Marc Train Fares: Brunswick Line, Md

The Brunswick Line is a commuter rail line between Washington, D.C., and Martinsburg, West Virginia, with a branch to Frederick, Maryland. It is operated by MARC, under contract to Maryland Transit Administration. Tickets can be purchased in several ways, including through the MTA CharmPass mobile app, from ticket vending machines, from CommuterDirect ticket agents, and on board the train from the conductor. Ticket prices vary depending on the type of ticket purchased, such as one-way, weekly, or monthly passes.

Ticket prices for the Brunswick Line

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) offers several ways to purchase tickets for the Brunswick Line. The Brunswick Line is a commuter rail line between Washington, D.C., and Martinsburg, West Virginia, with a branch to Frederick, Maryland.

MTA CharmPass

You can purchase tickets for the Brunswick Line using the MTA CharmPass mobile app. The app is available for Apple and Android devices and allows you to buy One-Way, 5-Day, 7-Day, and 31-Day passes. The app also offers flexible pass options like the CharmFlex 6-pack and 20-pack one-way fares.

MARC Ticket Vending Machines

MARC ticket vending machines are available at the following stations on the Brunswick Line: Silver Spring, Kensington, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Metropolitan Grove, Germantown, Point of Rocks, Monocacy, Brunswick, and Martinsburg. These machines accept all major credit and debit cards, as well as cash at select locations. With pre-registration, you can also use WMATA SmartBenefits at these machines.

CommuterDirect ticket agents

You can also purchase tickets through CommuterDirect ticket agents, who accept all major credit and debit cards and Commuter Choice Maryland vouchers. A list of CommuterDirect locations is available on their website. It's important to note that as of December 1, 2020, MARC Train tickets are no longer sold by Amtrak ticket agents.

On Board the Train from the Conductor

If you don't have the chance to purchase a ticket before boarding, you can buy a one-way ticket in cash from the conductor on the train. However, please note that there is a $5 surcharge for this if you board at a station with a ticket machine or ticket agent. Additionally, conductors cannot accept any bill denominations above $20 for cash purchases.

Ticket Prices

The exact ticket prices for the Brunswick Line are not readily available on the Maryland Transit Administration website. However, they do mention that various discount programs are available, including:

• 50% discount for senior citizens (65 and older) with valid government-issued photo ID or a valid Medicare Card and any valid government-issued photo ID.
• 50% discount for individuals with disabilities with valid MTA Disability Photo ID Card or other valid disability IDs.
• 15% discount on one-way, weekly, and monthly tickets for members of the Student Advantage program.
• Free rides for up to two children under the age of six when accompanied by a full-fare-paying passenger.

Purchasing tickets

There are several ways to purchase tickets for the Brunswick Line in Maryland. The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) offers a mobile transit fare app called CharmPass, which allows you to purchase tickets directly on your smartphone. The app is available for both Apple and Android devices and offers a range of flexible pass options, including One-Way, 5-Day, 7-Day, and 31-Day passes.

Another option is to use MARC ticket vending machines, which are available at various stations, including Washington Union Station, Bowie State University, BWI Airport Rail Station, and more. These machines accept Apple Pay, Google Pay, credit and debit cards, and cash at select locations. Additionally, they support transit subsidy and benefit programs.

You can also purchase tickets on board the train from the conductor. However, only one-way tickets are sold on board, and they must be paid for in cash, with no bills larger than $20 accepted. There is also a $5 surcharge for tickets purchased on board if you board at a station with a ticket machine or ticket agent.

For those who prefer a more traditional approach, ticket agents are available at Odenton and Frederick stations, as well as the TRiPS Transit Services Store adjacent to the Silver Spring station. At these locations, tickets can be purchased with cash, major credit cards, or Commuter Choice Maryland vouchers.

Additionally, tickets can be purchased by mail through the Commuter Direct website or by calling their phone number. They offer a range of ticket options, including one-way, weekly, monthly, and Transit Link Cards (TLC).

Ticket types

There are several ways to purchase your MARC train ticket for the Brunswick Line. The first is through the MTA CharmPass mobile app, which allows you to purchase One-Way, 5-Day, 7-Day, and 31-Day passes. The app also offers flexible pass options with CharmFlex 6-pack and 20-pack one-way fares.

