Transportation Information

Air Transportation

Baltimore is serviced by three major airports: Baltimore/Washington International (BWI), Washington Dulles International (IAD), and Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA).

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is located 10 miles south of the Baltimore Convention Center and downtown Baltimore. The airport provides almost 22 million passengers a year with non-stop service to an average of 70 domestic and international locations. With over 670 daily arrivals and departures, these flights are provided by 5 major domestic carriers as well as several regional and international airlines. For more information, call (410) 859-7992 or 1-800-I FLY BWI (435-9294), or visit www.bwiairport.com.

Both located in Northern Virginia, Washington Dulles International Airport is 61 miles from Baltimore, and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is 42 miles from Baltimore. For more information on these airports and modes of transportation to Baltimore, visit www.metwashairports.com.

Special Airfare Discounts
SOT has established discounted rates through American and Northwest Airlines originating in the United States and Canada. Be sure to use the discounted reference numbers when making your reservations. You may purchase your ticket on-line, call the airline directly using the toll free numbers, or provide your travel agent with the reference/discount numbers listed below to receive the discount.

• American Airlines
  (800) 433-1790
  www.aa.com
  Discount Code: A6139AA

American Airlines is offering a 5% discount off the lowest applicable fare. The discount is valid March 8–25, 2009 for travel to BWI, Reagan, and Dulles airports. You may make reservations by calling the Meeting Services Desk at (800) 433-1790 from anywhere in the United States or Canada and refer to discount code A6139AA. A $15 service fee per ticket will apply for each ticket booked over the phone. You may also book your ticket online at www.aa.com (no service fee applies) and under the promotion code section, type A6139AA to receive the SOT discount.

• Northwest Airlines
  (800) 328-1111
  www.nwa.com
  Discount Code: NYVVC

Northwest Airlines is offering a 5% discount off the lowest applicable fare.  The discount is valid March 10–23, 2009 for travel to BWI, Reagan, and Dulles airports. You may make reservations by calling the reservation desk Mon-Fri (7:00 AM–7:30 PM CST) at (800) 328-1111 and refer to discount code NYVVC.  A $15 service fee per ticket will apply for each ticket booked over the phone.  You may also book your ticket online at www.nwa.com (no service fee applies). Under the E-Cert section, select Meeting Agreement (WorldFile Number) and type NYVVC to receive the SOT discount. Travel agents should go to www.worldagentdirect.com.

These rates do not apply to Delta flights even though they are one company.

SOT Travel Agent—Carlson Wagonlit

Carlson Wagonlit is the official travel management firm for SOT’s 48th Annual Meeting. To take advantage of their services and savings, call toll-free (800) 525–6061, or direct (703) 276–2030, or (703) 276–2040 Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM–5:30 PM (Eastern Standard Time), ask to speak to Niki Markun or e-mail: nmarkun@carlsonwagonlit.com. To obtain the maximum discounted fares, call at least 60 days prior to departure. Lower fares are still obtainable up to 14 days in advance. Please note that Carlson Wagonlit charges a $40 service fee per ticket.

Before calling Carlson Wagonlit, please gather the following information:

• The desired dates of arrival to and departure from Baltimore
• Your home city or originating airport
• Your approximate time of departure from the originating airport
• The number of persons traveling (adults/children)
• Your method of payment, either credit card or check
• Your airline frequent flyer number(s)

Identify yourself as a Society of Toxicology attendee. Carlson Wagonlit will find the best fare for you ande-mail you an itinerary.

Ground Transportation

From the Airport

BWI Airport is served by shuttle bus, taxi, Light Rail, Amtrak train or limousine service. Ground transportation is located on the lower level of the airport terminal—the same level as baggage claim. For taxi and shuttle services, look for the service desks located on the same level. For more information on ground transportation from the airport, visit www.bwiairport.com or call (410) 859-7992.

The Airport Shuttle
From the airport, your flight is tracked in real time, and you go directly to the vehicle from baggage claim. In other words, you are not put in a waiting area at the airport to be put on a multi line run through multiple hotels. From your hotel, you are given a pick-up time based on your flight departure time. Available from 4:00 AM to Midnight. The Airport Shuttle picks up and drops off at BWI, Dulles and Reagan Airports.

