Washington, D.C. Hotels and City Guide

Washington - Getting There

Airport Guide

Getting to DC is relatively easy. Flights come and go on a regular basis every day. On average, flights from the states are relatively quick; California to DC has a flying time of about 4-5 hours; from London the flying time is about 8 hours, and from areas farther away such as Australia, the flying time is around 16 hours. Searching online sites for good fares and departing and arrival times you prefer is now the best way to obtain good tickets. Make sure to carefully organize all of your luggage and follow all procedures when going through terminals. Keep important papers on you, such as passports and identification, and check out other methods of travel once you leave the plane and prepare for your stay in Washington.

You can also opt for coming to DC by bus, train, or car. Each of these has their benefits and drawbacks. Buses, trains, and cars can, on occasion, be more expensive than airfare, but they also take you directly to the city without spending much more on extra transportation (as traveling from airports to the city can). Depending upon your budget, knowledge of the city, and travel preference, you can choose which method is best for you.

Washington Airport Information

Washington DC has three major airports that bring people in from all over the world. Other, smaller airports also serve the city, but can be more expensive.

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD): This facility located in Chantilly, VA. Only 26 miles from downtown DC, it opened in 1962 and has numerous domestic and international flights coming and going daily. It hosts 11 domestic legacy and low fare carriers as well as 22 international carriers. The airport is constantly seeking ways to improve itself as well as its service to those using its services. A new runway opened in 2008 and an automated people mover system named AeroTrain opens in 2009. Airport users have direct access to the nearby highway through a 16-mile airport access highway, specifically for their purpose.

Other Washington Airports

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA):This is perhaps the most convenient and can be found in Arlington, Virginia, just on the west bank of the Potomac River. It is south of Washington DC and is also the closest airport to the city, receiving many passengers from around the world on a daily basis. It is a large but well organized airport.

Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI): This facility is a bit further out and is located in Maryland only 30 miles northeast of Washington DC. It is just a few miles outside of Baltimore to the south, giving you plenty of versatility in where you want to visit first.

Getting Into Washington

From IAD:

Shared Ride Services: To get to DC, simply take the Washington Flyer coach. It runs every thirty minutes, and is a round trip to the West Falls Church Metro (this is the Orange Metro Line). The commute is just less than a half hour and costs only $9. If you want a round trip ticket, it only costs $16. From this Metro station, you can travel directly to downtown DC. This will take another half hour.

Buses: If you want to travel for cheap, hop onto the Metro bus. This express bus will only cost you $3 and leaves the airport Monday through Friday on a forty-minute schedule, and typically around every hour on the weekends. It can take anywhere about an hour to reach downtown Washington DC, but also stops at Herndon, Tysons Corner, Rosslyn, and downtown L'Enfant Plaza, depending upon which line you decide to take. If you are unsure of which bus to take or where to board one, simply ask the airport staff and they will direct you to the correct places.

Taxi: You can also take a taxi into DC. It is more private, but also more costly. On average, a trip into DC from Washington Dulles International Airport costs around $50.

Car: From the airport, there are a number of different car rental bureaus at your fingertips. Because traffic is so complicated, though, it may be best to choose another service.

From DCA:

By Rail: Walking from the A terminal, it will take you only 5 to 10 minutes to reach a Metrorail platform. Several walkways directly connect to the Metrorail, which can ferry you directly into downtown DC. The trip on the Metrorail from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport takes only about 10 minutes. Know where you want to go and check the color-coded lines on the maps provided.

By Taxi: Taxis can also pick you up and take you right into the heart of DC. A trip will typically cost you about $15. If at any time you are unsure of what to do, simply ask for help from the airport staff and you will be directed to the correct areas.

By Car: While there are lots of car rental facilities available at the airport, it will take you some time to navigate the traffic surrounding the airport. Try to rent a unit with a built-in GPS navigation system to help avoid traffic hang-ups while you’re in the city.

To get great deals and quotes on car rental at New York airports, visit out Car Rental page.

From BWI:

By Bus: The DC Metro bus makes regular stops at the airport, offering plenty of transportation to those just off the plane. Buses arrive on an hourly basis and stop at the Greenbelt Metro Station. The trip takes around 30 minutes.

By Rail: The Metrorail also connects directly to this airport, giving you a quick and easy access route to downtown DC. Board the rail outside of the International Pier. The ride will only cost you around $3.10 for a one-way trip and will take roughly another 25 minutes to bring you into downtown DC.

By Taxi: Taking a taxicab is also another option if you want a direct route to DC. However, a taxi will generally set you back $60.

By Rail
There are several railroad services you can take to get into DC. Several of them arrive directly at Union Station downtown, which can save you money on taxis or buses and give you an easier time if you have a lot of luggage with you.

Amtrak is the major rail line in the United States, connecting with others to provide the best service possible. Amtrak stations are located throughout the country and do directly into the heart of Washington DC. All Amtrak trains stop in downtown Union Station on the Metro’s Red Line. Here you are only a short jaunt away from the Capitol itself. Check out potential stops and timelines on Amtrak’s home page to find out whether or not your particular line will travel through DC or make a stop outside in Alexandria, Virginia instead. People visiting from the south may actually find it easier to disembark at that location and take the Metrorail to your destination instead, if it is not close to the Capitol.

