| Transit • Reagan National Airport (DCA) |
General Information
Phone: |
703-417-8000 |
Lost & Found: |
703-417-0673 |
Parking: |
703-417-7275 |
Website: |
Overview
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (or National, to DC locals) is a small, easy-to-navigate airport located practically downtown, perfect for business travelers and politicians alike. It’s also the only airport in the greater metropolitan area directly accessible by Metro. But alas, for those of us not on expense accounts or the public dole, prices can be prohibitive. If you want a discounted direct flight to Madagascar or enjoy flying on the cattle cars that charge $15 for a roundtrip to Aruba, you’ll have to fly from Dulles or BWI. National is too small to host many planes or airlines, making it a short-haul airport with direct connections to cities typically no more than 1,250 miles away.
How to Get There—Driving
From DC, take I-395 S to Exit 10 (“Reagan National Airport/Mount Vernon”). Get on the GW Parkway S, and take the Reagan Airport exit. If you’re in Virginia headed north on I-395, ignore the first exit you see for the airport (Exit 8C/”to US 1/Crystal City/Pentagon City/Reagan National Airport”) and continue on to Exit 10 S. It’s quicker and easier. Remember to watch out for Officer Friendly and his trusty radar gun as you enter the airport property.
Parking
Parking at Reagan is not cheap. Rates for Hourly Garages (A, B, and C) are $5 per hour (or fraction of) with a $34 maximum for 24 hours. The three Daily Garages (A, B, and C) cost $22 for 24 hours, or $5 per hour (or fraction of). The terminals are an easy walk from Garages A, B, and C and can be accessed through enclosed or underground walkways. If you’re heading out for a few days, we suggest you park in the economy lot for only $14 per day. Shuttle buses run between the economy lot and garages to all terminals.
How to Get There—Mass Transit
The Blue and Yellow Lines have a Metrorail stop adjacent to Terminals B and C. If you’re headed to Terminal A, a free shuttle bus will run you there or you can lug your bags on a ten-minute walk. Metro buses are also available from the base of the Metrorail station for areas not served by the rail.
How to Get There—Ground Transportation
SuperShuttle offers door-to-door served to DCA as long as you call 24 hours in advance. They also have a shuttle that goes regularly between DCA and Union Station. Call the reservation line on 800-BLUEVAN or go to www.supershuttle.com to book online. A cab ride to downtown DC will set you back less than $15. DC, Virginia, and Maryland taxis are available at the exits of each terminal. Red Top Cab - Arlington: 703-522-3333; Yellow Cab - DC: 202-TAXI-CAB; Yellow Cab - Arlington: 703-534-1111. And if you’re feeling a bit flashy, stretch limousines and executive-class sedans start at approximately $35 for downtown Washington. Airport Access: 202-498-8708; Airport Connection: 202-393-2110; Roadmaster: 800-283-5634; Silver Car: 410-992-7775.
Rental Cars—On-Airport (Garage A)
Alamo • 800-462-5266
Avis • 800-331-1212
Budget • 800-527-0700
Dollar • 800-800-4000
Enterprise • 800-736-8222
National • 800-227-7368
Rental Cars—Off-Airport
Advantage • 800-777-5500
Dollar • 800-800-4000
Enterprise • 800-736-8222
Hotels—Arlington
Crowne Plaza •1480 Crystal Dr • 703-416-1600
Crystal City Marriott • 1999 Jefferson Davis Hwy • 703-413-5500
Crystal City Courtyard by Marriott • 2899 Jefferson Davis Hwy • 703-549-3434
Crystal Gateway Marriott • 1700 Jefferson Davis Hwy • 703-920-3230
Radisson Inn • 2020 Jefferson Davis Hwy • 703-920-8600
Doubletree Crystal City • 300 Army Navy Dr • 703-416-4100
Econo Lodge • 6800 Lee Hwy • 703-538-5300
Embassy Suites • 1300 Jefferson Davis Hwy • 703-979-9799
Hilton • 2399 Jefferson Davis Hwy • 703-418-6800
Holiday Inn • 2650 Jefferson Davis Hwy • 703-684-7200
Hyatt Regency • 2799 Jefferson Davis Hwy • 703-418-1234
Ritz Carlton Pentagon City • 1250 S Hayes St • 703-415-5000
Residence Inn • 550 Army Navy Dr • 703-413-6630
Sheraton • 1800 Jefferson Davis Hwy • 703-486-1111
Hotels—Washington
Hamilton Crowne Plaza • 1001 14th & K Sts NW • 202-682-0111
Grand Hyatt • 1000 H St NW • 202-582-1234
Hilton Washington • 1919 Connecticut Ave NW • 202-483-3000
Hilton Embassy Row • 2015 Massachusetts Ave NW • 202-265-1600
Holiday Inn • 415 New Jersey Ave NW • 202-638-1616
Homewood Suites by Hilton • 1475 Massachusetts Ave NW • 202-265-8000
Hyatt Regency • 400 New Jersey Ave NW • 202-737-1234
Marriott Wardman Park • 2660 Woodley Rd NW • 202-328-2000
Red Roof Inn • 500 H St NW • 202-289-5959
Renaissance Mayflower Hotel • 1127 Connecticut Ave NW • 202-347-3000
Renaissance Washington DC • 999 9th St NW • 202-898-9000
| Airline | Terminal |
Air Canada/Jazz |
A |
Air Tran |
A |
Alaska |
B |
American Airlines |
B |
Delta/Connection |
B |
Frontier |
A |
Jet Blue |
A |
Southwest |
A |
Sun Country Airlines |
A |
United Airlines |
B |
US Airways/Express/Shuttle |
C |
Virgin America |
B |
| Transit • Dulles International Airport (IAD) |
General Information
Address: |
45020 Aviation Dr Sterling, VA 20166 (not that you’re going to send them anything, really) |
Information: |
703-572-2700 |
Parking: |
703-572-4500 |
Lost & Found: |
703-572-8479 |
Website: |
Overview
The Mod Squad of airports, Dulles was born in 1958 when Finnish architect Eero Saarinen had a hankering to channel his training as a sculptor and create something groovy. His design for the terminal building and the control tower was so hip it received a First Honor Award from the American Institute of Architects in 1966. A distinctive swoosh roof over a squat building, Dulles still stands out as a stunning exhibit of modernist architecture and was the first airport in the US designed specifically for commercial jets. The “mobile lounges” that were formerly the only means of transportation between the the main terminal building and the outlying terminals were largely replaced recently by the much ballyhooed AeroTrain project, which finally made its debut in January of 2010. The stunningly old mobile lounges were considered debonair when they were engineered back in 1962, but the new Aerotrain leaves you asking “mobile what?” Sleek, shiny, and a heck of a lot less rickety, the $1.4 billion service transports passengers between the Main Terminal building and Concourses A, B and C. The Aerotrain, designed by Mitsubishi, uses rubber tires and guides large cars along a fixed underground guideway. In addition to looking pretty snazzy, the new system’s trains run every two minutes, in stark contrast for the 15-minute-wait commuters spend in anticipating of the mobile lounges. But never fear, nostalgia junkies: You can still enjoy mobile lounges at the far end of Concourse A and D. In terms of ticket prices, BWI may have AirTran, but Dulles has Jet Blue and Southwest to help keep fares low, and starting in 2007, Virgin America began its attempts to hipsterize the flying experience. Note: “Washington” was officially added to the “Dulles International Airport” moniker after too many people inadvertently booked flights to Dallas, not Dulles, and vice-versa. No joke.
How to Get There—Driving
Most people get to Dulles the old fashioned way: they drive. To get to Washington Dulles Airport from downtown DC, drive west on I-66 to Exit 67. Follow signs to the airport. Be sure to use the Dulles Access Road, which avoids the tolls and traffic found on the parallel Dulles Toll Road (Rt. 267). But don’t get cocky and try to use the Access Road to avoid tolls at other times—once you’re on these access lanes, there’s no exit until you reach the airport.
Since its inception a few years ago, the Cell Phone Waiting Area has been a smash hit. Circling around and around the airport like a hawk while waiting for friends and family to deboard and collect their baggage is blessedly a thing of the past. The waiting area is located at the intersection of Rudder Road and Autopilot Drive. Just follow the signs as you enter the airport grounds. It is free of charge and the maximum waiting time is one hour.
Parking
Hourly (short-term) parking is located in front of the terminal and costs $5 per hour and $36 per day. Daily parking is available for $4 per hour and $17 per day. There are shuttle buses and walkways (albeit lengthy ones from Garage 1) directly to the main terminal. Economist parking (long-term) is available in the four economy parking lots (Blue, Green, Gold, and Purple) located along Rudder Road. Economist parking costs $5 per hour and $10 per day. If you’re short on time or energy and long on cash, valet parking is located in front of the terminal and costs $35 for the first 24 hours and $25 per day thereafter. Parking in any lot for less than 20 minutes is free. Take your parking ticket with you as you can pay for your parking in the main terminal on your way out.
