Baltimore Water Taxi Launches App-Based Service, Adds New Charter Vessel

Harbor Boating Inc.'s president and CEO Michael McDaniel had explored an on-demand water taxi model for years, held back by technology and the operational realities of running transit on the water. That wait ended this week. Harbor Boating Inc., operator of Baltimore's iconic water transportation services since 1975, launched a new app-based, on-demand Water Taxi service, added a 149-passenger charter vessel, Lady Thames, and resumed seasonal service of its newly branded Water Trolley with updated routes and schedules for 2026.

"People are used to booking transportation when they need it and going directly where they want to go," McDaniel said. "In a harbor city like Baltimore, traveling by water can often take five to 10 minutes compared to much longer by car. On-demand service allows riders to take advantage of that efficiency while enjoying an experience on the water."

The new on-demand Baltimore Water Taxi allows riders to request pick-ups and drop-offs when needed and travel directly between destinations without intermediate stops. On-demand service operates Monday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and is booked through the Transigo mobile app. Fares are dynamic and change based on factors like season, and are displayed before riders confirm a trip. Like car-based services, riders can also track their boat and trip through the app. The on-demand fleet operates from 10 docks located strategically throughout the harbor, with more coming, allowing for efficient pick-ups and drop-offs.

The Water Taxi's shift to on-demand does not affect the Baltimore Harbor Connector, a free commuter service operated by Harbor Boating Inc. in partnership with the City of Baltimore. The Harbor Connector will continue to operate year-round, Monday through Friday, from docks in Fell's Point, Maritime Park, Locust Point, Canton Park, Pier 5/Aquarium and Federal Hill.

Harbor Boating expanded its charter and cruise operations with the addition of Lady Thames, a charter vessel accommodating up to 149 passengers that is available year-round. Lady Thames is designed for private events, including corporate meetings and celebrations, nonprofit fundraisers, media events, weddings, family reunions, and other special events. With two climate-controlled salons, flexible catering options and facilities, and AV systems, it provides panoramic harbor views and integrated event capabilities. Because Lady Thames is part of Harbor Boating Inc.'s integrated fleet, events can also incorporate Water Taxi shuttles, allowing guests to arrive from multiple waterfront locations.

Harbor Boating began offering public cruises in June 2024, and by the end of the summer every sailing was fully booked, showing heavy demand for accessible, experience-driven harbor outings on the water. Public cruises will be offered in connection with major citywide milestone events, including Sail 250.

Harbor Boating is also resuming its seasonal scheduled service under a new name, the Baltimore Water Trolley, running April 1 through October 31. The hop-on, hop-off service runs two circular routes, Inner Harbor and Outer Harbor, with departures beginning at 11 a.m. and continuing into the evening. Single-day tickets allow unlimited rides for a day, with fares starting at $20 for adults. Season passes range from $90 to $150, depending on purchase date.

If the on-demand pilot proves successful, the company plans to transition the service into a permanent offering and expand it in phases, with initial steps including longer service hours and increased capacity, likely requiring new boats designed specifically for on-demand operations.