Is it better to fly or drive?

Flying is much faster, but driving is a great road trip experience.

How long is the flight?

The flight time is approximately 2.5 hours.

Yes, Amtrak's Northeast Regional line runs through Baltimore.

What is the best way to get around?

The Light Rail system and walking are the best ways to explore the city.

Like any major city, it has safe and unsafe areas; stay aware of your surroundings.

Northfield

Baltimore

Flight Driving

Northfield to Baltimore

Updated: 28 May 2026

The distance from Northfield to Baltimore is approximately 1,150 miles. You can drive via I-90 East and I-70 East, which takes about 18 to 20 hours, or fly from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) to Baltimore/Washington International (BWI), which takes about 2.5 hours in the air. Flying is significantly faster, while driving allows for a scenic road trip through the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic. Baltimore is a historic port city with extensive public transit options.

Total Distance: 1,850 km driving distance; 1,650 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Flying from MSP to BWI is the fastest method, totaling about 5 hours including airport time.

Cheapest Way

Driving is generally cheaper if you are traveling with more than one person.

Compare Northfield to Baltimore Routes

	Flight Direct	Driving Direct
Duration	2 hours 30 mins	19 hours
Avg Price	$210-$400	$170-$210 in fuel
Operator	Southwest or Delta Airlines	Personal Vehicle
Route	MSP to BWI	I-90 East to I-70 East
Tip	Book at least three weeks in advance for the best fares.	Plan for at least one overnight stop; Pittsburgh is a good halfway point.

Travel Tips

Public Transit
Use the Light Rail and Metro system to navigate the city; it is efficient and covers most of the area.
Traffic
Avoid driving in downtown Baltimore during rush hour; it is very congested.
Parking
Parking in downtown Baltimore is very expensive; use public parking garages.
Airport Access
Take the MARC train or the Light Rail directly from BWI to downtown Baltimore.
Weather
Baltimore can be very hot and humid in the summer; dress in light, breathable clothing.

Safety Tips

City Awareness
Stay in well-lit, populated areas, especially at night.
Driving
Be prepared for heavy traffic and complex street layouts in the city.
Personal Belongings
Keep your bag in front of you in crowded tourist areas to prevent pickpocketing.
Emergency
Dial 911 for emergencies; Baltimore has a robust emergency response system.