How to Get There—Mass Transit
The Metrorail doesn’t go all the way to Dulles Airport…yet. The Silver Line is finally under construction, but until the dust settles you can take the Orange Line to West Falls Church Metro station and transfer to the Washington Flyer Coach service, which leaves every 30 minutes from the station. The coach fare costs $10 one-way ($18 round-trip), and the fare for the Metrorail leg will depend on exactly where you’re coming from or headed to. A trip from West Falls Church to the Convention Center in downtown DC costs from $1.95 to $4.05, depending on whether or not it’s rush hour. Check www.washfly.com for Flyer schedules. There are no “regular” taxis from Dulles to any destination—the Flyer is it, and you should avoid all other pitchmen. You can also take Metrobus 5A, which runs from L’Enfant Plaza to Dulles, stopping at Rosslyn Metro Station on the Orange and Blue Lines. The express bus costs $6 each way.
How to Get There—Ground Transportation
Super Shuttle offers service to Dulles from anywhere in the state of Maryland and runs a shuttle between the airport and Union Station. Call (800-258-3826) to book your seat. At the airport, you’ll find them outside the Main Terminal. Washington Flyer Taxicabs serve Dulles International Airport exclusively with 24-hour service to and from the airport. Taxis accept American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Discover Card, and Visa and charge metered rates to any destination in metropolitan Washington. If you’re heading to downtown DC, it will cost you between $44 and $50. For more information, or to book a car, call 703-661-6655.
Rental Cars
Alamo • 800-832-7933
Avis • 800-331-1212
Budget • 800-527-0700
Dollar • 800-800-4000
Alamoot (off-airport) • 800-630-6967
Enterprise • 800-736-8222
Hertz • 800-654-3131
National • 800-227-7368
Thrifty • 800-367-2277
Hotels—Herndon, VA
Comfort Inn • 200 Elden St • 703-437-7555
Courtyard by Marriott • 533 Herndon Pkwy • 703-478-9400
Crowne Plaza • 2200 Centreville Rd • 703-471-6700
Embassy Suites • 13341 Woodland Park Dr • 703-464-0200
Hilton • 13869 Park Center Rd • 703-478-2900
Holiday Inn Express • 485 Elden St • 703-478-9777
Hyatt Hotels & Resorts • 2300 Dulles Corner Blvd • 703-713-1234
Marriott Hotels • 13101 Worldgate Dr • 703-709-0400
Residence Inn • 315 Elden St • 703-435-0044
Staybrdige Suites •13700 Coppermine Rd • 703-713-6800
Hotels—Sterling, VA
Country Inn & Suites • 45620 Falke Plz • 703-435-2700
Courtyard by Marriott • 45500 Majestic Dr • 571-434-6400
Fairfield Inn • 23000 Indian Creek Dr • 703-435-5300
Hampton Inn • 45440 Holiday Park Dr • 703-471-8300
Marriott Towneplace • 22744 Holiday Park Dr • 703-707-2017
Marriott • 45020 Aviation Dr • 703-471-9500
| Transit • Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) |
General Information
Information: |
800-435-9294 |
Lost & Found: |
410-859-7387 |
Parking: |
800-468-6294 |
Police: |
410-859-7040 |
Website: |
Overview
When Friendship International Airport opened in 1950, it was widely touted as one of the most sophisticated and advanced airports in the nation. In 1993, Southwest Airlines moved in, bringing with them their cheap, and wildly popular, cattle cars of the sky. But this bargain-basement tenant has turned BWI into a boomtown—a spanking new expanded Terminal A for Southwest only opened in 2005. Other major carriers have since joined the dirt-cheap-fares bandwagon, resulting in generally cheaper flights to and from BWI than you’ll find flying into and out of Dulles or Reagan. It’s a helluva haul from the city (yet pretty close for Maryland suburbanites), but sometimes time really isn’t money, and cheap fares trump convenience. In October 2005, BWI was officially renamed Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport in honor of native Baltimorean and first African-American Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. If you do find yourself at BWI, know that in 2007 they won the little-known “Best Overall Concessions” award in the medium-sized airport category, so you’ll be well-fed before your flight.
How to Get There—Driving
From downtown DC, take New York Avenue (US 50) eastbound to the Baltimore/Washington Parkway N to I-195 E. From the Capital Beltway (I-495/95), take the I-95 N exit in Maryland (Exit 27), and then continue north to I-195 E. I-195 ends at the entrance to BWI.
Parking
Hourly parking is located across from the terminal building. The first and second 30 minutes of parking (which you may spend looking for a space) are $2 each, and the rest of your time costs $4 per hour and $22 per day. Daily parking is available for $3 the first and second hours each, $2 for each additional hour and $12 per day. Express Service Parking (ESP) is located on Aviation Boulevard across from the Air Cargo Complex and is $4 for the first hour, $2 each additional hour and $10 each day. If you’re going to be gone a while, you might want to try the long-term parking lots, which is $8 per day. A new service called “Credit Card In/Credit Card Out” allows you to swipe the plastic of your choice upon entering and exiting an hourly parking facility, eliminating the fun of losing your parking ticket. The “Pay & Go” service allows you to pay your parking fee for the hourly lot in the Skywalk adjacent to the main terminal before you return to your car.
BWI also has a Cell Phone Parking lot located at the entrance to the “Daily B” parking lot on Elm Road. You can wait there for your mother-in-law to arrive. Just remember to turn your phone on.
How to Get There—Mass Transit
Any which way you go, expect to devote a few hours to mimicking a Richard Scarry character. MARC’s Penn Line and Amtrak trains service the BWI Rail Station from Union Station in DC (Massachusetts Ave & First St NE) and cost between $6 and $34. A word of caution, though: the MARC train only runs Monday through Friday, leave the more expensive Amtrak your only option. The Light Rail train now provides service between Baltimore and BWI. A free shuttle bus takes passengers from the train station to the airport. Alternatively, you can take the Metro Green Line to the Greenbelt station and catch the Express Metro Bus/B30 to BWI. The Express bus runs every 40 minutes and costs $6.
How to Get There—Ground Transportation
The Airport Shuttle offers door-to-door service within the state of Maryland. Call 800-776-0323 for reservations. For door-to-door service to BWI, Super Shuttle (800-258-3826) services all of the DC airports. The BWI taxi stand is located just outside of baggage claim on the lower level. The ride to DC usually costs about $65. 410-859-1100.
Rental Cars
Avis • 410-859-1680
Alamo • 410-859-8092
Budget • 410-859-0850
Dollar • 800-800-4000
Enterprise • 800-325-8007
Hertz • 410-850-7400
National • 410-859-8860
Thrifty • 410-859-7139
Hotels
Four Points by Sheraton • 7032 Elm Rd • 410-859-3300
Amerisuites • 940 International Dr • 410-859-3366
Best Western • 6755 Dorsey Rd • 410-796-3300
Candlewood Suites • 1247 Winterson Rd • 410-789-9100
Comfort Inn • 6921 Baltimore-Annapolis Blvd • 410-789-9100
Comfort Suites • 815 Elkridge Landing Rd • 410-691-1000
Courtyard by Marriott • 1671 West Nursery Rd • 410-859-8855
Econo Lodge • 5895 Bonnieview Ln • 410-796-1020
Embassy Suites • 1300 Concourse Dr • 410-850-0747
Extended Stay America • 1500 Aero Dr • 410-850-0400
Fairfield Inn by Marriot • 1737 W Nursery Rd • 410-859-2333
Hampton Inn • 829 Elkridge Landing Rd • 410-850-0600
Hampton Inn & Suites • 7027 Arundel Mills Cir • 410-540-9225
Hilton Garden Inn • 1516 Aero Dr • 410-691-0500
Holiday Inn • 890 Elkridge Landing Rd • 410-859-8400
Holiday Inn Express • 7481 New Ridge Rd • 410-684-3388
Homestead Studio Suites • 939 International Dr • 410-691-2500
Homewood Suites • 1181 Winterson Rd • 410-684-6100
Marriott • 1743 W Nursery Rd • 410-859-7500
Microtel Inn and Suites • 1170 Winterson Rd • 410-865-7500
Ramada • 7253 Parkway Dr • 410-712-4300
Red Roof Inn • 827 Elkridge Landing Rd • 410-850-7600
Residence Inn/Marriott • 1160 Winterson Rd • 410-691-0255
Residence Inn/Marriott • 7035 Arundel Mills Cir • 410-799-7332
Sleep Inn and Suites • 6055 Belle Grove Rd • 410-789-7223
Springhill Suites by Marriott • 899 Elkridge Landing Rd • 410-694-0555
Wingate Inn • 1510 Aero Dr • 410-859-000
| Transit • Airlines |
| Transit • Taxis |
General Information
DC Taxicab Commission: |
2041 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE, Ste 204 |
Phone: |
202-645-6018 |
Complaints: |
Must be in writing and mailed or emailed to dctc@dc.gov |
Web Site: |
Overview
After 70 years of an esoteric and antiquated zone system, the District has finally converted to time and distance meters. Following a long, drawn out dispute with area cab drivers, Adrian Fenty asserted his authority as mayor to make the switch—perhaps part of his campaign to make DC a “world-class city” by ditching its idiosyncratic system. Beginning in 2008, DC cabs shifted to a conventional metered system. The change has incited the ire of many DC cabbies who believe that the old “zone meter” allowed for fair fares and a more straightforward method of showing how that fair fare was calculated. Needless to say, Mayor Fenty disagreed. The new system has meant less money for drivers, but lower fares keep patrons happy. Still, don’t be surprised if your once independent cabbie is no longer his own boss, or secretly hopes to get stuck in a traffic jam.
