Visiting Ft. Meade: Accommodations and Public Transport

Driving: If you drive, good. Lucky you.

Public Transport:

Bus: Greyhound is the best and most reliable, I believe, from any destination. The Greyhound terminal in D.C. is just a couple blocks from Union Station, the main train station.
If coming from The north, Baltimore is another option.
Check Boltbus and Megabus sites, if you want, but they often involve waiting outside somewhere with a mad dash to the bus when it arrives.

Train: You may take a train from either Washington, D.C. or Baltimore, Md to reach Ft. Meade.
Once in D.C. or Baltimore, take the local Marc Train service to the Odenton station (about $5). The ride is less than 30 minutes.

Taxi:
Call for a taxi to meet you for a short ride to Ft. Meade (Reece Rd. entrance), The taxi is about $11.
Call for the taxi just before getting on your train. They ask 30-minutes notice. Call Odenton Taxi: 410-674-6660
or Liberty Car 443-618-5863.
People have done this route of train, bus and taxi very smoothly. Chances are you will be able to get a ride from someone back to the Odenton Station after the hearing.

Hotels, Motels, What-the-Hells:

There IS a motel VERY close to the base. DON'T go there. Even base staff say stay away. Great options are Red Roof Inns and other chains. I recommend Red Roof. www.redroof.com As cheap as $69. a night.
Hotwire: www.hotwire.com is a great value, too.
Remember, you really need to have, or be with people with, a car for these locals. There are no sidewalks, 7-11s, etc., but are only 5/10 min. from the base. Great value.

Camping:
This is NOT for the truly hard-up. Camping in a tent, sleeping bag or your car can be fun, uber green and sooooo cheap. Two are very close to Ft. Meade. www.koa.com This is a commercially-owned number with a heavy family theme. Check the site.
WWW.dnr.state.md.us is the site for the state-owned campground near the base. 2 cars, 3 tents can stay for $16. a night. Shared showers, toilets, etc.

WWW.Couchsurfing.org
Best for young people, adventurous, you know who you are.

Downtown D.C.: Really good 3 or 4 star hotels can be had through hotwire.com
These hotels are best if you want a break at night and need to get out and do something (and you can afford it).

Penniless and Beat:
If I were driving and totally broke, I might park in a cozy spot in a chain-motel parking lot. No one will question you and your horn gets a lot of attention, should you need it.

These are the best travel and accommodation ideas I can think of, off hand. If you have any questions, ask me @DavidFPowell