How to Get to Harpers Ferry: Your Options

August 31, 2024

If you’re looking for a peaceful vacation spot with easy access to the city, we know just the spot. Located in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, the town of Harpers Ferry is known for its picturesque scenery, thrilling outdoor adventures, and historic charm.

Harpers Ferry attracts everyone from Appalachian Trail hikers to American history buffs to thrill-seeking adventurists. No matter what type of trip you’re after, Mountain Mama Cabins is the perfect landing spot for your adventures.

But what’s the best way to get to Harpers Ferry, you ask? All your options are covered below to make your trip to Harpers Ferry as smooth as possible!

Why Visit Harpers Ferry, West Virginia?

Harpers Ferry is a charming historic town right on the border of Virginia and West Virginia.

The Outdoors are Calling

Set in the Blue Ridge mountains at the confluence of the Potomac River and Shenandoah River, visitors come from all over to participate in its endless outdoor activities. Popular outdoor adventures include mountain biking, hiking the Appalachian Trail, and zip-lining through the treetops.

For water activities, visitors enjoy whitewater rafting, tubing, and kayaking, among others.

Explore American History

Known for its significant role in the American Civil War, Harpers Ferry attracts history buffs with its many historic sites. Visitors can explore Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, which includes the Harpers Ferry Visitor Center, Abolitionist John Brown’s Fort in Lower Town, and hiking trails such as the Maryland Heights Trail. Jackson’s Bolivar Heights is another popular Civil War battlefield just outside of Harpers Ferry.

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

Finally, Harpers Ferry is a foodie destination. There are countless breweries, wineries, and local restaurants to enjoy after your day’s adventures.

Getting to Harpers Ferry by Car

The charming town of Harpers Ferry is conveniently located within driving distance of many major cities, making it easy to enjoy a scenic drive to get to your destination.

Some popular routes include:

1.5 hour drive from Baltimore, Maryland
1.5 hour drive from Washington D.C.
2.5 hour drive from Wilmington, Delaware
3 hour drive from Richmond, Virginia
3 hour drive from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
3.5 hour drive from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Depending on which direction you come from, you will enjoy picturesque mountain views and beautiful scenery along the way to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.

Driving Directions from Baltimore

Travel Time: 1 hour 15 min

The journey from Baltimore, Maryland to Harpers Ferry is approximately 70 miles, depending on your route. The fastest route from the center of Baltimore to Downtown Harpers Ferry is below:

Take Light St and E Conway St to I-395 S (0.8 mi)
Take I-70 W and US-340 W to Union St. in Bolivar (68.0 mi)
Continue on Union St. Drive to Washington St in Harpers Ferry

Driving Directions from Washington DC

Travel Time: 1 hour 20 min

The journey from Washington DC to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, by car is around 65 miles, depending on the route you take. While there are many options, the fastest route from the heart of DC to Downtown Harpers Ferry is below:

Get on I-495 N in Bethesda from Massachusetts Ave NW and MD-190 W/River Rd (10.0 mi)
Follow I-270 N and US-340 W to Union St. in Bolivar (52.4 mi)
Continue on Union St. Drive to Washington St. in Harpers Ferry

Make a Pit Stop in Frederick, Maryland

Both the routes from Washington D.C. and Baltimore take you through the historic town of Frederick, Maryland, the perfect pit stop along your road trip.

Here, you’ll find the National Museum of Civil War Medicine and the Schifferstadt Architectural Museum. Sugarloaf Mountain, a popular mountain spot and park, is also located just outside of Frederick. The park’s recreational area is a great place to stop and enjoy the scenery before making your way to Harpers Ferry.

Getting to Harpers Ferry by Plane

Coming from a further destination? No problem! There are plenty of convenient airports with both domestic and international flights. The closest airports to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, include:

Washington Dulles International Airport – 40 miles
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport – 70 miles
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI Airport) – 70 miles

Getting to Harpers Ferry by Train

Looking for a fun, unique way to get to Harpers Ferry? We recommend a scenic train ride. There are two train options for you to choose from: the MARC Train and Amtrak Capitol Limited Line.

MARC Train

Travel Time: 1 hour 30 min
Frequency: Monday through Friday
Washington, DC Station: 50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC
Harpers Ferry Train Station: Potomac St & Shenandoah St, Harpers Ferry, WV
More Information: mta.maryland.gov/marc-station-information

The MARC commuter train (Maryland Area Rail Commuter) from Washington, DC to Harpers Ferry is an easy, scenic way to travel to Harpers Ferry.

In around an hour and a half, the MARC train will get you from Union Station in Washington, DC to the Harpers Ferry Train Station. Since the train is for commuters, the departure times are limited to weekdays and they only go into the city in the mornings and out of the city in the afternoons/evenings. If you can arrange your schedule to leave from Washington, DC, on a Friday afternoon and return to the city on a Monday morning, then this could be a great option.

Roundtrip train tickets run around $25/person.

Amtrak

Travel Time: 1 hour 11 min
Frequency: One departure daily, including weekends
Washington, DC Station: 50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC
Harpers Ferry Train Station: Potomac St & Shenandoah St, Harpers Ferry, WV
More Information: amtrak.com/capitol-limited-train

Amtrak’s Capitol Limited line runs from Washington D.C. all the way to Chicago, with a stop in Harpers Ferry daily. The train runs once/day, seven days a week.

Departing from Union Station, the Amtrak begins its journey every day around 4 pm and arrives in Harpers Ferry just after 5 pm.

When you’re ready to return to Washington, DC, you’ll board the Amtrak at the Harpers Ferry train station around 11:30 am and arrive in the DC area around 1 pm. Train tickets cost around $20 on average.

Book Your Stay in Harpers Ferry

As you can see, there are many convenient ways to get to the charming town of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. It’s centrally located to many major cities and states on the East Coast, making it easy to travel by plane or car. If you prefer going carless, there are two train options from Washington, D.C.

Enjoy the scenic pathways that get you to our beloved historic town. Once here, settle into your Mountain Mama Cabin and explore the many adventures that await you in Harpers Ferry.

From outdoor activities to downtown eateries and everything in between, you’re in for an unforgettable trip to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.