Calculating Your Fare
With the new meters, calculating your fare should prove a much more uncomplicated matter. The meter fare stars at $3, going up 35¢ every 1/6 mile and 40¢ for every minute of time stopped or traveling under 10 mph. There is a maximum of $25 within DC (thank goodness). In snow emergencies, an additional 25% of the total is added to the original fare. The Washington Post website has published a handy online calculator for estimating your fare: www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/local/dc-taxi-fare-calculator. Keep in mind that with time and distance meters, traffic congestion will now affect patrons. Those frequently traveling during rush hour, or to areas like Capitol Hill, will find a spike in prices as compared to the zone system.
Out of Area Cabs
Taxis from Virginia and Maryland can frequently be found in DC; however, specific rules exist that limit non-DC taxis from picking up and transporting passengers in the district and around DC. However, if a non-DC taxi is dispatched directly to DC, it can pick up passengers in DC without a dispatch fee. These non-DC cabs are often less expensive when traveling out of DC to Virginia or Maryland.
Taxi Companies
Listed below are all of the major DC cab companies as well as several from Virginia and Maryland. Remember, in DC, the dispatch will cost you an extra $2.
DC Taxis |
* All area codes: 202, unless noted |
| Company | Phone |
American |
398-0529 |
A-S-K |
726-5430 |
Atlantic |
488-0609 |
Automotive Care |
554-6877 |
B & B |
561-5770 |
Barwood |
800-831-2323 |
Bay |
546-1818 |
Bell |
479-6729 |
Best |
265-7834 |
Capitol Cab |
546-2400 |
Capital Motors |
488-1370 |
Central |
484-7100 |
Checker |
398-0532 |
City |
269-0990 |
Classic |
399-6815 |
Coastline |
462-4543 |
Comfort |
398-0530 |
Courtesy |
269-2600 |
DC Express Auto |
526-5656 |
DC Express Cab |
484-8516 |
DC Flyer |
488-7611 |
Delta |
543-0084 |
Dial |
829-4222 |
Diamond |
387-6200 |
Diamond Inc. |
387-4011 |
Elite |
529-0222 |
Empire |
488-4844 |
E & P |
399-0711 |
Executive |
547-6351 |
Fairway |
832-4662 |
Family |
291-4788 |
General |
462-0200 |
Georgetown |
529-8979 |
Globe |
232-3700 |
Gold Star |
484-5555 |
Hill Top |
529-1212 |
Holiday |
628-4407 |
HTT |
484-7100 |
Liberty |
398-0505 |
Lincoln |
484-2222 |
Mayflower |
783-1111 |
Meritt Cab |
554-7900 |
National |
269-1234 |
Orange |
832-0436 |
Palm Grove |
269-2606 |
Pan Am & Imperial |
526-7125 |
Seasons |
635-3498 |
Sun |
484-7100 |
Super |
488-4334 |
VIP |
269-1300 |
Yellow |
373-3366 |
Yourway |
488-0609 |
MarylandTaxis |
* All area codes: 301 |
| Company | Phone |
Action |
840-1222 |
Action of Laurel |
776-0310 |
Airport |
577-2111 |
All County |
924-4344 |
Barwood |
984-1900 |
Blue Bird & Yellow |
864-7700 |
Checker |
816-0066 |
Community |
459-4454 |
Greenbelt |
577-2000 |
Montgomery |
926-9300 |
Regency |
990-9000 |
Silver |
577-4455 |
VirginiaTaxis |
* All area codes: 703 |
| Company | Phone |
Airport Metro |
413-4667 |
Alexandria |
549-2502 |
Arlington |
522-2222 |
Blue Top |
243-TAXI (8294) |
Crown |
528-0202 |
Diamond |
548-7505 |
King |
549-3530 |
Red Top |
522-3333 |
| Transit • Bridges |
Chances are if you live in DC and you own a car, you spend a significant amount of your time sitting in traffic on one of DC’s bridges. Despite constant congestion and deteriorating roadways, DC-area bridges do have one saving grace—no tolls! The city is also home to some of the most beautiful and architecturally significant spans in the country. The Francis Scott Key Bridge crossing the Potomac from Rosslyn, VA, into Georgetown is the best known. The Calvert Street Bridge between Woodley Park and Adams Morgan (officially named for native son Duke Ellington) and the Connecticut Avenue Bridge over Rock Creek Park (which must be seen from the parkway below to be fully appreciated) are other great examples. The Connecticut Avenue Bridge, (officially known as the William H. Taft Bridge) is also known as the “Million Dollar Bridge.” When it was built it was the most expensive concrete bridge ever constructed in the US. And what bridge would be complete without those ornamental lions on both ends?
One of DC’s largest and most notorious is the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, which is unique in two ways: 1) it’s one of only 13 drawbridges along the US interstate highway system; 2) it’s the location of one of the worst bottlenecks in the country. The Woodrow Wilson Bridge was built in 1961 with only six lanes, which was adequate at the time. Then the eastern portion of the Beltway was widened to eight lanes in the ‘70s, making this spot a perpetual hassle for DC drivers. In an attempt to alleviate this problem, a new 6,075-foot-long Potomac River Bridge was unveiled in 2008 (and was featured on an episode of National Geographic’s MegaStructures). With the addition, Woodrow Wilson Bridge currently boasts 12 lanes: six are used for local traffic, four for through traffic, and two for HOV and bus traffic. The bridge’s northern section also features pedestrian and bike paths. The new spans are 20 feet higher than the old and most boats and small ships are able to pass underneath without having to raise the bridge, much to the relief of weary commuters.
The Officer Kevin J. Welsh Memorial Bridge, which empties onto 11th Street in Southeast, was named after the police officer who drowned attempting to save a woman who jumped into the Anacostia River in an apparent suicide attempt. Note: Most people, including traffic reporters, refer to the Welsh bridge simply as the 11th Street Bridge. John Wilkes Booth escaped from Washington via a predecessor to the 11th Street Bridge after he assassinated Abraham Lincoln in 1865.
| Transit • Driving |
Overview
Driving in Washington? Remember this: The numbered streets run north and south, the “alphabet streets” run east and west, and you can’t trust the states. Or the traffic circles. Or the streets that end for no reason. Or the constant construction sites. Or the potholes as big as a senator’s head. Or the triple-parked delivery vans. Or the buses that will take your car and pedestrians out with one wrong move. Or the clueless tourists. Or the motorcades chauffeuring dignitaries and politicians around. Or the cabbies. Never trust the cabbies!
Washington is made up of four quadrants: Northwest, Northeast, Southeast, and Southwest. The boundaries are North Capitol Street, East Capitol Street, South Capitol Street, and the National Mall. Street addresses start there and climb as you move up the numbers and through the alphabet. Nota bene: There are no J, X, Y, or Z Streets. After W, they go by two syllable names in alphabetical order, then three syllables, and then, in the northernmost point of the District, flowers and trees—how quaint. Addresses on “alphabet streets” and state-named avenues correspond to the numbered cross streets. For example, 1717 K Street NW is between 17th and 18th streets. The addresses on “letter streets” correspond to the number of the letter in the alphabet. So 1717 20th Street NW is between R and S streets because they are the 17th and 18th letters in the alphabet, after you leave out “J.” Get it?
Now, some streets on the grid are created more equal than others. North and south, 7th, 9th (one-way southbound), 12th (one-way northbound), 14th, 15th, 16th, and 23rd streets NW are major thoroughfares, as are H Street, I (often referred to as “Eye”) Street, K Street, M Street, and U Street NW east and west.
