Preakness Stakes Transportation Guide — Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore

Preakness Stakes — The Race and the Day

The Preakness Stakes has been run at Pimlico Race Course since 1873 — one of the oldest Thoroughbred races in American history. The race itself covers one mile and three-sixteenths of a mile on the main dirt track. Post time for the Preakness is typically in the late afternoon, but Preakness day at Pimlico begins with undercard races in the morning and runs through the evening.

The grandstand provides traditional racing seating with access to betting windows and premium hospitality areas. The infield — home to InfieldFest, a separate music and party event — attracts a younger crowd seeking a festival experience alongside the racing. The two experiences are distinct enough that they draw different audiences on the same day.

Getting from DC to Pimlico

Pimlico Race Course is located at 5201 Park Heights Avenue in northwest Baltimore — approximately 45 miles from Washington DC via I-95 North and the Baltimore Beltway (I-695). Drive time is 55 to 75 minutes in moderate traffic, with Preakness day itself adding significant additional time due to the volume of traffic converging on the northwest Baltimore area.

Parking at Pimlico is limited and demand is extreme on Preakness day. The combination of transportation challenges and the desire to drink freely throughout the day makes professional car service the obvious choice for DC and Northern Virginia groups attending the Preakness.

DC and NoVA Preakness Day Logistics

DC Black Cars recommends departing no later than 10 AM for Preakness day to arrive before peak inbound traffic and secure good positioning for the day. Return departure is typically 2 to 3 hours after the Preakness Stakes itself runs — allowing time for post-race activity and for peak outbound traffic from Pimlico to dissipate. The chauffeur stages in the designated vehicle pickup area and returns the group when they are ready to depart.

Added Trip Planning — Race-Day Arrivals Need a Defined Meeting Plan

A major race day creates concentrated arrivals, formal clothing, group reunions and a busy return period. Begin with the passenger list and the actual entrance or passenger area approved for that day. A general racecourse address does not tell the driver which gate a ticket holder should use or where a vehicle may wait. The event organizer and venue control current access, traffic restrictions, credential requirements and any designated loading areas; confirm those instructions close to the service date.

For a private group, name one host who can verify that everyone has boarded and approve a revised return time. If guests arrive on separate flights, record each flight and assign them to the right vehicle rather than asking the chauffeur to combine parties by association. For hosted clients, state whether the vehicle transfers after drop-off or remains on a confirmed service window. A late race program or hospitality event can shift the end time, so do not rely on an assumed pickup without confirming how extensions are handled.

Race-Day Arrival, Hospitality and Return Movements

Preakness travel is shaped by the event-day schedule, the host’s hospitality plan and the approved vehicle approach. A reservation should state whether passengers are attending a general event, meeting a host or joining a private gathering, then identify the correct arrival entrance and assembly point. Do not assume that a ticket or sponsor invitation grants curb access or that a previous year’s traffic plan will remain in place. Current event and public-safety instructions control.

For a group, organize arrivals by hotel, flight or host party and give each vehicle a named lead. Agree on a return meeting point and a contact method before the event begins; crowds can separate guests and delay release. If some passengers leave early, assign a separate departure rather than holding the entire group. Luggage, accessibility, child passengers and a required airport departure should be identified at booking.

Guests should not rely on a driver to locate a dispersed party by text after the event. Agree on a visible organizer-approved landmark and a lead passenger for every vehicle before arrival.

Coordinate Baltimore and Regional Guests

Travelers may come from Washington, Northern Virginia, Baltimore hotels or an airport. Route and departure timing should be set from the required arrival and current event instructions, with a realistic allowance for traffic and passenger assembly. An airport arrival plan needs the operating airline and flight number, traveler mobile, baggage and meeting method. Airport arrivals include a 30-minute grace period, except at FBOs. FBO pickup arrangements and waiting terms are confirmed separately.

If the group is split between Baltimore and Washington accommodations, do not promise a single loop until addresses, boarding times and the final racecourse entrance are known. Keep the return plan equally specific: exact pickup point, host mobile, destination list and whether each guest returns to a hotel or a separate residence. A Sprinter may suit a compact party, while a larger group may require multiple vehicles; luggage, formal garments and equipment must be counted before vehicle confirmation.

Frequently Asked Questions