Washington, D.C. Hotels and City Guide

Washington - Transportation

Getting Around

Getting Around Washington

Getting around Washington can be fairly easy, but it depends upon where you want to go, what time you decide to go there, and what method of transportation you decide to use. There are several options available to you, and each one is sure to put you right where you want to be. The only difference is how you prefer to travel and how much you want to spend getting there.

Washington is a big city, and it is split into four unequal quadrants that each have their own unique sights and places to visit. The boundaries stretch from the Capitol itself, breaking DC into the Northwest, Northeast, Southeast, and Southwest. A quick glance at any map will show you that the streets are organized into a grid pattern, which can help with navigation. Streets that run north and south tend to be named with numbers, whereas east and west running streets are named with letters. If you cruise along any diagonal roads, expect them to be named after states. The four quadrants can all contain the same streets since they run throughout much of DC, so when looking for addresses, expect to see a directional marking in addition to the street, for example, 9th Street SW.

By Car

For people who live nearby, the thought of taking a car into Washington can be tempting. However, unless you are quite familiar with the area, know of places to park, and have done so before, cruising around on your own can pose a bit of a challenge. The roads are indeed well signed and organized, but there are few places to actually park your car, and what’s more, parking in the wrong place can leave you with a hefty fine. Parking rules are strictly enforced. Likewise, with any road you can expect the unexpected. Certain roads will suddenly change from two-way to one-way, thus forcing you to make a turn you hadn’t anticipated. Damage to streets or other construction can lead to street closures, making for another necessary side trip to somewhere not on your plan.

Because DC is a bustling city, there will also be plenty of congestion, especially during peak hours of the day, such as just before 9 and just after 5. Downtown Washington can turn into a bit of a labyrinth for those who unwittingly drive in without a map or prior knowledge of how to navigate the area. If you are set on driving, purchase or rent a GPS navigation unit which will automatically recalculate directions should something go awry.

Likewise, if you are determined to see the sights behind the wheel, there are several scenic drives you can take:

• Pennsylvania Avenue from 14th Street NW toward the Capitol
• Embassy Row – Massachusetts Avenue from Scott Circle to Wisconsin Avenue
• The George Washington Memorial Parkway, which follows the Potomac on the Virginia side
• Reservoir Road from Georgetown to the Clara Barton Parkway, continuing to the Capitol Beltway
• Rock Creek Parkway, which follows Rock Creek, then the Potomac to the Lincoln Memorial

By Taxi

Choosing the secondary option of having someone who knows the lay of the land drive you around is always a great choice. You don’t have to worry about parking or gas; just pay for getting from point A to point B and you’re done.

The taxicabs in Washington calculate fares by using standard time and distance meters. Rates are competitive, often $3.00 for the first 1/6th of a mile and then 25 cents for every 1/6th mile afterward. Much of what you plan to see in Washington is in quick driving distance of each other, so rides aren’t likely to last too long. The maximum fare is $19.00 for a single person. Each additional person in the cab will add on $1.50. Seasons also matter; if there is a declared snow emergency, a 25% fee will also be added to the total. There is no rush hour fee, but because traffic can become a problem, many cabs will include 25 cents for every minute they are stopped within traffic or stuck driving below 10mph.

Taxi drivers expect to be paid in cash and can give change when necessary. Generally, credit and debit cards are not accepted, but if you do need a receipt, the meters within the taxis can print them when you request it of the driver.

If you need to travel outside of the immediate area onto an interstate, you can do so without worry in a taxi. There is no maximum fare here and instead the fares are the same as standard rates. Trips on the interstate have been standardized by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. There is, however, an exception when it comes to traveling from an airport. In fact, it is illegal for non-DC taxis to take on people while in the area. This rule is also enforced for DC taxis within Maryland or Virginia. However, they know where they can and cannot go, so there is no worry for you when you step off your plane.

Public Transport

By Bus
What is technically known as the Metrobus, the bus system in Washington is controlled by the Metropolitan Transit Authority. Buses run all throughout DC from some of the main attractions all the way out to the suburbs. You can find pamphlets about bus service and pathways in many shops and from street vendors. If you see a red, white, or blue signpost, chances are you’ve just found a bus stop. By tracing map routes to the stops, you can find out where you want to be in order to get to where you need to be. Buses are prompt and quick, as well as a great way to travel and cheap to boot.

Fare on a bus is only $1.25, and $3.00 if you choose an express route. It is even cheaper (35 cents) when you have a Metrorail transfer planned. Children under the age of four can ride for free. Exact change is important when choosing a bus; they can take paper money, but because the machines are automatic, cannot accept anything that requires you to receive change. A dollar and a quarter can get you to your desired tour place in no time.

