|
|
DC_GETTING_AROUND
In D.C., lettered streets run east to west and avenues with state names run diagonally. Simple, sort of.
|
| Washington, D.C.: Many Ways to get Around |
|
By Air
If you’ll be arriving in D.C. by plane, be aware that although there are three local airports, there’s only one near the city itself – Reagan National. Baltimore Washington International and Washington Dulles International are in the Maryland and Virginia suburbs, respectively, and there’s no public transportation to get you easily into the city.
By Rail
Amtrak will put you in the center of the District of Columbia – quite literally. Union Station is located behind the Capitol and is the hub of transportation for the city. Once you arrive, the VRE can take you further a field into Virginia and the MARC, to Maryland. The Metro will take you around town and into the near-in suburbs.
By Car
The D.C. Metro area is sprawling, to say the least, and it’s got the traffic to go with its size. Since many people who work downtown live in the suburbs of the District, roads in and out of the city are rather congested during the week.
If you’re driving, try to stay away from rush hour (6-10 a.m. and 3– 7p.m.) and make sure you know the carpool (HOV) restrictions. You’ll find these regulations in place on certain lanes or even the entire road during peak driving times.
Travel Tips
Once you’re in D.C., the best way to get around is by Metro. The transit system has clean and fast subway and bus routes that, when used in combination will take you pretty much anywhere downtown.
Note, however, that unlike New York and other major cities, Metro stops can be many blocks away from each other. Additionally, the National Mall, where you’ll find the majority of attractions, only has one Metro stop so you’ll be walking a lot during your visit.
When you’re looking for a hotel, we’d highly recommend staying in the city itself. Although it might be a bit more expensive than hotels in the suburbs, you’ll save valuable time traveling to the places you want to see. If you are staying in Maryland or Virginia, make sure your hotel is accessible by public transportation
D.C. might look confusing on a map, but here are some simple tips on navigating.
The Capitol building is in the center of the city and marks the point where its four quadrants meet.
Numbered streets run north and south
Lettered streets run east and west (there are no J, X, Y, or Z streets), alphabetically becoming two syllable names, and then 3-syllable names as you travel out farther from the center.
Avenues named for US States run diagonally, often meeting at traffic circles and squares
If you’re lost and all else fails, look for the Washington Monument and start walking toward it! |
|
|
DC_ROADTRIPS
|
Click on a trip below to adopt the trip. You can change the dates, add your preferences, or even rearrange the items in the Trip Plan, then plot the trip and save it as your own.
Road trips around Washington DC
WASHINGTON DC - FAMILY TRIP
Enjoy a fun family trip to Washington, DC. For details see article on: 
WASHINGTON DC - HISTORICAL
Come walk the same roads our Forefathers walked in Washington, DC.
WASHINGTON DC - RELAXATION
Sightseeing, shopping and spas; Girls weekend out in D.C
|
|
|
|