The trick to driving like an insider is quick maneuvering, illegal turns, mastering the avenues named after states and knowing the highway system. Be on your best behavior when you drive near the White House (the stretch of Pennsylvania Avenue which runs outside was permanently closed to public traffic in 2001) and watch out for tourists crossing at The Mall (never has there been a group of people so ignorant of traffic signals.) If you don’t, you will probably find yourself stuck behind a Winnebago with Wisconsin plates, unable to even see all the red lights you’re catching. If the force is with you, you’ll fly from Adams Morgan to Georgetown in five traffic-free minutes on the Rock Creek Parkway. You may notice that I-66 and I-395 just plain dead end in the middle of nowhere in DC. Back in the ‘60s, when the District wanted federal funds for a subway system, the Feds said, “Highways or subways, you pick.” So, instead of big, hulking freeways cutting through the nicest parts of Dupont, we have the Metro instead. Traffic can be numbing, but we win out in the long run. Fair warning though, Virginia is the black hole for tickets. It’s certain that speeding anywhere on I-66 and I-395 will land you one.
Young grasshopper, study the maps in this book and if you get lost, always find your way back to a lettered or numbered street and you will see the light again. For every five minutes you spend looking at the maps, you will save five hours over the next year.
Because DC is still a 9-to-5 city, many traffic patterns change to accommodate rush hours. Be careful: Some streets, such as 15th and 17th streets NW and Rock Creek Parkway, convert to one-way traffic during rush hours. A good chunk of Connecticut Avenue NW above Woodley Road and a short stretch of 16th Street NW above Columbia Road have a reversible center lane during rush hour, and it’s always a hoot to watch the looks on an out-of-towner’s face when a Metrobus comes barreling at them when they think it’s their lane. Other routes, including most of downtown, ban parking during rush hours (a really expensive ticket and tow or a boot on your car). Also, Interstates 66, 95, and 395 in Virginia and I-270, and US 50 east of the Beltway in Maryland have high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes that will also earn you a big ticket and points unless you follow the rules during rush hour and have two or more people in the car.
DMV Locations
Main Branch
301 C St NW, Rm 1157, Washington, DC 20001
202-727-5000
Tues–Sat: 8:15 am–4 pm
All transactions available.
Penn Branch
3230 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC 20020
Mon–Fri: 8:15 am–4 pm
Available services: Vehicle registration (first time and renewals) and titles; driver’s license issuance and renewal; fleet transactions.
Knowledge tests are given Mon–Fri: 8:30 am–3 pm.
Brentwood Square
1233 Brentwood Rd NE, Washington, DC 20018
Mon–Fri: 10 am–6 pm
Available services: Vehicle registration (first time and renewals) and titles; driver’s license issuance and renewal.
Knowledge tests are given Mon–Fri: 10 am–5 pm.
Brentwood Road Test Lot
1205 Brentwood Rd NE, Washington, DC 20018
By appointment only, call: 202-727-5000
Available services: Road test (driver’s license only).
Shops at Georgetown Park
3222 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007
Mon–Fri: 8:15 am–4 pm
Available services: Vehicle registration renewal and driver’s license renewal.
Knowledge tests are given Mon–Fri: 8:15 am–3 pm.
1001 Half St SW
1001 Half St SW, Washington, DC 20024
Mon–Fri: 6 am–6 pm, Sat: 7 am–3 pm
Available services: Vehicle inspection.
| Transit • Parking |
General Information
Department of Transportation: |
202-673-6813, |
(DDOT) |
|
Department of Public Works: |
202-727-1000, dpw.dc.gov |
Citywide Call Center: |
202-727-1000 |
Department of Motor Vehicles: |
202-727-5000, www.dmv.dc.gov |
Overview
Parking in DC can feel like buying toilet paper in communist Russia. It’s incredibly hard to find, and even if you think you’ve lucked out, check again or it could really hurt later. Your average parking space will feature at least three or four restriction signs, sort of a parking algebra problem to solve before turning off your engine. Is your spot metered? Is it within 10 feet of a curb or a hydrant? Is it morning rush hour? Evening rush hour? Is it the weekend or a holiday? Is there street sweeping on your block? Are you in a retail district? A residential neighborhood? Is a special event going on? Is it snowing? Are you in front of a taxi stand? A delivery entrance? An embassy? And so on.
Meters
In much of DC, parking meters must be fed Monday through Friday, between 7 am and 6:30 pm. In more densely populated areas (Georgetown, convention centers, etc.), hours may extend until 10 pm and reach into Saturday. Metered parking may be prohibited on some streets during morning and rush hours. Some neighborhoods now have centralized meters that issue passes for an entire block instead of individual spots. Vehicles displaying DC-issued handicap license plates or placards are allowed to park for double the amount of time indicated on the meter. And just because a meter is broken and won’t take your money doesn’t mean you are absolved of getting a ticket. Please, this is DC: parking enforcement is the most profitable and efficient department in the District government.
Handicapped Permits
There was a time when the District government did not officially recognize handicapped placards from any jurisdiction outside of DC, but those days are, thankfully, over. As if to make up for years of having such a farcical law on the book, DC has added special “red top” meters throughout the city that are for the exclusive use of persons with disabilities. Washington, DC is one of the most disabled accessible cities in the world. This guide provides information about transportation, parking, access to popular attractions, scooter and wheelchair rentals, and more.
Resident Permit Parking
In the 1970s, increasing parking on residential streets by out-of-staters had locals furious; and so began the Resident Permit Parking Program. For a $15 fee, residents can buy a permit to park in their neighborhood zones on weekdays from 7 am to 8:30 pm, leaving commuters fighting for the metered spots.
If you live in a Resident Permit Parking zone and you’re planning on hosting out-of-town guests, you can apply for a temporary visitor permit at your local police district headquarters. All you need is your visitor’s name, license tag number, length of visit, and a few hours to kill down at the station. Temporary permits are only valid for up to 15 consecutive days—a great excuse to get rid of guests who have overstayed their welcome!
Car buyers, beware if a dealer tells you he will take care of getting you your tags. The DMV often gets so backlogged that your temporary tags might expire before you get your metal plates, especially around holidays when everyone is buying a car just as government staff is taking leave. And double check those temporary tags, too: DC police recently issued a ban on dealer-issued temp tags when it was discovered that dealers were splitting each set of tags, giving one to a legitimate buyer and selling the other on the black market. To avoid the hassle entirely, make the trip to the DMV yourself.
Parking on Weekends and Holidays
Parking enforcement is relaxed on federal holidays and weekends, but don’t go pulling your jalopy up on any ol’ curb. Public safety parking laws are always in effect, even on weekends. These include the prohibition of blocking emergency entrances or exits, blocking fire hydrants, parking too close to an intersection, obstructing crosswalks, etc. Churchgoers also have to be more careful now with their long-held custom of double parking during Sunday services, as recent complaints in neighborhoods like Logan Circle have led police to start cracking down, even if it is the Lord’s Day.
Tow Pound
Didn’t pay your parking tickets? If your car was towed, it was taken to the District’s Blue Plains Impoundment and Storage Facility at 5001 Shepherd Parkway, SW. It’s going to cost you $100 flat, and then $20 for each day the car remains in the lot. To claim a towed vehicle from the Blue Plains facility, all outstanding fines and fees must first be paid at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) satellite office at 65 K Streets NE. Owners should be prepared to show DMV officials proof of registration and insurance for the towed vehicle. Getting towed sure is fun, right? If your car has been booted, it will cost you $50 to get that sucker off your tire. To find the tow lot, take the Metrorail Green Line to the Anacostia station, and then ride an A4/DC Village Metrobus bus to Shepherd Parkway at DC Village Lane. Walk a short distance to the impoundment lot at the end of Shepherd Parkway. Any vehicle that remains unclaimed at the Blue Plains Impoundment Facility for 28 or more days is considered abandoned and may be sold as scrap or auctioned. To find out for certain where your car is, call the DMV at 202-727-5000. You can also find out through the Department of Public Works’s website: www.dpw.dc.gov.
