A Maryland Transit Administration bus in downtown Baltimore (MDOT MTA).
The 150th running of the Preakness Stakes is on May 17, 2025. The second jewel of horse racing’s Triple Crown will bring tens of thousands of people to Baltimore. If you plan ahead, you’ll reduce stress as you travel to and from Pimlico for the race.
Air Travel: BWI Is the Closest Airport
BWI Marshall Airport (MDOT)
For people flying to Baltimore for Preakness, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport is the closest airport. Check out:
BWI Marshall Flight Information here.
and everything you need to know about Ground Transportation.
Transit: MTA Can Take You to the Race
The Maryland Transit Administration offers multiple public transit options to get to the race. (David Trozzo/MDOT)
The Maryland Department of Transportation strongly recommends using public transit to get to Pimlico on race day and for other events. Take the Maryland Transit Administration’s Local Bus, Light Rail, Metro Subway or MARC Train to this year’s festivities. Here’s what you need to know about the MTA services:
- Fare: Paper passes can be purchased at ticket vending machines or on a bus with exact change. A one-way fare costs $2. A Day Pass costs $4.60. Passes are available using the CharmPass mobile transit fare app.
- Transit App: Keep track of buses and rail in real time using the Transit App. You can also purchase tickets through the app.
- Local Bus: Six bus lines stop near Pimlico – 30, 31, 34, 85, 91, and 94.
- Metro SubwayLink: The closest Metro Subway station is Rogers Avenue. MTA runs a shuttle between the Rogers Avenue stop and Pimlico on race day. Shuttle bus service will operate between 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 pm and return service ends two hours after the end of the race. A $4.60 Day Pass is required.
- Light RailLink: The closest stop is at Cold Spring Lane. MTA runs a shuttle between the Cold Spring Lane stop and Pimlico on race day. Shuttle bus service will operate between 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 pm and return service ends two hours after the end of the last race. A $4.60 Day Pass is required.
- MARC: Take MARC Penn Line to Baltimore Penn Station. Use the Penn/Camden Light RailLink shuttle bus to the Mt. Royal/MICA Light RailLink stop. Take a northbound train to Cold Spring Lane. Connecting shuttle bus service from Cold Spring Lane to Pimlico runs between 7:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and return shuttle service to Cold Spring Lane ends two hours after the end of the last race.
Driving? Plan Your Route and Expect Traffic
Plan the route ahead if driving to Pimlico on race day. (David Trozzo/MDOT)
Expect heavy traffic near Pimlico on race day. There will be road closures.
From Washington, D.C. and Virginia: I-95 North to 695 West. Take Exit 18 Lochearn (Liberty Road). Go down 7 traffic lights and make a left turn on Northern Parkway, make a right on Park Heights Ave. Follow signs for parking.
From New York/Philadelphia/New Jersey/Delaware/Northern/Baltimore County: I-95 South to 695 West, take 695 West to I-83 South, take I-83 South to Northern Parkway West and follow signs for parking.
From the Inner Harbor: I-83 North to Northern Parkway West and follow signs for parking.
From Frederick: I-70 East to 695 West, then Take exit 18 Lochearn (Liberty Road), Go down 7 traffic lights and make a left turn on Northern Parkway, make a right on Park Heights Ave. Follow signs for parking.
From Harrisburg, PA: I-83 South to 695 West (stay on this for a short while before getting back on I-83 South). Take Northern Parkway West and follow signs for parking.