The second option is to purchase your ticket from a MARC ticket vending machine (TVM). These machines offer Apple Pay and Google Pay, plus credit and debit options. Some machines also accept cash. TVMs can be found at the following Brunswick Line stations: Silver Spring, Kensington, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Metropolitan Grove, Germantown, Point of Rocks, Monocacy, Brunswick, and Martinsburg.

Thirdly, you can purchase tickets from a CommuterDirect ticket agent. These agents accept all major credit and debit cards and Commuter Choice Maryland vouchers.

Finally, you can buy a one-way ticket on board the train from the conductor. However, these tickets can only be purchased with cash, and no bills larger than $20 are accepted. There is also a $5 surcharge if you board at a station with a ticket machine or ticket agent.

Please note that MARC tickets are also sold at the Commuter Stores, which accept cash, company checks, traveler's checks, money orders, all major credit cards, and company-sponsored debit cards.

Ticket Validity

One-way tickets are good for a single trip between the station or zones indicated on the ticket. These tickets expire six months from the purchase date and are valid for travel in either direction.

Weekly tickets are valid for unlimited travel between the stations indicated on the ticket, beginning on the Monday of the designated week until midnight of the following Friday.

Weekend weekly tickets are similar but are valid from Saturday of the designated week until midnight of the following Friday.

Monthly tickets are valid for unlimited travel between the stations indicated on the ticket during a calendar month. They are non-transferable but partially refundable up to the 10th service day of the month.

Ticket Refund Policy

One-way tickets are non-refundable. Weekly tickets are refundable if the return postmark is dated no later than 11:59 pm the Friday before the effective week. Monthly tickets are refundable when presented at a ticket office or based on the return postmark date.

Lost, damaged, or stolen tickets are non-refundable and irreplaceable. MARC will not issue replacement tickets.

Ticket validity and refunds

There are several ways to purchase your MARC Train ticket for the Brunswick Line. You can use the MTA CharmPass app on your mobile device, a MARC ticket vending machine, or on board the train from the conductor. The vending machines accept all major credit and debit cards, and with pre-registration, WMATA SmartBenefits. Some machines also accept cash. On board the train, only one-way tickets are sold, and only cash is accepted, with no bills larger than $20. There is a $5 surcharge to the fare if you board at a station with either a ticket machine or ticket agent.

One-way tickets expire six months from the purchase date and are valid for travel in either direction. Weekly tickets are valid for unlimited travel between the stations indicated on the ticket for the designated week, Monday through Friday, and are not valid for travel on Saturdays or Sundays. Monthly tickets are valid for unlimited travel between the stations indicated for a calendar month.

One-way tickets are non-refundable. Both types of weekly tickets are refundable if the return postmark is dated no later than 11:59 pm the Friday prior to the effective week. Monthly and TLC tickets are refundable when presented at a ticket office or based on the return postmark date. Monthly tickets are partially refundable up to the 10th service day of the month. The Transit Link Card (TLC) portion is non-refundable under any circumstance. Refunds will not be given for any tickets purchased with transit benefits. Tickets must be returned for a refund from where they were purchased.

Discounts and special fares

Seniors (65 and older) and individuals with disabilities are eligible for a 50% discount on all full-fare MARC tickets, except the Washington Metrorail portion of the TLC. Seniors must show a valid government-issued photo ID or a valid Medicare Card along with any valid government-issued photo ID. Those with disabilities must show a valid MTA Disability Photo ID Card, a valid disability ID from another transit agency, a valid Medicare Card, or a valid MTA Mobility Photo ID.

Members of the Student Advantage program are eligible for a 15% discount on one-way, weekly, and monthly tickets.

Two children under the age of six can ride free of charge when accompanied by a full-fare-paying passenger. Additional children under six and children six and above will be charged the full fare. The free-child allowance does not apply to passengers traveling on any type of reduced fare.

Groups of 10 to 60 may receive a 50% discount on the price of a full-fare MARC ticket for travel. Availability of group fares depends on train capacity and average daily ridership. Midday, late-night, and weekend trains have the most availability for group travel. Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance.

Frequently asked questions