Top 21 Parking Violations
1. Expired / Overtime Meter (includes meter-feeding) $25
2. Overtime in Residential Zone $30
3. No Parking AM / PM Rush Hour $100
4. No Parking Anytime $30
5. Obstructing Building Entrance $20
6. No Standing Anytime $50
7. Parking in Alley $30
8. Expired / Missing Inspection Sticker $50
9. Expired Registration / Tags $100
10. Reserved for Zipcar / Flexcar $100
11. Parked in Loading Zone $50
12. Parked in an Embassy Space $20
13. Double Parking / Parking Abreast $50
14. Missing or Obstructed Tags $50
15. Less than 10 Feet From Fire Hydrant $50
16. Government Vehicles Only $25
17. Blocking Bus Zone $100
18. Illegally Parked in Cab Stand $20
19. No Parking / Street Cleaning $30
20. Less than Five Feet from Alley / Driveway $20
21. Ticket Indecipherable Because It Was Tacked to Your Windshield in the Rain: Priceless
Tickets must be paid within 30 days of issuance. You can pay online, by mail, in person, or by calling 202-289-2230.
| Transit • Buses |
Metrobus
Phone: |
202-962-1234 |
Lost & Found: |
202-962-1195 |
Website: |
|
Fare: |
Regular: $1.60 with SmarTrip or $1.80 using cash. For express routes, the fare is $3.65 using SmarTrip or $4 using cash. Senior/disabled regular fare is $2. |
DC’s bus system can be a great way to get around town, once you’ve figured out how to navigate its intimidating labyrinth of 176 lines, 335 routes, and 12,301 stops. New “easy-to-read” maps have been posted at stops to give riders a clue, and SmarTrip cards are now accepted on bus lines, thus avoiding the need for transfers, tokens, special fare passes, or exact change (bus drivers don’t carry cash). All Metrobuses are equipped with bike racks. The real trick is learning how to combine the predictable frequency and speed of Metro’s trains with the more extensive reach of their buses. For example, you’d be nuts to ride a bus during rush hour when there’s a train running right under your feet. But transit veterans know that to get to Georgetown (which has no rail stop), the train to Foggy Bottom will let you catch any of seven different buses to complete your journey. Keep in mind, however, that Metrobuses, while great for getting to places the Metro doesn’t run, are far from inefficient. In fact, time tables for Metrobuses are more like friendly suggestions than actual arrival times. Don’t be surprised if your bus arrives ten minutes early or late for no apparent reason. Rather than giving yourself a headache by looking at maps of crazy spider-web-like bus routes, use Metro’s online “TripPlanner” to find out which bus you need and estimated arrival times. In an effort to give patrons a better idea of when their darn bus is going to show up, Metro relaunched its Next Bus system in July of 2009. After numerous complaints that the system was inaccurate, it was yanked in 2007 for retooling. The new (and hopefully better) system uses GPS technology to allow riders on a limited number of routes to access real-time information about when their bus will arrive at a specific stop via phone, internet, or text message. In general, DC’s buses are clean, the drivers are helpful, and they can get you almost anywhere you want to go, barring, of course, Paris and the beaches of Mexico.
DC Circulator
Phone: |
202-962-1423 |
Website: |
|
Fare: |
$1; Seniors: 50¢; |
A fleet of shiny red buses sporting low doors and big windows opened two routes in 2005 and a third in 2006 to link Union Station, K Street, downtown, the Mall, the SW waterfront, and Georgetown. In March of 2009, two new routes were added: one connecting Adams Morgan and U Street and another going between Union Station and the Navy Yard. The latest newcomer is the Rosslyn—Dupont Circle route, by way of Georgetown. The new system is funded by a partnership between DC’s Department of Transportation, Metro, and a coalition of business improvement districts, convention bureaus, and tourism organizations from Capitol Hill, the Golden Triangle, and Georgetown. The Circulator’s buses run from roughly 6 am to 3:30 am, depending on the day of week and route, and depart every 5–10 minutes. Riders can pay with exact change or use their SmarTrip card. Best of all, when telling your friends what bus you’re going to take to meet them for happy hour, you can say “the Circ-u-lat-or” in your best robot voice.
Ride On Bus—Montgomery County, MD
Phone: |
240-777-7433 |
Website: |
|
Fare: |
$1.60 with SmarTrip® or $1.80 using cash. Seniors with valid Metro Senior ID or Medicare Card ride for free. $1.10 with Metrorail transfer. |
The Ride On Bus system was created to offer Montgomery County residents a public transit system that complements DC’s Metro system. Buses accept exact change, Ride On and Metrobus tokens or passes, MARC rail passes, or SmarTrip cards.
DASH Bus—Alexandria, VA
Phone: |
703-370-3274 |
Website: |
|
Fare: |
$1.60; free with Metrorail transfer |
The DASH system offers Alexandria residents an affordable alternative to driving. It also connects with Metrobus, Metrorail, Virginia Railway Express, and all local bus systems. DASH honors combined Metrorail/Metrobus Passes, VRE/MARC rail tickets, Metrobus regular tokens, and, as of 2007, the all-powerful SmarTrip card. DASH buses accept exact change only. If you are traveling to or from the Pentagon Metrorail station, you have to pay the 25¢ Pentagon Surcharge if you don’t have a DASH Pass or other valid pass.
ART—Arlington, VA
Phone: |
703-228-7547 |
Lost & Found: |
703-354-6030 |
Website: |
|
Fare: |
$1.50; Seniors: 75¢; |
Arlington Transit (ART) operates within Arlington, VA, supplementing Metrobus with smaller, neighborhood-friendly vehicles. It also provides access to Metrorail and Virginia Railway Express. The cheery green and white buses run on clean-burning natural gas and have climate control to keep passengers from sticking to their seats. As of 2009, you’ll have to use a SmarTrip to get your rail-to-bus discount or to transfer from bus to bus free of charge.
University Shuttle Buses
GUTS: |
202-687-4372 |
AU Shuttle: |
202- 885-3111 |
GW Shuttle: |
202-994-RIDE |
HUBS: |
202-806-2000 |
Fares: |
All fares are free for their respective university’s students |
Hours: |
GUTS shuttle: 5 am–12 am; AU shuttle: 8 am–11:30 pm or later depending on applicable route and day of week; GWU shuttle 7 pm–3 am; HUBS 7:20 am–12 am. |
Georgetown University operates five shuttle routes, connecting the campus to the Georgetown University Law Center on Capitol Hill, to University offices on Wisconsin Avenue, to Metro stations at Rosslyn and Dupont Circle, and to stops in North Arlington, VA. Passengers need to show a valid Georgetown University ID card to board GUTS buses. AU’s shuttle connects its campus with the Washington College of Law, the Katzen Arts Center, the Tenleytown Metro station, and AU’s Park Bethesda apartment building. Passengers must present an AU ID Card or Shuttle Guest Pass to board. GWU’s shuttle links the Marvin Center on the Foggy Bottom Campus with the Wellness Center and Columbia Plaza, as well as with Aston and the Golden Triangle business district. Howard University’s HUBS line shuttles faculty and staff from the main HU campus to various parking lots, dormitories, the School of Divinity, the School of Law, and other University-based locations, as well as to and from Howard University Hospital and the Shaw/Howard University and Brookland/CUA Metro stations. All shuttles require passengers to show ID from their respective universities.
Greyhound, Peter Pan Buses
Greyhound: |
www.greyhound.com • 1-800-231-2222 |
Peter Pan: |
www.peterpanbus.com • 1-800-237-8747 |
Locations:
Washington, DC • 50 Massachusetts Ave. NE • 202-289-1908 • 24 Hrs
Silver Spring, MD • 8100 Fenton St • 301-585-8700 • 7:30 am–9 pm
Greyhound offers service throughout the US and Canada, while Peter Pan focuses on the Northeast. Both bus services offer long-distance transportation that is much cheaper than air or rail. Just keep in mind that you get what you pay for (read: traffic jams, dirty bathrooms, cramped seats, and a general feeling of unease). Booking in advance will save you money, as will buying a round-trip ticket at the time of purchase. In 2012, Greyhound and Peter Pan bus services relocated to DC’s grand Union Station. The station now serves as a “bus hub” for national, regional, and intercity buses.
Chinatown Buses to New York
These buses are a poorly kept secret among the city’s frugal travelers. They provide bargain-basement amenities, and the whole experience feels somewhat illegal, but they are one of the cheapest options for dashing outta town. Most companies charge $20 oneway and $35 round-trip to New York. Some drivers may not be able to tell you your destination in English, but for those prices you really can’t complain. Not all are Chinese owned these days, and not all are the tiny operations you might expect. Vamoose is owned and operated by a Hassidic Jewish family, and Megabus, now operating on two continents, won a Travelzoo award in the “leading provider of outstanding car rental and bus deals” category. Megabus, BoltBus and DC2NY all provide free Wi-Fi and offer the cheapest fares—as low as $1 one way if you book early, with the price increasing the closer you get to the date of departure.
