How Do I Commute from Laurel, MD to Washington, D.C. or Baltimore? MARC Camden Line vs. Driving I-95, BW Parkway & US-1

By Reggie Butler, Broker/Owner, CENTURY 21 Envision · Updated October 18, 2026

Laurel sits almost exactly halfway between Washington and Baltimore, which is a big reason buyers love it. You can work in either city and choose each day whether to ride or drive. Here’s how the two options compare.

Train vs. car at a glance

Train times are from MARC schedules in effect since September 28, 2026. Drive times are typical ranges; real-time traffic varies day to day.

Option 1: Riding the MARC Camden Line

The Camden Line runs on CSX tracks between Washington Union Station and Baltimore’s Camden Station (next to Oriole Park), with Laurel in the middle. Two stations serve Laurel commuters:

• Laurel station, 22 Main This is the historic 1884 B&O depot in Old Town Laurel. It has 504 free spaces, bike lockers and Metrobus and RTA bus connections.
• Muirkirk station, 7012-B Muirkirk , Beltsville. It has 650 free spaces and is a good choice if you live in South Laurel or near Route 1.

New in fall 2026: Since September 28, MARC runs through trains (830 and 831) linking the Brunswick and Camden Lines. A morning train leaves Laurel at 7:30 a.m. and reaches Baltimore Camden at 7:59 a.m.

Option 2: Driving I-95, the BW Parkway or US-1

• I-95 is the fastest route to Baltimore and the Beltway, but it’s heavily congested at peak times, especially from MD-198 to the Beltway (I-495).
• The BW Parkway (MD-295) is the most direct route into D.C. It has no trucks, but it’s prone to crash delays and has few
• US-1 has traffic lights all the way through College Park, but it’s a useful backup when the highways
• US-29 serves the Columbia and Silver Spring side. It’s a good choice if you live in North Laurel or west of I-

Commuter checklist

• Parking: All three Laurel-area stations have free parking. Lots fill on busy mornings, so plan to arrive before about 7:30 m.
• Tickets: One-way is $7.00. The CharmPass app sells one-way tickets, 5-day, 7-day and 31-day passes, and CharmFlex 6- and 20-ride packs. Avoid paying cash on board, which adds $5.
• Discounts: Seniors and riders with disabilities pay 50% Students can use the Student Saver program. Two children under 6 ride free with a full-fare adult.
• Schedule: The Camden Line runs weekdays On weekends, use the Penn Line from BWI or New Carrollton.
• Rush hours to avoid when driving: about 6:00–9:30 m. heading to D.C. and 3:30–7:00 p.m. heading home. Fridays are often the worst evenings.
• Backup plan: If you miss the last train, the Penn Line runs later from Union Station to BWI and New
• Check before you go: MARC Train Alerts at maryland.gov. For traffic, use the Maryland 511 app.

Frequently asked questions

Which is faster to D.C., the train or the car?

 Off-peak, the car is a little faster. At rush hour the train usually wins, at about 40 minutes and much more predictable.

Is parking free at the Laurel MARC station?

 Yes. Laurel, Muirkirk and Laurel Race Track all have free parking.

Does the Camden Line run on weekends?

 No, it runs weekdays only.

Sources: Maryland Transit Administration (MARC fares, MARC parking details and Camden Line schedule changes effective September 28, 2026); MARC Camden Line fare chart; station details. Drive times are typical estimates. Confirm current schedules and fares at mta.maryland.gov before you travel.