VISITOR INFORMATION Metro Station G IN T T GE AND GETTING TO DC BY PLANE Three major airports typically handle more than 1,000 international and domestic departures daily: • Ronald Reagan Washington GUIDE T rund which off ers service between Northern Virginia and DC and the Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC), which provides commuter rail service for neighboring Maryland. 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 . DC BUSES The DC Circulator (dccirculator.com) connects many neighborhoods and attractions. It costs $1 for one regular fare. SmarTrip cards off er discounted rates from transfers. For bus charters, see the Bus Charter Rental listings beginning on page 112. GETTING AROUND DC 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. National Airport (DCA) , closest to DC, served by Metro. Features a new 14-gate concourse Airport (IAD) , 26 miles west of DC in Dulles, Virginia. Served by Metro International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) , south of Baltimore, 32 miles from DC • Washington Dulles International 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. PL ANNING • Baltimore/Washington BY BUS Companies including Greyhound, Peter Pan, BoltBus, Megabus and BestBus all off er service from Union Station. Or, let Destination DC recommend a transportation company. EVENT BY TRAIN Union Station is the country’s second busiest Amtrak station. The station also services Metro, the Virginia Railway Express (VRE), ON FOOT DC has numerous public parks and walkable neighborhoods, making navigation on foot easy. Order a free map today on washington.org. 8
Source Event Planner 2024 Event Planning Guide: Page 8