Eastern Travel
715 H St NW • www.nydcexpress.com
15 trips/day • NY Address: 28 Allen St and
430 7th Ave At 34th St
New Century Travel
513 H St NW • www.2001bus.com/
Nine trips/day • NY Address: 120 East Broadway New York, NY
Washington Deluxe
1320 19th St NW and 50 Massachusetts Ave NE • www.washny.com/
Four to ten trips/day
Bolt Bus
50 Massachusetts Avenue, NE • www.boltbus.com
Ten to 16 departures/day • NY Address: 33rd St & 7th Ave or 6th St between Grand & Watt Aves
DC2NY
20th St & Massachusetts Ave NW; 14th St NW between H and I • www.dc2ny.com
Two to nine departures daily • NY Address: 215 W 34th St
Megabus
50 Massachusetts Ave NE • www.megabus.com
15 to 20 departures/day • NY Address: 7th Ave & 28th St
Vamoose Bus
1801 N Lynne St (Rosslyn) and 7490 Waverly St (Bethesda) • www.vamoosebus.com
Five trips/day Monday – Thursday, 9 trips on Friday, 6 trips on Saturday, and 8 trips on Sunday.• NY Address: 252 W 31st St
| Transit • Metrorail |
General Information
Address: |
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, 600 5th St NW, Washington, DC 20001 |
General Information: |
202-637-7000 |
Customer Relations: |
202-637-1328 |
Lost & Found: |
202-962-1195 |
Website: |
www.wmata.com or @wmata |
Service Changes & Delays: |
@Metrorailinfo |
Overview
It’s not the subway, the “L”, the “T,” or the Underground. Any of these words coming from your mouth will tell everyone you’re still just a tourist. Here, it’s called the Metro. Metro makes locals proud, and it’s so simple it seems small. It’s the second busiest subway system in the country, with 118 miles of track and 91 stations (and growing), and more than 200 million rides per year. The whole system consists of six color-coded lines that intersect at three hubs downtown. The latest line, the Silver Line, will eventually connect Dulles to the Metro system. The first phase opened to Reston, VA in 2014. Phase 2 is slated to be completed in 2018.
Scared of escalators? Get over it. And move your fanny pack, camera, color coordinated shirts, and family to the right as DC residents spit dirty looks and words to anyone standing on the left. Metro lauds the longest escalator in the Western Hemisphere at its Wheaton station with 508 feet. Its deepest station, Forest Glen, is 21 stories below ground.
Space and time seem to stop as you descend into the tunnels. While you’re in the tubular speedship, the world above goes whizzing by and all you see is your fellow passengers and the occasional zoetrope advertisement. It’s good to keep in mind that a trip across town takes about thirty minutes; add fifteen more for the ‘burbs. The stations are ‘60s/70s-futuristic--sterile before the hours of 1 am on weekends, quiet when public school kids are not out of their dungeons yet, and gaping. Metro cars are carpeted (often stained) and air-conditioned. Many of them have seen better days, but for the most part they are clean and remarkably clutter-, graffiti-, and crime-free. The rules--such as no eating or drinking--are strictly enforced, and passengers uphold the social contract. If the station agents don’t stop you from sneaking in your coffee during the morning commute, it’s more than likely that a fellow passenger will tag you instead, so quickly guzzle that java before you’re publicly flogged for carrying a concealed beverage.
Unfortunately, the system shuts down every night--midnight Sunday through Thursday and 3 am Fridays and Saturdays--leaving more than a few tipsy out-of-luck riders scraping their pockets for cab fare. Also pay attention to the lit signs on the side of trains which tell you which lines you will travel as one wrong read on the Blue/Orange line can put you in Vienna when you meant to go to Reagan International Airport.
The oldest portions of the Metro are 40 years old, and now suddenly in need of rehabilitation, putting strain on a system that also continues to expand. Various derailments and accidents have unnerved riders and generally cast a pall over the entire system, the most notable of which being a crash on the Red Line in June 2009. The deadliest accident in Metro’s history prompted the inspection of all 3,000 track circuits on more than 100 miles of track after NTSB tests determined that the track circuit below the stopped train did not work correctly. Despite everything, Metro continues to be the most popular way to get around (still, the first and last cars of Metro trains tend to be less occupied due to lingering fears).
Fares & Schedules
Service begins at 5 am weekdays and 7 am on weekends. Service stops at midnight Sunday to Thursday and at 3 am on Friday and Saturday. Fares begin at $1.75 ($2.15 peak) and go up to $3.60 ($5.90 peak) depending on the distance traveled. Peak hours are opening to 9:30 am and 3 pm to 7 pm weekdays and midnight to closing weekends. In order to ride and exit the Metro, you’ll need a rechargeable permanent SmarTrip card. The SmarTrip card enables riders to add value online or with a mobile device. Cards cost $2, can hold up to $300, and can be used on trains and buses and for payment in Metro parking lots. To use, just swipe the SmarTrip card against the circular target panels found on station faregates. You can also register your SmarTrip card so that, in the event that it is lost or stolen, the card can be replaced for a $2 fee.
Various unlimited passes are available, including one-day, weekly, and monthly passes. Unlimited passes have two pricing levels: one for short trips costing no more than $2.25 and one for longer trips costing no more than $3.75. In cases where the fare exceeds those limits, the difference is deducted from the rider’s account (thus the beauty of the integrated SmarTrip scheme).
Frequency of Service
Need to know when the next train is due? Look up to the lighted signs which tell you the line, destination and time left for the train to arrive. Trains come about every six minutes on all lines during rush hour, and every twelve minutes during the day. Where lines double up (Orange and Blue share a tunnel, etc.) trains may come every couple of minutes. During the evening and on weekends, the interval between trains is somewhere between 12 and 20 minutes. The Red Line features more frequent service (but doesn’t share a track in the heart of the system).
Parking
Parking at Metro-operated lots is free on weekends and holidays, but most stations do charge a fee during the week. Fees vary, but tend to average roughly $5–$10 per day (payment is via a SmarTrip card). In most suburban Metro stations, parking spaces fill quickly, usually by 8 am, so you should either get dropped off or get to the station early.
Bikes
On weekdays, bikes are permitted on trains free of charge, provided there are no more than two bikes per car, and provided it is not between commuter hours of 7 am and 10 am or 4 pm and 7 pm. Folded bikes are allowed at all times provided they are folded and tucked away. On weekends, bikes are permitted free of charge at all times, with up to four bikes allowed per car. Bicycle lockers are available for $120 per year.
| Transit • MARC Commuter Trains |
General Information
Maryland Transit Administration: |
6 St Paul St Baltimore, MD 21202 |
Phone: |
410-539-5000 |
Website: |
|
MARC Train Information: |
800-325-7245 |
MARC Lost & Found: |
|
Camden Line: |
410-354-1093 |
Brunswick Line: |
301-834-6380 |
Penn Line: |
410-291-4267 |
Union Station: |
202-906-3109 |
Bike Locker Reservations: |
410-767-3440 |
Certification for people with disabilities: |
410-767-3441 |
Overview
The main artery that connects the Maryland suburbs to DC goes by the name of MARC Commuter rail service. Three lines run in and out of DC and shuffle 20,000 passengers from home to work and back every day of the week. The Penn Line uses Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor line and runs between Washington, Baltimore (Penn Station), and Perryville, MD; the Camden Line uses the CSX route between Washington, Laurel, and Baltimore (Camden Station); the Brunswick Line uses the CSX route between Washington, Brunswick, MD, Frederick, MD, and Martinsburg, WV.
Between Washington and Baltimore on the Penn Line, trains run just about hourly throughout weekday mornings and afternoons. Service is less frequent on the Camden Line. Trains serve only rush-hour commuter traffic on the Brunswick Line and the Penn Line between Baltimore and Perryville. On the Penn and Camden lines, trains run from 5 am ‘til 12 am, Monday thru Friday. There is no weekend service on any of the lines.
Fares and Schedules
Fares and schedules can be obtained at any MARC station or at the MTA’s website. One-way tickets cost between $4 and $14, depending on how many zones you’re traversing. Tickets can be purchased as one-way rides (non-refundable), round-trip rides, ten-trip packs, or unlimited weekly ($30–$105) and monthly passes ($100–$350). Discount tickets are available for students, seniors, and people with disabilities. Children six and under ride free with a fare-paying adult.
Pets
Only seeing-eye dogs and small pets in carry-on containers are allowed on board.
Bicycles
MARC’s bicycle policy only allows folding bicycles, due to safety concerns. If you’re at Halethorpe or BWI Rail stations, bike lockers are available. This does not apply to members of the church of the Rosy Crucifixion.
| Transit • Virginia Railway Express |
General Information
Address: |
1500 King St, Ste 202 Alexandria, VA 22314 |
Phone: |
703-684-0400 or 800-743-3873 |
Website: |
Overview
The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) is the commuter rail service that connects northern Virginia to DC. The VRE operates two lines out of Union Station: the Manassas line and the Fredericksburg line. Service runs from 5:15 am to around 7 pm on weekdays. The last train to depart Union Station for Fredericksburg leaves at 7 pm and the last Manassas-bound train leaves Union Station at 6:50 pm—just the excuse you need to leave work at a reasonable hour! There is no weekend train service and no service on federal holidays. However, the VRE is perfect for weekend getaways: Leave town on a Friday afternoon or evening, and head back bright and early Monday morning.
