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Getting Around Annapolis

Getting Around Annapolis

Annapolis Maryland, USA Travel Guide

Public Transportation

Annapolis has a public bus system. It serves residents and visitors alike. This urban area's main public bus system is Annapolis Transit. It provides routes connecting the the old town with residential areas, shopping centers, and other points of interest in Annapolis and some surrounding areas.

The buses generally maintain cleanliness and reliability. They have a cost-effective way to get around. The Circulator, a popular, trolley-style bus service, specifically serves the historic downtown area.

Routes & Fares

  • Annapolis Transit Routes: Main routes radiate from downtown. Hubs include City Dock and Annapolis City Hall.
  • Circulator Route: Follows a defined loop through the historic district, linking parking and attractions. Often free or a nominal fare ($1).
  • Fares: Cash fare for Annapolis Transit ($2.00, exact change). Passes (daily, weekly) offer savings.
  • Hours: Annapolis Transit: early morning to late evening (weekdays), reduced weekends. Circulator: daily, often 8 AM-11 PM+ (peak season), frequent (10-15 min).

Accessibility

Annapolis Transit buses are generally wheelchair accessible. Some historic district areas (cobblestones) pose challenges for mobility devices.

Walking Efficiency

Walking is often the most efficient and enjoyable method for exploring the compact the historic city center due to its size and charming streets.

Efficient Navigation

Use the Circulator for quick trips between public parking garages and attractions within the historic core. Google Maps provides real-time bus tracking.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxi Information
  • Identification: Licensed taxis are typically yellow or clearly marked with their company name.
  • Hailing: Hail a taxi on the street in high-traffic areas or call a company for pickup.
  • Fares: Metered fares are based on distance and time. Short rides are $8-$15.
Ride-Sharing & Safety
  • Apps: Uber and Lyft are easy to find and popular in Annapolis.
  • Payment: Apps provide cashless payment and fare estimates before booking.
  • Safety: Verify driver name, license plate, and car model match the app before entry. Both taxis and ride-sharing are generally safe.

Rental Options

Car Rentals

Valid driver's license (IDP if not English), major credit card, minimum age (21-25). Major companies at airports (Hertz, Enterprise). Booking ahead is a good practice.

Motorcycle/Scooter

Less common for tourists. May need specific endorsements. Not practical for historic district due to narrow streets.

Bike Rentals

No large city-wide bike-sharing. Local shops offer rentals (Capital SUP) for trails like B&A Rail Trail.

Driving Laws

Standard U.S. Driving laws: right-side driving, mandatory seatbelts, posted speed limits. Roads are generally well-maintained. Be cautious of pedestrians.

Walking & Cycling

Annapolis's compact and scenic nature makes walking and cycling enjoyable ways to explore.

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

  • The Historical Quarter: Extremely pedestrian-friendly, ideal for walking, major sites close.
  • United States Naval Academy grounds: Highly walkable, paths connect major sites (Bancroft Hall, Chapel, Museum). Enter through Gate 1.
  • City Dock and waterfront promenades: Excellent for leisurely strolls, harbor views.
  • Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes are paramount due to cobblestones and uneven sidewalks.

Walking Tours & Cycling Safety

  • Guided Tours: Companies offer historic walking tours, ghost tours, Naval Academy tours. Annapolis Visitors Center lists operators.
  • Self-Guided Tours: Maps available at Annapolis Visitors Center (26 West St, Annapolis, MD).
  • Cycling: Limited dedicated bike lanes downtown. B&A Rail Trail and Quiet Waters Park offer vast stretches of paved trails.
  • Safety: Exercise caution on roads, follow traffic laws. Helmets are a suggestion. All public areas are generally safe.

Specialized Transportation

  • Trolley Tours: Discover Annapolis Tours provides narrated trolley tours of the historic district.
  • Water Taxi: Operates seasonally (May-Oct) between City Dock, Eastport, and other harbor points.
  • Harbor Cruises: Various companies offer scenic narrated cruises of Annapolis Harbor and the Severn River.
  • Accessibility Services: Annapolis Transit buses are accessible. Historic district challenges exist for mobility devices.
  • Many newer buildings are ADA compliant. Historic homes may have limited accessibility.
  • Contact specific attractions for accessibility features. A Collapsible mobility aid is useful.