Discount rates are available each way for SOT attendees.

Discount Rates:
BWI Airport: $17
Dulles Airport: $90

Note: Advanced reservations are required. Reserve your ride through Airport Transfers On-line, or call (800) 776-0323 and say “My SOT profile number is 141154.” Visit www.theairportshuttle.com for more information.

Car Rental
Avis Rent A Car System is the official car rental company for the 48th Annual Meeting. SOT discounted rates, including unlimited mileage, begin at $43.99 per day. These special group rates are good one week before and after the SOT Annual Meeting so you can take in the sights and explore the surroundings at your own pace. To reserve your car on-line, go to www.avis.com.

You may also call Avis directly at (800) 331-1600 to reserve your car. Be sure to mention the SOT Avis Worldwide Discount Number (AWD) T534999.

Light Rail
Light Rail stops at BWI Airport every half hour and takes you directly from BWI Airport to the Baltimore Convention Center for $1.60 one way (prices subject to change). Board the Light Rail next to Pier E, the new international wing, located on the lower level.

Hours of operation:
Monday–Friday: 6:00 AM–11:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM–11:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM–7:00 PM

SuperShuttle
The BWI SuperShuttle will transport you from BWI Airport to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor Hotel District for approximately $13 per person one way (prices subject to change). Upon arrival at the airport, proceed to one of the two ticket counters, located near baggage claims #1 and #10 on the lower level. Ticket counters are open between the hours of 6:00 AM and 2:00 AM. When counters are closed, please call (888) 826-2700 for information or to arrange service. For reservations and more information, call 1-800-BLUE VAN (258-3826) or visit www.supershuttle.com.

Taxi Service
The BWI taxi stand is located just outside the baggage claim area of the lower level terminal. The cost of a taxi from the airport to downtown Baltimore is approximately $30. Please note that BWI taxi service is available from the airport only. For more information, visit www.bwiairporttaxi.com.

Baltimore Parking Information

For those driving into Baltimore and staying overnight, please check the hotel services for parking options or contact the hotel directly, as rates are subject to change.

If you plan on driving into Baltimore for the day, please see Parking Information for suggested parking options or check out the city map with parking locations and other transportation options.

*Please note that all parking prices are subject to change.

Public Transportation

Amtrak
Amtrak trains run 24 hours a day, seven days a week, connecting Baltimore to cities along the Northeast Corridor. Amtrak also runs to BWI. For fares and schedules, call (800) 872-7245 or visit www.amtrak.com.

Maryland Transit Administration (MTA)
The Maryland Transit Authority (MTA) operates commuter and local bus routes, Metro Subway, Light Rail, and weekday MARC train service between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Call the MTA at (410) 539-5000 or visit www.mtamaryland.com for more information about their transportation services.

Trains arrive and depart from Penn Station, located at 1515 North Charles Street, less than two miles from the Baltimore Convention Center. Penn Station offers enclosed waiting areas, paid short-term and long-term parking, a restaurant, snack bar, and taxi service. It is accessible by MTA Bus, Light Rail, MARC Train’s Penn Line, and Amtrak.

Water Transportation

An enjoyable and more unique way to travel around Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, as well as to Little Italy, Fells Point, Canton, and Federal Hill is by water taxi. It’s the perfect way to get around the city while taking in the sites and learning the history of Baltimore.

• Ed Kane’s Water Taxi
  1735 Lancaster Street
  Baltimore, MD 21231
  The cost for an all-day pass is $9 for adults and $4 for kids 10 and under (prices subject to change). For more information, call (410) 563-3901 or (800) 658-8947, or visit www.thewatertaxi.com

SOT Ride Share

SOT is offering a Ride Sharing Program in conjunction with the Annual Meeting. For those that live close enough to the Baltimore area or those that do not wish to fly, you may want to consider the Ride Share Program. Avoid airport hassles by driving and make it easier for other scientists to attend by sharing rides. Students especially appreciate ways to make the meeting even more economical.

Once you have registered for the Annual Meeting, you can access the Ride Sharing Program. You can indicate whether you want to drive or be a passenger, and then see a list of others who have signed up. It will be up to you to match your plans with someone else whom is registered, and then to remove your names when you have travel plans in place.