The Virginia Railway Express brings passengers in from the southwest. The rail line begins in the suburbs of Virginia, such as Manassas and Fredericksburg.

The Maryland Rail Commuter brings passengers in from the north. The Maryland Rail Commuter shares lines with Amtrak in the areas between Washington’s Union Station and Baltimore’s Union Station. The trains travel down past Harpers Ferry and Baltimore. The Maryland Rail Commuter Penn Line also run past the Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, providing easy access to flights. Likewise, rails run past the New Carrollton airport. Shuttle services are provided between airports and track lines, ranging from $5-$6, depending upon your destination.

By Road
Major interstates were, and still are, prevented from running directly through Washington DC. The I-95 from both Baltimore and Richmond is the main vein that assists drivers looking for a way into Washington. Be wary of this road at the end of the week and other times (especially during hot seasons) people might plan on visiting the beach.

DC also has what is known as The Beltway. This is actually I-495, which runs through Washington. Avoid this road during peak travel times and rush hours, as it tends to vie for first place as it is one of the worst highways in the country. You should be particularly wary of the inner and outer loops (moving clockwise and counter clockwise, respectively) flanked by I-66 and I-95 during rush hour times. The inner loop is infamous for the morning traffic, while the outer loop takes on the afternoon rush. Avoid these two spots as much as possible. Many GPS navigation units now offer alternate routes that help drivers to avoid rush hour traffic (an enticing reason to invest in one if you find yourself stuck going this way more often than not). Inside The Beltway, I-66 is HOV-2 only eastbound from 7:00am to 9:00am and westbound from 4:00pm to 6:30pm. You should make note that the HOV-2 restriction applies to the entire highway and not only to specific lanes. Good alternatives include US-50, US-29, and the George Washington Parkway.

If traveling by road, plan your route carefully and pay close attention to roads once you are within DC, as they can abruptly go from two-way to one-way or may be closed for construction. Interstates end quickly; for example, I-66 ends in the western part of downtown. A few roads to take note of:

I-270 joins from I-70 in Frederick to I-495 in Bethesda
I-295 links downtown with I-495/I-95 at the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, located in Southern Prince George's County.
I-395 connects downtown with the I-495/I-95 interchange in Northern Virginia.
Route 50 passes through the city laterally. It proceeds east to both Annapolis and Ocean City, both of which are located in Maryland. Ocean City is linked thanks to the Bay Bridge. It also goes west across the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge into Northern Virginia and parts west.

By Bus
Heading into DC via bus is a solid way to travel. No waiting for luggage, no worries about navigating through traffic, and it heads directly into the city to drop you off at locations that other visitors will travel to just to see.

Greyhound stops in Washington DC at 1005 1st St NE. This is just north of Union Station by a couple of blocks. From Union Station, you can catch a cab, regular bus, or the Red Line Metrorail to get to your hotel, or if you haven’t come from very far away, start your sightseeing right away. The price of a fair is around $20 (or $35 for the returning fare) from NYC. Fares will vary depending upon the times and seasons that you decide to take your trip, though they are often cheaper if you plan them farther in advance. Greyhound stations can be found throughout the country, making travel arrangements fairly easy.

Apex Bus makes its way from several cities in neighboring states such as Philadelphia and New York. Buses stop in Washington, D.C. is on 610 Eye St. NW. The cost of the fare is $20 (or $35 if you require a returning faire) from NYC and $15 ($20 for return trip) from Philadelphia. You don’t have to purchase your fares in advance.

Vamoose Bus is another affordable option and follows a route that extends from Penn Station in New York down to Bethesda. From here, you can board the Washington Metro and choose your destination, whether your goal is a hotel or directly to the sights in downtown DC. At a comfortable $25, the buses are spotless and their stops are directly along the side of the street. This allows passengers to avoid the crowds at various bus terminals within Washington. Vamoose is a popular service, so you need to make online reservations in order to secure a seat.

Megabus provides service directly out of New York City. Passengers disembark from the buses at the South-eastern corner of Eleventh and G. This is directly near the Metro Center’s entrance, allowing you to move from the bus to the rail lines should you need to. An impressive part of this particular bus service is that, if ordered far enough in advance, you can obtain a ticket for just $1.

BoltBus also runs from NYC. Similar to Megabus, the fares are as low as a dollar, but you have to make sure you order them them pretty far ahead of time. They also make their stop at eleventh and G, giving you direct access to the Metrorail and additional transportation should you need it.

Goto Bus allows you to search through several carriers and make comparisons. They even offer discounts from time to time, allowing you to save on bus fare, especially if you live farther away.

If you live in New York City, there are plenty of independent bus companies to choose from that make daily runs from New York to DC. With a bit of searching and comparing, you should be able to find a rate that works for you.

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