Drivers in Baltimore should expect delays, road closures and parking restrictions as Sail250 brings thousands of visitors to the city’s waterfront for a weeklong celebration of the country’s history from Wednesday through June 30.

Sail250 is a nationwide gathering of tall ships and naval vessels to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary. The event’s stop in Charm City, called Sail250 Maryland and Airshow Baltimore, will bring festivals to venues across the city. The Navy’s Blue Angels will fly wing-to-wing with British and French ambassador squads for flight demonstrations.

Visitors can expect gridlock and bustling sidewalks across downtown and beyond, especially this weekend. The Orioles host the Nationals at Camden Yards from Friday to Sunday, which will add to the traffic and parking crunch. A city DOT official acknowledged that traffic will be “difficult” and encouraged people to take mass transit if possible.

In advance of the festivities, officials at the Baltimore City Department of Transportation recommend keeping a few things in mind.

Advertise with us

Road closures ahead

The following roads will be closed, with parking restrictions in effect:

  • Cromwell Street in Baltimore Peninsula will be closed between House Street and Terrapin Way from Thursday, June 25, at 7 p.m. through Sunday, June 28, at 8 p.m.
  • Cromwell Street will be closed between Rye and Distillery streets from Thursday, June 25, at 7 p.m. through Sunday, June 28, at 8 p.m.
  • Tidewater Street (Circle) will be closed south of East Cromwell Street from Thursday, June 25, at 7 p.m. to Sunday, June 28, at 8 p.m.
  • Fort Avenue will be closed at Andre Street from June 26 through Sunday, June 28, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Only credentialed vehicles may travel east of the railroad bridge.
  • East Coast Greenway will be closed at West Shore Park from Tuesday, June 23, at 7 a.m. through Tuesday, June 30, at 4 p.m.
View post on X

Use public transit

The transportation department recommends using public transit to get around. Maryland Transit Administration buses, the Light RailLink, and the Metro SubwayLink will be available throughout the week. Schedules are posted on the MTA’s website.

  • MTA Bus 94 provides regular service to Locust Point and Fort McHenry. Bus 71 provides regular service to Baltimore Peninsula.
  • The MTA Light RailLink l serves Camden Station.
  • The MARC Penn Line provides train service to Baltimore’s Penn Station, with a connecting light rail shuttle to Camden Station. The Penn Line also serves Martin State Airport.
The Water Taxi is a great option for getting around the harbor. (Ulysses Muñoz/The Banner)

The Harbor Connector free water taxi will operate Monday to Friday with expanded service.

Advertise with us
  • HC1: Locust Point, Maritime Park in Fells Point, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., every 15 minutes.
  • HC2: Canton, Locust Point, Maritime Park in Fells Point, 7:15 a.m. to 8 p.m. clockwise loop until 2:05 p.m.; counterclockwise afterward.
  • HC3: Federal Hill, Pier 5, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

To access ship locations, visitors can ride the free Charm City Circulator bus service or hop on publicly rentable e-scooters or e-bikes. Discounts for parking e-scooters or e-bikes will be offered in designated areas.

How to park

If you plan to drive to the fun, there will be limited metered street parking as well as spots in several garages. Free and paid garage options will be available in South Baltimore near Key Highway and Hull Street. The participating lots include:

  • Cheer South Lot (free)
  • Cheer North Lot (free)
  • Tide Lot (free)
  • Dawn Lot (free)
  • Lower Joy Lot (free)
  • Upper Joy Lot (free)
  • Triangle Lot (paid)

The Department of Transportation advises travelers to plan ahead and allow extra travel time. Live detour navigation will be available on the Waze app.

For more info about how to navigate the week ahead, check out the Sail250 website.