I got an inexpensive fare to BWI on 10/25 (and back)

[MissMillie]

Is there an inexpensive way to get from there to the Rally in DC? (The best option does not involve renting--and therefore having to find parking for--a car.

[Hawkeye-X]

1. Metro?

Metro is a very nice subway system. MARC too.

Hawkeye-X

[MissMillie]

2. I've pulled up a Metro map online

but don't see Balt/Wash airport on it.

[MountainLaurel]

3. MARC train

There's one that runs from BWI directly into Union Station in DC, which last time around was where the DUers met.

http://www.bwiairport.com/4grndtrn/in_mrct.shtml

On weekends, though, it might just be regular Amtrak service.

Here's some other info:

You have plenty of transit options here. Maryland Mass Transit Administration (http://mtamaryland.com) provides subway, light rail, and rapid bus service to Downtown and major employment centers. The subway connects Johns Hopkins Medical Center, Downtown, Mondawmin Mall, Northwest Baltimore and Owings Mills. One light rail line connects Hunt Valley, North Baltimore, Downtown, South Baltimore and Glen Burnie. The other light rail line connects Penn Station, Downtown and BWI airport. The airport station is walking distance to the terminals. One MARC commuter rail lines extends from Camden Yards downtown to Dorsey, Laurel, College Park (U. of Maryland) and Union Station in Washington, DC The other MARC commuter rail line begins in Perryville (northeast), Martin State Airport, Penn Station, West Baltimore, BWI Airport, Bowie State University, New Carrollton and Union Station in DC. The MARC/Amtrak/BWI station bus shuttle bus shuttle runs every 10-15 minutes and parking at the station has been greatly expanded. In 5 years a monorail will directly connect the MARC/Amtrak/BWI station to airport terminals. MARC fares between Baltimore and DC cost only $5.50, but the train has lots of stops. If you are in a hurry catch Amtrak.

Good luck, and I hope to see you on the 25th!

[On the Road]

4. There is an Amtrak Station There

Not every train stops at it, so you have to watch the schedule. And you need a (free?) shuttle bus to get to the station. The MARC commuter trains might stop there, but they are mostly confined to rush hour.

[prolesunited]

5. You know I was shopping fares online last night

and BWI was the cheapest as well, but then when I started looking at the logistics and fees (somebody said $25 for Amtrack), it just didn't seem like such a bargain anymore. I think I'm just going to pay the extra and go to National.

From Chicago nonstop, it's a little more than $200. Does that sound like an OK rate or is there a better way to get a bargain?

[MissMillie]

6. Metro says the fare from BWI to

"Smithsonian" is just over $2. It involves a few transfers, but I think I can handle it.

The cost to fly into Dulles or National is double what it is to fly into BWI, for me anyway.

[prolesunited]

7. I didn't check it out

That's just what someone posted in another thread. For me, the difference was about $20 bucks. I have no sense of direction and tend to get lost and confused quite easily. It may be worth it for me.

Will you be staying both Friday and Saturday nights?

[MissMillie]

8. Wasn't planning on staying over at all.

I was going to fly in Saturday morning and out Saturday evening.

And at this point, I'm not sure that I dare spend the money. My apartment building is on the market and I may need to move sometime in the near future. On top of that, the child support has been very erratic. As it stands right now, I do have the $$ to spend, but considering all the uncertainty in my life, it may not be wise to spend it.

Maybe I can appeal to DUers who cannot fit this into their schedules, but would be willing to sponser a fellow DUer to attend.

My round-trip airfare came in at $168.00.

[deutsey]

9. Are DU'ers meeting anywhere in DC?

This has probably already been discussed and settled, but I've spending most of my time in the Politics forum lately.

Is there a place/time that we're going to meet?

PM me if you don't want that info made public.

[prolesunited]

10. Discussed yes!

Settled no. :-(

When I get some time this weekend I'll compile the pertinent info from the thread in GD, post a thread here in activism/events and ask Skinner to link from the front page.

Then we all can brainstorm away. We already have a central hotel picked out. I would like to plan gatherings for Friday and Saturday nights and a meetup point for Saturday's rally. I've only been to D.C. once, so any suggestions for venues would be great.

Part of the problem is that they haven't announced a starting time or an itinerary so I don't think we can firm anything up until we have those minor details. ;-)