Buses can be crowded, especially during peak travel times. You may find yourself standing and holding onto a rail as opposed to actually sitting in a seat. If you feel like traveling economically, a bus is a great way to go. It offers plenty of character and allows you to watch the sights as they go by during your trip.

By Metro
Metrorail Hours of Operation:
5:00am-Midnight Mondays through Thursdays
5:00am-3:00am on Fridays
7:00am-3:00am on Saturdays
7:00am-Midnight on Sundays

The Metrorail, or just the Metro, is one of DC’s popular methods of travel by both visitors who are curious as well as the everyday man working in the city. This subway system is managed by DC, Maryland, Virginia and the federal government. Federal funding help to keep the areas clean, well-lit, and comfortable for travelers. Both the trains and their stations are climate controlled, have plenty of staff ready to help, and are reasonably priced. Traveling by the Metrorail is safe and reliable; it will get you to almost anywhere you want to be in a matter of minutes, no matter what type of travel you are doing. There are five rail lines that all intersect, allowing for easy transferring from one train to another. The rail publishes a small guide to show the lines, stops, and places of interest you may want to see.

The cost of a Metrorail ride depends upon your plans. A single ride can cost a minimum of $1.35, but if you want different passes that allow for more flexibility, you have plenty of options. A one day pass costs $6.50 and a weekly pass costs $32.50. If you need a special pass, ask at the Sales & Information office within the Metro Center Station, at the Metro’s website, or at Safeway and Giant stores within the city.

In order to get on the Metro, you will need one of these passes. A pass is a computerized card and you can purchase one at self-service machines within the station entrances. Though $1.35 is the standard single ride cost, the prices may change depending upon your destination, length of trip, and times of day (such as rush hour). If you are unsure how much to purchase, examine the station-to-station chart to see what the fares are. Once you have your farecard, it becomes your key to moving through the turnstiles in the stations. They remove the correct amounts as you go. If you run out of money on your farecard, there is no need to worry, as Addfare machines are located nearby that allow you to add money to the card.

If you have a disability, be wary of elevators and escalators that happen to be broken at the time of your visit. Be sure to call or check the Metro web page to look up notices about out of order machinery in order to find ways to avoid those areas.

While riding the Metro, be sure to be courteous and observe all rules and regulations to avoid fines or possible arrest.

• No food or drinks are allowed on the trains or in the stations. Make sure to dispose of any food or beverage items before entering a station.
• Stand to the right while riding an escalator. This allows others to pass by on the left if they are in a hurry.
• Riders exiting a train have the right-of-way; do not try to board while people are leaving.
• Train doors do not reopen automatically in the same way that elevator doors do. Be sure to keep your hands, feet, and any items well away from them when they are closing and never try to prevent them from doing so.

Know the closing times of each day and know when the last train will leave its station. No more trains will run afterward, but you will be able to reach your desired location even after closing time. Trains do not simply stop once closing time is reached. They all finish their respective routes and let passengers off. If you miss the Metro, you will have to take another means of transportation such as a taxi or a bus. Bus lines often connect with Metro stations and also offer lower fares when you make a transfer. Fares are only 35 cents when you transfer from Metro to bus and vice versa.
Pay close attention to the color-coding of Metro rail lines. There are times when two train lines use the same track. Their termination spots may also vary, so examine where each train finally stops and do not assume they will always go to the end of a line. Here is a quick rundown of the colors, lines, and their attractions.

• Red Line — This line creates a "U" from suburban Montgomery County, Maryland through downtown DC. Attractions along this route include the Union Station (Amtrak), the Verizon Center, National Zoo, and the National Basilica.
• Yellow Line — Connecting Fort Totten station to Alexandria via the Washington Convention Center, the Verizon Center, the 14th Street Bridge, and Reagan National Airport.
• Green Line — Creates a "C" shape and links Greenbelt and Suitland, Maryland through downtown Washington. Places along the way include the University of Maryland, Columbia Heights, U Street, the Southwest Waterfront, and Anacostia.
• Blue Line — Connects Largo Town Center, Maryland to Franconia, Virginia through downtown Washington. You may feel like stopping to check out the city of Alexandria, Reagan National Airport, Arlington Cemetery, Rosslyn, Foggy Bottom, the National Mall, Capitol Hill, and RFK Stadium.
• Orange Line —Vienna, Virginia connects to New Carrollton, Maryland through downtown DC on this line. Attractions along this route are Wilson Boulevard entertainment corridor, Rosslyn, Foggy Bottom, the National Mall, and RFK Stadium.

Hotels in Washington, D.C.