Getting Around Baltimore: Your JHU Student Guide
Master Baltimore’s streets with CAMP-US! From JHU shuttles to public transit and bikes, we’ll help you navigate affordably and safely.
Welcome to Baltimore, the heartbeat of Johns Hopkins University (JHU)! As a student living near the Homewood Campus, you’re in the perfect spot to explore the city’s charm. CAMP-US, founded by JHU alumni who’ve mastered Baltimore’s streets, is here to guide you. Whether you’re heading to class, grabbing groceries, or discovering Baltimore’s cultural gems, this Getting Around Baltimore guide equips you with the tools to navigate affordably, safely, and confidently. Let’s explore the best ways to move around in 2025!
JHU-Specific Transportation: Ride Like a Blue Jay!
JHU offers free, student-focused transit to make your commute seamless. Here’s how to take advantage:
1. Blue Jay Shuttle
Overview: Free, on-demand shuttle for JHU affiliates within a 1-mile radius of Homewood Campus (Charles Village, Remington, Station North).
Hours: 5:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. daily.
How to Use: Download TransLoc app, show JHU ID. Request rides to/from campus, residences, or Penn Station.
Key Stops: Charles Commons, 33rd & St. Paul, R. House.
Why It’s Great: Safe evening transport. CAMP-US properties are shuttle-adjacent.
Tips: Plan for 15–30 min waits during peak hours. Contact JHU Transportation at 410-516-8700.
2. Homewood-Peabody-JHMI Shuttle (“Jimmy”)
Overview: Free fixed-route shuttle connecting Homewood, Peabody, Carey, and East Baltimore (JHMI) campuses.
Hours: 6:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. weekdays, reduced weekend hours.
Key Stops: Charles Commons, Peabody, Penn Station, Johns Hopkins Hospital.
How to Use: Check schedules on JHU Transportation or TransLoc. Show JHU ID.
Why It’s Great: Ideal for multi-campus students. Connects to Penn Station.
Tips: Shuttles run every 5–15 minutes during rush hours.
3. Baltimore Collegetown Shuttle
Overview: Free shuttle linking JHU, Notre Dame, and Towson University with shopping hubs.
Hours: Varies; typically 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. weekdays, Sunday shopping routes.
Key Stops: Homewood Campus, Penn Station, Towson Town Center, Towson Place.
How to Use: Show JHU ID. Track at baltimorecollegetownshuttle.transloc.com.
Why It’s Great: Perfect for grocery runs or visiting the BMA.
Tips: Contact 301-476-8490 for inquiries. Plan for longer trips to Towson.
Public Transportation: Exploring Baltimore & Beyond
Baltimore’s public transit offers affordable ways to explore. JHU students can get subsidized passes.
1. MTA Local Buses
Extensive network. Key routes: CityLink Silver, Route 95, Route 22. Cost: $2/ride, or $25/month JHU subsidized pass. Use CharmPass app.
2. Charm City Circulator
Free bus service. Purple Route connects 33rd St. (near Homewood) to Federal Hill via Penn Station and Inner Harbor. Runs 7 AM - 8 PM (midnight Fri/Sat).
3. MTA Metro SubwayLink
Owings Mills to Johns Hopkins Hospital. Nearest station: Johns Hopkins Metro (East Baltimore). Cost: $2/ride or $25/month pass.
4. MTA Light RailLink
Hunt Valley to BWI Airport/Glen Burnie, stops at Penn Station. Cost: $2/ride or $25/month pass. Affordable BWI access.
5. MARC Train
Commuter rail to Washington, D.C., stops at Penn Station & BWI. Cost: $6 to BWI, $9 to D.C. Use JHU shuttles to reach Penn Station.
Biking and Scooters: Eco-Friendly & Fun
1. Biking
Bike lanes in Charles Village & Remington. JHU Cycling Program for repairs/safety. Bike racks at Homewood & JHMI. Use U-locks. CAMP-US properties are bike-friendly.
2. Electric Scooters
LINK scooters available citywide ($1 to unlock + $0.15/min via Transit app). Quick for short trips. Park in designated zones.
Walking: Explore on Foot
Charles Village & Remington are walkable. Key destinations: Bird in Hand Café (5-min walk), R. House (15-min walk). Homewood Campus (0–10 mins from CAMP-US). Use JHU escort service at night. Stick to well-lit areas.
Other Transportation Options
1. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
Convenient for quick or late-night trips. Cost: $10–$20 to Inner Harbor. Use JHU’s Lyft SafeRide (12 AM – 5 AM).
2. Taxis
Available at Penn Station or via services. Cost: $7–$10 to JHU from Penn Station.
3. Zipcar
Hourly/daily car rentals for JHU students 18+. Locations near Homewood. Cost: $7–$10/hour. Register at zipcar.com.
Airport and Regional Travel
BWI Airport: MARC Train ($6), Light Rail ($2–$6), or Summer at Hopkins shuttle.
Washington, D.C.: MARC Train ($9) or Amtrak from Penn Station.
Tips: Use JHU shuttles to Penn Station. Book Amtrak early.
Safety and Accessibility: Navigating with Confidence
Safety Tips
- Save JHU Public Safety (410-516-7777) & Baltimore Police (911).
- Use JHU’s escort service for night walks.
- Travel in groups at night.
- Share transit tips on CAMP-US Discord. Join Now.
Accessibility
- JHU shuttles and Charm City Circulator are wheelchair-accessible.
- Request accessible parking via Student Disability Services (sds.jhu.edu).
- Use TransLoc app for real-time tracking to reduce wait times.
Tip: Report safety concerns to JHU Transportation (transportation@jhu.edu). Join CAMP-US walking/biking groups for community support.
CAMP-US: Your Transportation Partner
- Housing: Live in furnished CAMP-US apartments near JHU shuttle stops and bike lanes. View Properties.
- Community: Join our Discord to coordinate rides and share transit tips. Join Now.
Final Tips for Navigating Baltimore
- Download Apps: TransLoc, Transit, and CharmPass are must-haves.
- Leverage Free Options: Prioritize JHU shuttles and Charm City Circulator.
- Plan Ahead: Check schedules before evening outings.
- Stay Connected: Use CAMP-US’s Discord to find ride buddies.
- Explore Smart: Combine walking/biking for short trips, buses/rideshares for longer ones.
With these transportation options, you’re ready to explore Baltimore like a pro. CAMP-US is here to support your adventures. Let’s make 2025 a year of seamless travel!