Riding the Baltimore Water Taxi Like a Local

Baltimore's water taxi got a 2026 glow-up: an Uber-style on-demand boat you summon via the Transigo app (daily 11 am–7 pm, ten harbor docks, pilot fares from $1), plus free weekday Harbor Connector commuter boats and a seasonal $20 hop-on-hop-off Water Trolley. A friend would insist you ride it — just know the trolley only runs April through October.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between the water taxi and the Water Trolley?

The on-demand water taxi is point-to-point transportation you summon by app. The Water Trolley is the classic hop-on-hop-off sightseeing loop — two circular routes around the Inner and Outer Harbor, unlimited rides for the day. Trolley for a leisurely tourist day, on-demand when you just need to get across the water.

What is the free Harbor Connector?

Weekday commuter boat routes connecting docks including Fells Point, Canton, Locust Point, Maritime Park, Federal Hill, and Pier 5 near the Aquarium — at zero cost, no ticket needed. Route 2 runs roughly 7:15–11:25 am and 3:50–8 pm. It exists for commuters, but visitors can absolutely ride, and it's the single best free thing on the harbor.

Can I take the water taxi to Fort McHenry?

Historically the trolley's outer routes have reached toward Locust Point near Fort McHenry seasonally, but coverage changes year to year — check the current route map before planning on it. The reliable backup: the free Charm City Circulator Banner Route runs from downtown to Fort McHenry's gate.

How does the new on-demand water taxi work?

Exactly like a rideshare, but a boat: download the Transigo app, request a pickup at any of ten harbor docks, watch your boat approach on the map, and ride direct to your destination with no intermediate stops. It runs daily 11 am to 7 pm. Fares are dynamic and shown before you confirm — during the pilot, rides have started as low as $1.

How much does the Baltimore water taxi cost?

Depends which service. On-demand rides via the Transigo app are dynamically priced (from $1 during the pilot, more on busy summer weekends). The hop-on-hop-off Water Trolley is $20 for an unlimited day pass. And the weekday Harbor Connector commuter routes are completely free. Yes, free boats — Baltimore's best-kept transit secret.

Is the water taxi worth it just for the ride?

Completely. The skyline from the water — Domino Sugar sign, Federal Hill, the ships at Fells Point — is Baltimore's best angle, and a $1–5 on-demand hop is cheaper than any harbor cruise. Time a westbound ride for golden hour and you've had the postcard experience for pocket change.

Which docks does the water taxi serve?

The on-demand fleet covers ten docks spread around the harbor — the Inner Harbor core, Fells Point, Canton, Locust Point, and Federal Hill among them, with more planned. The Transigo app shows every active dock on the live map. Fells Point to Federal Hill by boat beats any land route for both speed and views.

Is the water taxi seasonal?

Partly. The Water Trolley runs April 1 through October 31 only. The free Harbor Connector commuter boats run year-round on weekdays. The on-demand app-based service launched as a daily 11 am–7 pm operation — but this is a newer pilot, so double-check the app or baltimorewatertaxi.com for current winter status before you count on it.

Nearby in Ask Baltimore

• National AquariumAttraction0.2 km · 3 min walk
• Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & CultureMuseum0.3 km · 4 min walk
• Star-Spangled Banner Flag HouseMuseum0.32 km · 4 min walk
• Rusty Scupper Restaurant & BarRestaurant0.38 km · 5 min walk
• Inner HarborAttraction0.38 km · 5 min walk