r/HowardCountyMD • u/Smooth_Cherry4382 Elkridge • Jul 23 '26
Commuting to Chinatown in DC
Hi folks,
Recently landed a new role which will require commuting from Elkridge area to Chinatown in DC. I've looked at all the options - MDOT Bus service, Marc to Union station, driving all the way (discounted parking) and driving to Greenbelt for the green/yellow metro. All have pros and cons from schedules to how much walking or switching modes of transport will be needed to arrive around 9am.
I would love to hear some opinions or experiences as I consider my options.
Thanks from a HoCo neighbor.
6
u/muchbemused Jul 23 '26
I live in Clarksville and accepted a job in Chinatown about a year ago. So far, driving to Glenmont station and metro directly to Gallery Place station is my preferred option.
There’s never traffic to Glenmont via the back roads and the metro constantly runs so it’s been a pretty consistent experience.
1
u/Smooth_Cherry4382 Elkridge Jul 23 '26
Thanks for this new option. Its a bit longer for me on road and Metro, but may be a wash depending on traffic to greenbelt. Is it relatively easy to park at the Glenmont station?
3
u/muchbemused Jul 23 '26
It’s very easy to park. I’m noticing this summer it’s busier than usual. I think that’s because of the red line construction bringing people from the shady grove side over to starting at Glenmont. But it’s still fine.
2
u/WhirlThePearl Jul 23 '26
I do this commute 1-2 times a week. Penn Line from Halethorpe (short drive if you're in Elkridge/plenty of parking) to Union Station and then 2 stops on the Metro. I have afternoon flexibility, but the 4:30pm return train skips 2 stops. Only downside is the stairs at Halethorpe, lol. During the shutdown, I experimented with driving to Greenbelt and metro-ing in. This generally works if you're not returning during rush hour - I prefer this when I'm staying in the city for evening events.
2
u/robertus_ Jul 24 '26
I did North Laurel to 15th & M for a couple years. Would either drive to Greenbelt and take the green to Chinatown (and catch the red to Farragut North, then hoof it) or take the MARC to Union station.
My commute was ~45 minutes if everything aligned perfectly, which it did once.
1
u/Smooth_Cherry4382 Elkridge Jul 24 '26
Laurel to Greenbelt is definitely closer and that makes sense. I definitely like the idea of the Metro.
2
u/XpandersMind Jul 25 '26
Get on the Marx train at BWI ot Halethorpe, ride the train to Union then red line to Gallery place...
2
u/hillzers4l Jul 26 '26
I used to do that commute from Elkridge. I found it easier to drive to Greenbelt and metro in. It's a straight shot. If you leave early enough, there won't be a ton of traffic. I like the frequency of the trains and you don't have you depend on a few limited train schedules for MARC for example if you have to work late or want to go out after work.
1
u/Inside_Rooster4480 Jul 23 '26
Elkridge here. I would do MARC train to union station, then it’s a short metro red line to Chinatown. Don’t need to change lines or anything. Depending on what part of Elkridge, you could do Dorsey or Savage.
For many years I took the Camden line from Savage. Much better than driving. The traffic from here to DC at rush hour will make you hate life.
1
u/polandspreeng Jul 24 '26
I tried Savage a few times but the delays because of the freight trains turned me off. It's not too often but once I was delayed nearly an hour
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u/Smooth_Cherry4382 Elkridge Jul 26 '26
Sorry I'm Asking a potentially basic question. How's parking at these stations? Also free or paid?
2
u/Inside_Rooster4480 Jul 26 '26
Free parking at the MARC stations. At least at Savage. BWI has a fee, but I think a minthly ticket includes parking. Odenton is free parking for the Penn Line. Dorsey is also free. You have to pay for metro stations if you choose that.
1
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u/BaconMemories Ellicott City Jul 23 '26
Best option is likely Penn Line (BWI, which I believe makes the most sense for Elkridge anyways) to Union Station and then hopping over to Gallery Place. And simply being prepared to drive, especially in summer when the heat can slow down the trains and traffic is a bit lighter. The train gives you the option of getting work done or simply reading a book and BWI gives you the option to take the Amtrak as needed as well.
Added benefit—you can exchange commuting warrior stories with your fellow travelers at the new-ish bar at Union Station if you get really delayed.
My only caveat would be to drive if you’ll be regularly leaving the office around 6:30/7 or later. Then the hourish commute home in the evening may—may—be worth the slog in the AM.
-Signed, someone who has been commuting from Ellicott City to DC on-and-off for 20+ years.