Melrose Park
Melrose Park
Baltimore
Baltimore
Train Flight

Melrose Park to Baltimore

Updated: 30 May 2026

Traveling from Melrose Park to Baltimore involves crossing the Appalachian Mountains. You can take the Amtrak Capitol Limited from Chicago Union Station to Baltimore Penn Station. Driving via I-80 and I-70 covers roughly 1,100 kilometers and takes about 12 hours. Flights are available from O'Hare or Midway to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. This route connects the industrial Midwest with the historic Mid-Atlantic coast.

Total Distance: 1,100 km driving, 950 km air.
Fastest Way
Flight from Midway or O'Hare, taking 2 hours in the air.
Cheapest Way
Southwest Airlines from Midway, often under $130 if booked in advance.
Compare Melrose Park to Baltimore Routes
Train
Direct
Flight
Direct
Duration 15 hours 2 hours
Avg Price $100 - $200 $130 - $350
Operator Amtrak Capitol Limited Southwest Airlines
Route Chicago Union Station to Baltimore Penn Station via I-80/I-70 corridor. MDW to BWI.
Tip The Capitol Limited offers a scenic view of the Potomac River. BWI airport has a dedicated MARC train station for easy city access.
Travel Tips
  • Train Arrival
    Baltimore Penn Station is centrally located for easy transit.
  • Airport Transit
    Take the Light Rail from BWI to downtown Baltimore for a cheap commute.
  • Local Transport
    Use the Charm City Circulator, which is a free bus service in the city.
  • Dining
    Try the local blue crab cakes at any authentic seafood house.
  • Weather
    Winters can be cold and windy, so pack a heavy coat.
Safety Tips
  • Stay Alert
    Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas late at night.
  • Public Transit
    Stick to well-traveled routes when using the bus or light rail.
  • Parking
    Use secure parking garages rather than street parking in downtown.
  • Neighborhoods
    Research your destination neighborhood before walking there at night.
People Also Ask
  • Is the train ride comfortable?
    Yes, the Capitol Limited features reclining seats and a cafe car.
  • How far is BWI from downtown?
    BWI is about 15 kilometers from the city center.
  • Are there direct trains?
    Yes, the Capitol Limited runs daily from Chicago.
  • Is Baltimore walkable?
    The Inner Harbor and Fells Point are very walkable.
  • What is the best way to travel?
    Flying is fastest, while the train is more scenic.
Quick Info
  • From Melrose Park, Illinois, United States
  • To Baltimore, Maryland, United States
  • Modes
Best Time to Travel

September to October for pleasant temperatures and fall foliage.

Things to Do in Baltimore
1
Inner Harbor
Visit the National Aquarium and enjoy the waterfront views. It is the primary tourist hub of the city.
2
Fort McHenry
Tour the historic site where the Star-Spangled Banner was written. It offers great views of the harbor.
3
Fells Point
Walk through this historic maritime neighborhood filled with pubs and shops. It features cobblestone streets.
4
Baltimore Museum of Art
View the world's largest collection of works by Henri Matisse. Admission is free to the public.
Tags
Melrose Park to Baltimore travel Amtrak Capitol Limited route Chicago to Baltimore flight travel from Illinois to Maryland best way to reach Baltimore from Chicago Amtrak train fare Chicago to Baltimore driving from Melrose Park to Baltimore I-80 and I-70 route to Baltimore