Car

The U.S. capitol dominates the skyline as well as the grid, sitting as it does at the center of four quadrants, NE, NW, SE, and SW. Within each quadrant, numbered streets run north-south, lettered streets run east-west, and state-named streets run diagonally. With this system, you'll always know where you're at relative to the Capitol.

However, it's best to avoid driving within the District. The traffic is heavy and the streets can be confusing, with traffic circles instead of intersections and streets that change direction at rush hour. Furthermore, street parking is limited, and private lots and garages are expensive. Unless you are traveling outside the District, you're better off leaving your car at the hotel and using other forms of transportation.

Public Transport

Washington DC DC Rapid Transit Map

Taxis are abundant in Washington, DC, but consider using the Metrorail subway system for fast, reliable, and inexpensive transportation around the city.

Subway: Metrorail stations are marked with tall brown pillars with a large "M" on top. Each pillar has colored stripes indicating which train lines run through the station. Maps of the Metrorail system are posted at every station. You can also get route information and a map of the system by contacting the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (202-637-7000). The subway is open from 5 AM to midnight Sunday to Thursday, closing at 3 AM Friday and Saturday nights and from 8:00 AM to midnight on weekends. It opens at 7 AM Saturday and Sunday. Rail farecards can be purchased from machines inside the stations. The basic fare is $1.35, but fares go up depending on the trip length and time of day. Children under five years of age ride free and transfers to the bus system from the subway are free. Passes that allow unlimited riding for a day are available at Metro Sales Outlets and at many banks, grocery stores, and hotels.

Bus: Metro Buses run thought the city and transfers between routes are free. Bus rides within the District cost $1.20. For route information, contact the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (202-637-7000).

Taxi: Washington DC taxis charge according to a zone system, not a metered rate. Rates, by law, must be posted inside the cab. In addition to the zoned fare there are surcharges for additional passengers ($1.50), rush hour riders ($1.00 between 7 and 9:30 AM and 4 and 6:30 PM) and rides dispatched in response to phone calls ($2). Also add on a $1.50 fuel surcharge. Suburban cabs use metered rates; they may take you between the suburbs and the District, but not between destinations inside the District. Major cab companies include Yellow (202-544-1212) and Diamond (202-387-6200).

Airport

Washington Dulles International Airport

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is the major airport serving Washington, DC. Visitors also fly from Dulles International Airport (IAD) located roughly 25 miles west of Washington DC, or Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI), which is about an hour away.

Transportation from the airports to downtown Washington DC:Always check whether your hotel provides free airport transportation. If you take a taxi, ask your driver about the fare before you leave to avoid being overcharged.

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

Subway: A pedestrian bridge connects Terminals B and C with the Metrorail station. Passengers arriving at Terminal A will need to take the shuttle bus to the Metrorail station. From there, take either the Blue Line or Yellow Line into the city. (202-637-7000)

Shuttle: Shuttle service is provided by Airport Express (301-588-0455) and Royal Airport Shuttle (800-653-0888). Reservations are required.

Taxi: Dispatchers are located at terminal exits. Fares are metered and should be about $15 to downtown.

Dulles International Airport

Bus: The Washington Flyer Coach Service (703-572-8400) will take you to West Falls Church Metrorail station where you can take the Orange Line into the city.

Shuttle:Service is offered by Royal Airport Shuttle (800-653-0888); reservations are required.

Taxi: Washington Flyer Taxicabs (703-661-6655) is the exclusive cab service for the airport. Fares are metered and all major credit cards are accepted. Fares will run $50-$65 from Dulles.

Baltimore/Washington International

Rail:Amtrak (800-872-7245) and Maryland Rail Commuter Service (800-325-7245) trains go from BWI to Washington DC's Union Station. The ride takes about 30 minutes.

Taxi: The taxi stand is located outside of the baggage claim area of the Lower Level. Fares to downtown Washington DC will run $60-$65 from BWI. For more information, call 410-859-1100.

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