What's The Longest Train Ride in The State of Maryland?

1. The Commuter's Choice: MARC Penn Line

For regularly scheduled passenger service primarily within Maryland, the MARC (Maryland Area Rail Commuter) Penn Line is a strong contender for the longest continuous journey.

• Route: The Penn Line operates from Perryville in Cecil County (northeastern Maryland) southward through Baltimore's Penn Station, continuing to Union Station in Washington, D.C.
• Length in Maryland: The majority of this heavily traveled route lies within Maryland's borders, making it one of the longest daily train commutes available within the state.
• Significance: It's a vital artery for commuters traveling between northeastern Maryland, Baltimore, BWI Airport, and the nation's capital, offering a reliable alternative to highway travel.

2. Scenic Mountain Railroading: Western Maryland Scenic Railroad

For a dedicated tourist and heritage experience, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad offers one of the most substantial and picturesque train rides in the state.

• Route: This heritage railway typically operates between Cumberland and Frostburg in the mountains of Western Maryland.
• Experience: Passengers can enjoy a journey through scenic mountain landscapes, often pulled by historic steam or diesel locomotives. The ride offers beautiful views, especially during fall foliage season, and a glimpse into the region's rich railroad and industrial past.
• Length: While the exact mileage can vary based on operational schedules, the round trip between Cumberland and Frostburg is a significant excursion focused on the scenic and historical aspects of rail travel.

3. National Connectivity: Amtrak's Northeast Corridor & Long-Distance Routes

Maryland is a key segment of Amtrak's Northeast Corridor, the busiest passenger rail line in North America.

• Northeast Corridor: This line runs directly through Maryland, connecting Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. While the entire corridor is vast, the segment within Maryland is substantial, with frequent Acela Express and Northeast Regional services stopping at major Maryland stations like Baltimore Penn Station, BWI Airport Rail Station, and New Carrollton.
• Long-Distance Trains: Several of Amtrak's long-distance trains also traverse Maryland, including:
  • The Cardinal (New York - Washington D.C. - Cincinnati - Chicago)
  • The Crescent (New York - Washington D.C. - Atlanta - New Orleans)
  • The Palmetto and Carolinian (New York - Washington D.C. - points south in the Carolinas and Florida/Georgia)
  • The Silver Service trains (Silver Meteor/Silver Star: New York - Washington D.C. - Florida)

While these trains offer extensive journeys overall, the portion of their route within Maryland contributes to the state's rail connectivity. The "longest ride in Maryland" on one of these routes would be the distance between the northernmost and southernmost (or easternmost and westernmost) Amtrak stations they serve within the state.

Defining the "longest train ride in Maryland" depends on your travel purpose. For daily commuters and those seeking extensive in-state passenger rail, the MARC Penn Line offers a significant journey. For a scenic and historic excursion, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad provides a memorable mountain experience. And for national travel, Amtrak's routes through Maryland offer the longest continuous rail passages as part of larger journeys. Each provides a unique way to experience the diverse landscapes and connectivity of the Old Line State by rail.

Sources:

• Maryland Transit Administration (for MARC Train information)
• Western Maryland Scenic Railroad Official Website
• Amtrak Official Website and Route Guides
• Maryland Department of Transportation
• Historical railroad societies of Maryland