Fares
Fares cost between $2.90 and $10.30, depending on the distance of your commute Tickets can be purchased as one-way rides (non-refundable), round-trip rides, tentrip packs, unlimited monthly passes ($79.60 – $285.50) or a joint fare card called the Virginia Railway Express - Transit Link Card good for travel on both VRE and Metro ($262.70 – $365.50).
Parking
With the exception of Franconia/Springfield, VRE offers free parking at all of their outlying stations (the Manassas station requires a free permit that can be downloaded from the VRE website). But keep in mind: “Free” does not mean guaranteed.
Pets and Bicycles
Only service animals and small pets in closed carriers are allowed aboard VRE trains. Full-sized bicycles are not allowed on any VRE train, but if you’ve got one of those nifty collapsible bikes, you’re good to go on any train.
| Transit • Union Station |
General Information
NFT Map: |
2 |
Address: |
50 Massachusetts Ave NE Washington, DC 20002 |
Phone: |
202-289-1908 |
Lost and Found: |
202-289-8355 |
Website: |
|
Metrorail Line: |
Red |
Metrobus Lines: |
80, 96, D1, D3, D4, D6, D8, N22, X1, X2, X6, X8 |
Train Lines: |
MARC, Amtrak, VRE |
Year Opened: |
1907 |
Shops: |
Mon–Sat: 10 am–9 pm; Sun: Noon–6 pm |
Overview
When Union Station opened to the public on October 27, 1907, it was the largest train station in the world. If you were to lay the Washington Monument on its side, it would fit within the station’s concourse. The station was built in a Beaux Arts style by Daniel Burnham (the architect who also designed New York City’s Flatiron Building and quite a few of Chicago’s architectural gems) and remains one of the city’s look-at-me buildings, inside and out.
Today, Union Station is a recognized terrorist target where eighth graders on field trips hurl French fries across the subterranean food court and tourists stand on the left side of the escalator, ensuring local bureaucrats arrive late for work. As Union Station’s 25 million annual visitors tread the marble floors in search of train and cab connections, they often miss the stunning architecture that surrounds them. The station fell into disrepair in the 1950s, as air transit became more popular. But thanks to a $160 million renovation in the ‘80s, you’d never know it.
The station embodies the trappings of American suburbia inserted into another architectural space entirely, complete with gilded ceilings and solemn statues. Here you’ll find everything from fine dining to fast food, busy travelers to moviegoers. Union Station now houses 100 clothing and specialty stores, a nine-screen movie complex, aggressive restaurant chains, and a few upscale eateries. With so much non-commuting activity taking place, you may forget it’s also the hub where the Metrorail, MARC, VRE, SuperShuttle and Amtrak converge.
Parking
The Union Station parking garage is open 24 hours. Rates are as follows:
Up to 1 hour: $7
1–2 hours: $10
2–3 hours: $13
3–5 hours: $16
5–12 hours: $22
You can have your ticket validated at any Union Station store, restaurant, or the Information Desk, and you’ll pay just $1 for two hours of parking. For more information on parking, call 202-898-1950.
Shopping
Accessorize
Aerosoles
Alamo Flags
America!
Andrew’s Ties
Ann Taylor
Appalachian Spring
Aurea
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
Bijioux Bellagio
The Body Shop
Bouvier Collection
CellAXS
Chico’s
Citibank
Claires
Cleopatra
Cobbler’s Bench Shoe Repair
Comfort One Shoes
Creative Hands Chair Massage
Cupid’s Craft
Express
E-Z Travel Solutions
Fantom Comics
Fast Fix Jewelry Repair
Finishing Touch
Fire & Ice
FYE
Godiva Chocolatier
Heydari
Hudson News (Food Court)
Hudson News (Gate C)
Hudson News (Gate K)
Images 4 View
J Royal Jewelers
Johnston & Murphy
Jois Fragrance
Jos. A. Bank Clothiers
Kashmir Imports
Life on Capitol Hill
LittleMissMatched
L’Occitane
LOLO
Lost City Art
Love is in the Air…
Lucy
My Eye Dr.
Neuhaus Chocolatier
New York New York
Oakley
Oynce
Papyrus
Premier Bank
President Cigars
Rosetta Stone
Smithsonian
Sun Spectacles
Swarovski Crystal
Swatch
Tiburon Lockers
Travelex
U.S. POSTAL SERVICE
Union Station Lost and Found
Union Station Parking Garage, LLC
Union Station Shoe Shine
Unique Eyebrows
United States Mint
Verizon Wireless
Victoria’s Secret
The World in Your Hands
Services
Bolt Bus
Alamo Rent-A-Car
Avis Rent-A-Car
Budget Rent-A-Car
Hertz Rent-A-Car
Citibank
Cobbler’s Bench Shoe Repair
DC2NY Bus
DC DUCKS
Fast-Fix Jewelry/Watch Repair
Gray Line/Gold Line Tours
Greyhound Bus
Megabus
My Eye Dr.
Old Town Trolley Tours
Open Top Sightseeing
Peter Pan Bus
Premier Bank
Traveler’s Aid
Travelex
Union Station Shoe Shine
U.S. Postal Service
Verizon Wireless
Zip Car
Casual Dining
Casual Dining
Acropolis
Aditi
Au Bon Pain
Auntie Anne’s Pretzels
Bananas Smoothies & Frozen Yogurt
Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream
Bojangles’
Cajun & Grill
China Kitchen
Chipotle
Chop’t
Corner Bakery
Crumbs Bake Shop
Jamba Juice
Flamers Charburgers
Great Steak & Potato Company
Great Wraps
Häagen-Dazs
Kabuki Sushi
King BBQ
Larry’s Cookies
McDonald’s
Nothing But Donuts
Paradise Smoothies
Potbelly Sandwich Works
Pret A Manger
Sakura Japan
Sbarro Italian Eatery
Starbucks
Subway
Taco Bell
Tops Yogurt
Vittorio’s Gelato Bar
Vittorio’s Pizzeria
Restaurants
B. Smiths Restaurant
Bojangles’
Center Cafe Restaurant
Chipotle
Chop’t
East Street Cafe
Johnny Rockets
Pizzeria Uno
Potbelly Sandwich Works
Roti Mediterranean Grill
Thunder Grill
Yo! Sushi
| Transit • Amtrak |
General Information
Address: |
Union Station 50 Massachusetts Ave NE Washington, DC 20002 |
Phone: |
800-871-7245 |
Website: |
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Connections: |
Metro Red Line, VRE, MARC |
Overview
Blending the words “American” and “track,” Amtrak is what passes in this country for a national train system. It’s been plagued by budget woes that annually threaten its existence, and some of its employees can be less than personable (though many more are truly cool). Amtrak has been chugging along now for over 30 years. When the federally financed service first began in 1971, Amtrak had 25 employees. Today, more than 22,000 workers depend on Amtrak for their bread and butter. Amtrak trains make stops in more than 500 communities in 46 states.
Many visitors get their first taste of inside-the-beltway politics while waiting for a broken train to get fixed and employees slouch around discussing pay raises. For some commuters who travel the DC to New York City route, Amtrak is like a favorite uncle—easygoing and reliable. For others, Amtrak is like a drunken uncle—irresponsible and often late. As Washington politicians argue about how to whip Amtrak back into shape, the trains continue to break down and stumble from one part of the country to the next. Union Station’s bewildered tourists gaze blankly at their train tickets as departure times flitter across the schedule board like volatile stock prices. Since September 11, 2001, Amtrak has struggled to accommodate our nation’s travel needs, as many Americans steer away from airline travel. Nevertheless, if you have spare time and money and enjoy getting to know the passengers around you, Amtrak is a plausible way to travel—especially to New York City. And despite the delays, there’s just something special about sipping a beer in a spacious lounge car as you watch the world roll by. A cramped airline seat and recycled air can’t even begin to capture that.
Fares
Amtrak fares are inexpensive for regional travel, but can’t compete with airfares on longer hauls. But just as airlines occasionally offer deep discounts, so does Amtrak. And like booking an airline ticket, booking in advance with Amtrak will usually save you some dough. Reservations can be made online or over the phone. We recommend the website route, as you could be on hold longer than it takes to ride a train from DC to New York City.
Amtrak offers special promotional fares year-round targeting seniors, veterans, students, children under 16, and two or more people traveling together. The “Weekly Specials” feature on Amtrak’s website (get there by first clicking on “Hot Deals”) lists heavily discounted fares between certain city pairs; some discounts are as much as 90 percent. Amtrak also offers several rail-pass programs. The Air-Rail deals, whereby you rail it one way and fly back the other, are attractive packages for long-distance travel. Call 800-268-7252 and surf the “Amtrak Vacations” web page for promotional fares.
