2023-11-24 00:35:46
With three nearby airports, trains pulling into Union Station and an interstate system known as the Capital Beltway, reaching Washington, DC is easy. Once you’re in the District, getting around is easy, too, thanks to public transportation, access to taxis, Uber and Lyft and walkable, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods. Find more information on washington.org. GETTING TO DC BY PLANE Three major airports typically handle more than 1,100 international and domestic departures daily: • Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), closest to DC, served by Metro. Features a new 14-gate concourse • Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), about 26 miles west of DC in Dulles, Virginia • Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), south of Baltimore, 32 miles from DC BY TRAIN Union Station is the country’s second busiest Amtrak station. The station also services Metro, the Virginia Railway Express (VRE), which offers service between Northern Virginia and DC, and the Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC), which provides commuter rail service for neighboring Maryland. BY CAR The Capital Beltway (I-495) and I-95 encircle the city, while I-66 and I-395 lead into DC. It is recommended to park at a hotel or public garage and then use public transportation or chartered transportation provided for groups. Renting a car is unnecessary unless you plan to leave the metro area. BY BUS Companies including Greyhound, Peter Pan, BoltBus, Megabus and BestBus all offer service from Union Station. Or, let Destination DC recommend a transportation company. GETTING AROUND DC BUSES The DC Circulator (dccirculator.com) connects many neighborhoods and attractions. It costs $1 for one regular fare. SmarTrip cards offer discounted rates from transfers. For bus charters, see the Bus Charter Rental listings beginning on page 110. CARS Taxis in DC accept credit cards. Fares start at $3.50 and are metered. A 15-20% tip is customary. Uber and Lyft also provide service throughout the metro DC area, and include options ranging from ride-shares to luxury SUVs. ON FOOT DC has numerous public parks and walkable neighborhoods, making navigation on foot easy. Order a free map today on washington.org. ON BIKE Cruise around DC on a battery-powered scooter or one of the bike-sharing systems that serve the area, such as Capital Bikeshare. You can also rent wheels and a helmet from Unlimited Biking. METRO Metro transit services make DC accessible and easy to navigate. The underground train and citywide bus system (Metrorail and Metrobus) serve the area. Most major hotels and attractions are near Metrorail stops. Additionally, the Silver Line extension to Dulles Airport opened in late 2022.
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