Commuter Bus Route 215 for morning departures, and Route 210 for afternoon departures ($6). 60 to 80 min.

• Light RailLink tram ($2) to Glen Burnie, then take MTA bus Route 70 ($2) [toward Annapolis][bus-70-cromwell]. 1 hr 45 min.

• MTA CityLink Silver bus ($2) [toward Curtis Bay][bus-silver-curtis], then transfer at Hanover & Patapsco to MTA bus Route 70 ($2) [toward Annapolis][bus-70-patapsco]. 1 hr 45 min.

• Ride app (Lyft or Uber, $50-$70) or taxi ($80-$90). 35 to 55 min.

• Car rental ($30-$100 daily, plus fuel and parking costs). 35 to 55 min.

Washington, D.C. (40 mi/65 km)

The nation's capital, but also a diverse and lively city in its own right, with both an international outlook and deep local roots. See the Destination DC website for information on planning a visit to Washington, D.C.

Attractions include numerous monuments and memorials, federal government buildings, the Smithsonian Institution's world-class free museums on the National Mall plus the National Zoo, a renowned restaurant scene, local music, and historic neighborhoods.

Getting There

• MARC Penn Line commuter train ($9), or Amtrak intercity train ($10-$60) from Baltimore's Penn Station to D.C.'s Union Station. 1 hr, or 30 min on Amtrak's Acela line.

• Peter Pan Bus Lines intercity bus ($19). 1 hr.

• Ride app ($70-$80) or taxi ($100). 50 to 90 min.

• Car rental ($30-$100 daily, plus fuel and parking costs). 50 to 90 min.

Philadelphia (100 mi/161 km)

Birthplace of the United States of America, today the City of Brotherly Love is a top cultural destination with a distinctive charm. See the Visit Philly website for information on planning a visit to Philadelphia.

Attractions include fascinating museums, vibrant parks, internationally recognized historic sites, and delicious food.

Getting There

• Amtrak intercity trains ($30-$100) offer frequent service from Baltimore's Penn Station to Philadelphia's 30th Street Station. 80 min, or 60 min on Amtrak's Acela line.

• Peter Pan Bus Lines runs express service ($14) from the Downtown Baltimore bus station to Philadelphia's main bus terminal. 2 hr.

• Car rental ($30-$100 daily, plus fuel and parking costs). 1 hr 40 min to 2 hr 20 min.

New York City (200 mi/322 km)

As one of the most famous cities in the world, New York City needs no introduction. See the NYC Go website for information on planning a visit to the five boroughs.

There are endless things to do in the city that never sleeps, from famous sights, to shopping, Broadway, world-renowned museums and galleries, dining, and nightlife.

Getting There

• Amtrak intercity trains ($30-$175) offer frequent service from Baltimore's Penn Station to New York's Penn Station. 3 hours, or 2 hr 15 min on Amtrak's Acela line.

• Peter Pan Bus Lines runs express service ($42) from the Downtown Baltimore bus station to New York's main bus terminal. Megabus express service can be a bit cheaper ($25-$35), but is also less convenient, leaving from an outer suburb of Baltimore and arriving to a surface-street stop in NYC. 3 hr 20 min.

• Car rental ($30-$100 daily, plus fuel and parking costs). 3 to 4 hours.

• Many flights are available from BWI, Dulles, and Reagan National airports to the three airports serving New York City (JFK, La Guardia, and Newark). Typical economy fares range from $150-$300, and a nonstop flight takes 65 to 90 min.