Transportation Mix

Walk

For close-up exploration of the historic district.

Circulator

For longer hops within downtown.

Water Taxi

For an unique viewpoint and easy cross to Eastport.

Local Driving & Parking Details

Driving in Annapolis central areas needs careful thought due to limited parking and unique street layouts.

Driving Conditions

  • Roads in Annapolis are generally well-maintained.
  • Historic district streets are narrow; some are cobblestone, which can be bumpy.
  • Be cautious of pedestrians who may cross unexpectedly.
  • Traffic laws are strictly enforced throughout the city.

Parking Solutions

  • Parking in Annapolis's historic district is limited and could be expensive.
  • Public parking garages (Gotts Court, Knighton, Park Place) offer the most reliable options.
  • Metered street parking is available but often has time limits and availability is tough.
  • Numerous hotels provide valet parking or have their own garages, usually for one more fee.

Parking Strategy

  • Consider parking in a garage at the edge of the historic district.
  • Walk or take the Circulator into the main tourist areas from the garage.
  • Check garage websites for real-time availability and rates.
  • Using public parking garages typically prevents potential tickets.
  • It often has more predictable rates than street meters.
  • Some garages offer mobile payment options.

Rental Car Agencies

At Airports

Major rental car companies (Hertz, Avis, Budget, National) maintain desks at BWI, DCA, and IAD airports, offering broad access.

Local Annapolis

Some companies, like Enterprise Rent-A-Car Annapolis, hold satellite offices within the urban area for convenient pickup or drop-off.

Booking Ahead

Booking your rental car in advance, notably during peak season, often secures better rates and vehicle availability, avoiding last-minute stress.

Maximizing Your Movement

A mix of transportation methods often provides the most efficient and enjoyable way to move about Annapolis. The city's unique charm appears best when combining different transit options.

Downtown & Historic Core

  • Walk: For close-up exploration of the historic district's charming streets and colonial architecture.
  • The Circulator: Use this trolley-style bus for quick hops between major public parking garages and key attractions.
  • Its frequent service within the compact historic core makes it a convenient option.
  • Explore hidden courtyards and boutique shops on foot.

Waterfront & Beyond

  • Water Taxi: Take a water cab for a scenic crossing of Spa Creek to Eastport, avoiding the bridge.
  • This provides an unique perspective of Annapolis from the water.
  • Taxis/Ride-Shares: For destinations further from downtown or for evening outings.
  • A rental car is a solid choice if planning day trips outside the city center.

Effective Strategy

Mix & Match

Combine walking, the Circulator, and water taxis for optimal protection and variety.

Versatile Movement

Pre-Plan Routes

Review maps and transit schedules for places outside the core. Use Google Maps.

Smart Planning

Flexibility

Be prepared to adapt your method of travel based on climate or unexpected circumstances.

Adapt to Conditions

Parking & Driving Notes

Strategic Parking
  • Consider parking in one of the public garages (e.g., Gotts Court, Knighton) upon arrival.
  • This prevents the stress of finding street parking plus staying away from tickets.
  • Garages often offer clearer pricing than street meters.
Driving Cautions
  • Historic district streets are narrow and often one-way, making driving challenging.
  • Pedestrians frequently cross streets; drive with extra care.
  • Rely on navigation apps for current traffic conditions and route finding.

Pedestrian Awareness

  • The historical quarter sees heavy pedestrian traffic, especially on weekends and evenings.
  • Drivers should watch for pedestrians, especially near crosswalks and intersections.
  • Pedestrians should stick to sidewalks and use designated crossings.
  • Be mindful of uneven cobblestone and brick surfaces to avoid falls.
  • Cyclists share roads with vehicles; follow traffic laws and signal turns.
  • Consider using the dedicated B&A Rail Trail for longer, safer rides away from traffic.
  • Always use caution when crossing busy streets, even in crosswalks.
  • Stay alert to your surroundings to maintain personal safety.

Your Annapolis Journey

Annapolis's unique layout rewards varied travel methods. Enjoy walking the charming streets, taking a scenic water taxi, or riding the convenient Circulator. Your exploration choices contribute to a memorable visit.

Prepare for movement on foot mainly in the historic core, utilizing other options for longer distances or unique experiences. This approach optimizes your time plus fun.

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