By
Car: Be sure to get a good map of the
Washington, D.C. area before you start. Road signs on
the interstate highways can be confusing and traffic
is often heavy, so it is important to know where you
are heading. Try to avoid rush-hour traffic. Parking
in most downtown hotels will cost $12-20 per day. If
you are flying to D.C., we advise against renting a
car, because it is expensive to rent, to park and difficult
to maneuver. Generally, it is better to pay a little
more for a hotel that is close to our outstanding Metro
rail system.
By Train:
For travelers on the East Coast, Amtrak (800/USA-RAIL)
runs hourly service to and from Union Station, which
is located just two blocks from the U.S. Capitol and
near the Smithsonian museums. This is a very convenient,
relaxing way to travel to D.C.
By Plane:
Washington is served by three airports:
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA),
located 15 minutes south of the city in Arlington, Va.,
is the most convenient. A taxi from the airport into
downtown Washington hotels will cost about $15 (extra
persons costs only about $2 more) and will get you straight
to the hotel in less than 30 minutes. Metro also connects
directly to the airport, but is usually not convenient
if you are carrying luggage, which can be cumbersome
on the train and on Metro escalators.
Washington Dulles International
Airport (IAD) is located about one hour west of
downtown Washinton in Reston, Va. A taxicab ride into
downtown hotels for one to four persons will cost about
$60. Supershuttle (800/258-3826) will collect a number
of passengers and transport them to several hotels in
the same zone. It will take longer than a cab, but the
cost is $22 one-way and for others traveling together
the fare would be $10. Another alternative is the Washington
Flyer bus, which operates buses in each direction every
30 minutes from Dulles to a downtown terminal at 1517
K St. NW, which is about three blocks from the White
House. Fare is $16 one-way, $26 round-trip, but you
may also need to pay for a cab to your hotel. This option
is best for single travelers or couples. Metro is available
from Dulles by taking the Washington Flyer bus to the
West Falls Church Metro station (703-685-1400). It will
cost about $8 for the bus and $3 for the Metro ride
into downtown and will take extra time.
Baltimore-Washington International
Airport (BWI) is located about 45 minutes north
of Washington and about 20 minutes south of Baltimore.
Taxi fares from BWI into downtown D.C. will cost about
$60 for one to four persons. Van transportation into
Washington's downtown hotels is provided by Supershuttle
(800/258-3826) for $28 for the first person and $10
for extra persons in the same party. Even though it
is expensive, a taxi may still be a better and more
direct alternative for parties of two or more.
Disclaimer: This information is provided
as a service to our clients, but all rates are subject
to change.
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