GETTING to DC Three major airports handle more than 1,000 international and domestic departures daily: ▶ Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) , closest to DC, served by Metro ▶ Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) , about 26 miles west of DC in Dulles, Virginia ▶ Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) , south of Baltimore, 30 miles from DC BYPLANE Dulles International Airport, photo by J. David Buerk Photography Metro Union Station, photo by Keith Lowry BYTRAIN Union Station is the country’s second busiest Amtrak station. The station also services the Virginia Railway Express (VRE), which o ers service between Northern Virginia and DC, and Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC), o ering commuter rail service for neighboring Maryland. BYCAR The Capital Beltway (I-495) encircles the city, while I-66, I-395 and I-95 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. BYBUS Companies including Greyhound , Peter Pan , BoltBus , Megabus and BestBus all o er 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 and buses arrive every 10 minutes. SmarTrip cards o er discounted rates from transfers. For bus charters, see the Bus Charter Rental list-ings beginning on page 122. CARS Taxis in DC accept credit cards. Fares start at $3.25 and are metered. A 15-20% tip is customary. Uber and Ly also provide service throughout the metro DC area, and include options ranging from ride-shares to luxury SUVs. ONFOOT ONBIKE DC has numerous public parks and walkable neighborhoods, making navigation on foot easy. METRO Cycle around DC with Mobike, LimeBike, Spin, Jump DC and Capital Bikeshare , bike-sharing systems that serve the area, or rent wheels from Bike and Roll DC . 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. Tip: The new Silver Line connects DC and retail mecca Tysons Corner. WASHINGTON.ORG | 9
Washington DC Event Planner Guide Washington DC Event Planning Guide 2018: Page 9
