Can I start my trip at Fort McHenry?

No. Due to National Park Service restrictions, you may not begin your Water Trolley trip at Fort McHenry; you must arrive there by Water Trolley and receive a hand stamp to depart.

Are dogs allowed onboard?

Yes—friendly, leashed dogs are welcome when capacity allows; owners must keep dogs under control at all times.

How long is a full loop?

A full loop typically takes about 50–55 minutes, but boarding and route timing vary with schedule and conditions.

Can I buy tickets onboard?

Yes—onboard purchases by credit or debit card are accepted; cash and checks are not accepted. Online purchase saves $1.

Is the service wheelchair accessible?

Not all vessels and stops are wheelchair or mobility-scooter accessible; the operator will do their best to accommodate—contact them in advance for specific needs.

What is the cancellation policy?

Tickets are non‑refundable unless trip insurance is purchased; with insurance you can cancel up to 24 hours before the first 11 AM departure.

Ride the Baltimore Water Trolley: Hop-On, Hop-Off Harbor Tours & Historic Stops

Board the Baltimore Water Trolley and trade sidewalks for salt air on a hop-on, hop-off circuit through Baltimore’s Inner and Outer Harbor. The Water Trolley operates along the Patapsco River and Chesapeake Bay inlet, connecting eight waterfront stops—Harborplace, Federal Hill, Locust Point, Fort McHenry, Canton Park, Lighthouse Point, Fell’s Point, and Harbor East—so you can stitch together a day of museums, seafood, and neighborhood walks.

This service is transportation, short-form history lesson, and low-key parade of harbor sights all at once. Crews play music and host short recorded stories about landmarks as the boat glides past the USS Constellation, Lightship 116 Chesapeake, the USS Torsk, and the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse. From the deck you can read the glass face of the Domino Sugar complex, spot Mr. Trash Wheel working a river bend, or time a stop at the Maryland Science Center and the National Aquarium. Fort McHenry—where the 1814 defense inspired "The Star‑Spangled Banner"—is a highlight with restricted pickup times, so plan accordingly.

What makes the Water Trolley special here is its easy flexibility: buy a single day pass and hop between neighborhoods without committing to a single guided tour. Full loops are about 50–55 minutes, but the ticket’s unlimited boardings let you linger over a crab cake in Fell’s Point, climb the star‑shaped ramparts at Fort McHenry, or explore artisan shops in Canton. Vessels are Coast Guard certified and capacity-controlled; large groups may need to split between departures.

Practical notes matter on the water. Bring layered clothing—the bay breeze can be sharp even on warm days—and fold or stow strollers per carrier rules. Dogs are welcome when leashed; check crew guidance. Boarding varies by schedule, weather, and site restrictions, and you cannot begin a trip at Fort McHenry due to National Park Service policy. Tickets purchased online save a dollar, and trip insurance can allow a 24‑hour cancellation.

The Water Trolley is an ideal choice for first-time visitors who want a fast orientation of Baltimore’s maritime spine, families looking for easy, stroller-friendly sightseeing, and anyone who values making their own timeline on the water. It’s also a practical connector between cultural stops, waterfront dining, and historic sites, giving you a fresh perspective on Baltimore’s working harbor. Whether you ride a single loop for the views or build a day of stringed neighborhood hops, the Water Trolley rewrites a Baltimore itinerary around the water.

Onboard, crew members can advise on timing for connecting ferries, upcoming events, and the best docks for waterfront concerts; audio and printed maps help plan your route. Remember that seating is first-come, and peak summer afternoons fill quickly—arrive early for prime deck views and shade if you prefer shelter from sun or light rain often.

Ride the Baltimore Water Trolley: Hop-On, Hop-Off Harbor Tours & Historic Stops

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