Going to New York City
Amtrak runs over 40 trains daily from DC to New York City. A one-way coach ticket to the Big Apple (the cheapest option) costs between $49 and $127, depending on the departure time and assuming you book a few days in advance. The trip (theoretically) takes a little more than three hours. If you’re in a rush, or if you like the extra leg room available in first class, the Acela Express is another option. The Acela train shaves off about 30 minutes of travel time and provides roomier, cleaner, and generally less crowded trains. At a price of up to $203, the seat can cost nearly four times that of one coach.
Going to Boston
One-way fares range from $68 to $128. The trip to downtown Boston’s South Station takes eight hours. (Stocking up on snacks and reading material before departure is highly recommended.) Impatient travelers can take the Acela Express and get there in less than seven hours. But convenience doesn’t come cheap—express fares run from $152 to $228.
Going to Philadelphia
Taking Amtrak to the City of Brotherly Love takes about two hours and will cost you between $35 and $78 for basic service. A trip on the nominally faster and significantly more luxurious Acela will run you around $149.
Going to Atlanta
There are two trains per day between Washington and Atlanta—one there and one back, both leaving in the early evening. You’d better pack your PJs, because you’ll be traveling through the night. The train pulls into Atlanta around 8 am the following day and arrives in DC a bit before 10 am. Fares costs between $101 and $127, depending on your destination. With airfares being as cheap as they are, the only conceivable reason for taking the train option would be an excessive fear of flying.
Baggage Check (Amtrak Passengers)
Two pieces of carry-on baggage are permitted per person, and each ticketed passenger can check three items not exceeding 50 pounds. For an extra fee, three additional bags may be checked. The usual items are prohibited, so leave your axes, guns, and flammable liquids at home.
| Transit • Zipcar / DC Streetcar |
Zipcar General Information
www.zipcar.com • 202-737-4900
History
What do you get when you cross a taxi with Avis? Zipcar is what you get. Give ‘em $8/hr, and they’ll give you a Mini. Or a BMW. Or a Prius. Or even a pickup to go trolling at yard sales. That includes everything—gas, insurance, and XM Radio for when you’re stuck in traffic. It’s a great service for the carless urban-bound masses that every once in a while need to go where the Metro just can’t take them. It’s also cheaper, less of a hassle, and more environmentally friendly than owning a car.
How It Works
You have to sign up for membership before you can log on to the website or call to reserve one of the hundreds of cars in the Zipcar fleet. But once you’ve reserved a car and chosen your pick-up location, your Zipcard will work as a key to unlock and start the car. When you’re done, you return the car to the same spot where you picked it up.
Don’t get any ideas, now. Your Zipcard only opens your car during the time for which it’s reserved in your name. During this period, no one else can open the car you’ve reserved. The car unlocks only when the valid card is held to the windshield. Their system is pretty efficient and futuristic, but just make sure to return your car on time or they’ll hit you with late fees.
Costs
Zipcar fees vary by location, but generally cost between $9–$10.50 an hour. During the Night Owl Special (12 am–6 am), fees drop to just $2.50 an hour. A 24-hour reservation, which is the maximum amount of time that a car can be reserved, starts at around $73, with an additional 45 cents per mile after the first 180 free miles. At that point, a standard rental car is probably a better deal.
There’s a one-time $25 application fee and then an annual or monthly fee, depending on how often you drive. Infrequent Zipcar users can pay a $60 annual fee and then pay per usage. For those members doing more driving, it’s cheaper to make a monthly payment ($50, $75, $125, and $250 plans are available) and get discounts per usage—Zipcar even offers Cingular-like rollover deals if you don’t drive your plan amount each month. For more details, check out www.zipcar.com.
DC Streetcar
Phone: |
202-671-2800 |
Lost & Found: |
202-741-0254 |
General Inquiries: |
|
Website: |
www.dcstreetcar.com or @DCStreetcar |
Overview
After a more than 50 year absence, streetcars returned to DC in 2016. The initial 2.4 mile stretch runs from Union Station down H Street and Benning Road at Oklahoma Avenue. The streetcar runs straight through the H Street corridor, which for years was one of the city’s bustling shopping strips, and in recent years has been reimagined as one of the country’s most attractive young creative hotspots.
DC once had over 200 miles of streetcar lines. The last streetcar stopped service in 1962. The latest incarnation attempts to link underserved communities by rail to DC’s robust transportation system. The H Street/Benning Road route is only the first of several planned lines: the line itself is designed to run all the way to the Georgetown waterfront. Other proposed lines connect neighborhoods outside the downtown area, generally in corridors not served by Metrorail.
For the time being fares are not being collected along the initial stretch of streetcar. Trains run every 10 to 15 minutes between the hours of 6 am to midnight Monday through Thursday, 6 am to 2 am on Friday, and 8 am to 2 am on Saturday. Sunday service was not available at the system’s outset. Bikes and strollers are welcome on the streetcar and the cars and platforms are completely ADA compliant and wheelchair accessible.
As opposed to a light rail train, DC Streetcar runs in traffic, and as such follows the traffic patterns along H Street and Benning Road. Stops are limited along the route; signal to request a stop. As with the Metro, eating and drinking are forbidden.
| Transit • DC Circulator |
The Circulator Bus
Phone: |
202-962-1423 |
Lost & Found: |
301-925-6934 |
Hours: |
Every 5 to 10 minutes From 7 am–9 pm |
Website: |
|
Fare: |
$1 |
Overview
As fun as it is to deride the DC government for its follies and failures, it may have actually done something right with the Circulator bus system. Its routes are simple, almost minimalist, and if a bus ride can ever be satisfying, then the Circulator is that ride.
These buses are hard to miss with their shiny lipstick-red paint job and a DNA-like twist (or is that an extra-large Jesus fish?) on its sides depicting its circular routes. The buses have large windows, low floors, and multiple doors. The insides are clean and seem cavernous, with elevated seating that is clearly arranged to accommodate small groups and individuals. There are racks up front for bikes. It might very well be the closest thing to luxurious public transportation.
Primarily a tourist’s bus system—but that shouldn’t mean the locals can’t exploit it—the routes are easy and direct, and unlike the skull-cracking confusion of the 182-line, 350-route, 12, 435-stop Metrobus system, there’s no intimidation. The five routes are as follows: the east-west line goes between Georgetown with Union Station and operates mostly along K Street and Massachusetts Avenue. The north-south line connects the Washington Convention Center with the Maine Avenue waterfront and operates along 7th and 9th streets. The east-west and north-south lines converge at Mount Vernon Square. The third and fourth lines run weekdays only from 6 am and 7 pm between Union Station and Navy Yard Station (with extended service on Nationals’ games days, yippee!) The other goes from Woodley Park to McPherson Square with stops in Adams Morgan and U Street. Having a bus scoot you down K Street into Georgetown is great, but the decision to run the system down to Southwest is slightly confusing, unless DC has finally gotten serious about revitalizing the area; or perhaps they are hoping hapless tourists will stumble onto those lackluster, behemoth-like restaurants that fortify the Waterfront. Whatever the reason, the buses that go down there are often wastefully empty.
Fares and Schedules
Unlike Metrorail and Metrobuses, the Circulator has no peak-time price hikes. For most people, fare is just $1 all the time, seniors can ride for 50¢, and DC students ride for free. Transfers from Metrobuses and other Circulators are free. Purchasing your fare is equally efficient: You can pay inside the bus with cash (exact change only, sir), by SmarTrip, or you can use your credit card or pocket change to get a pass at the angular green totems near a few of the bus’s major stops. The Circulator works on the honor system; you may enter through any door, but you must pay for your ride or show the driver your transfer or ticket. Supposedly, there are “fare checkers” enforcing this honor system.
Frequency of Service
All five lines operate in ten minutes intervals—and it really does run this frequently. The one downside to the Circulator is its varied hours of operation. However, they’ve recently got smart and extended the hours for the Georgetown bus. So go ahead and have another ‘tini, you’ll only need a buck to get home. To make sure you don’t find yourself stranded, be sure to check the Circulator hours of operation before you leave the house:
Dupont Circle–Georgetown–Rosslyn |
Sunday–Thursday: 7am–Midnight |
Georgetown–Union Station |
Daily: 7am–9pm |
Whitehaven–McPherson |
Sunday–Thursday: 9pm–12am |
Square Metro |
Friday and Saturday: 9pm–2am |
Potomac Ave Metro–Skyland |
Weekdays 6am–7pm |
via Barracks Row |
Saturdays 7am–9pm |
Union Station–Navy Yard |
Weekdays 6am–7pm |