Washington D.C., a city steeped in history and politics, may seem intimidating to navigate, especially with its plethora of iconic landmarks and monuments. However, despite being the capital of the United States, it is still a walkable city, rich in wide avenues and green spaces. This article will guide you through the various transportation options available in Washington D.C., helping you to make the most of your visit.
Getting to the City Center from the Airport
Washington D.C. is served by two major airports: Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA). While IAD is primarily used for international flights, it’s about 40 km away from the city center, making it a significant distance to cover.
- Bus + Metro: The most convenient way to get to the city center from Dulles Airport is by taking the Silver Line Express Bus followed by the metro. The cost of this option is $5.00 (€4.20).
- Taxi: If you prefer a more direct and hassle-free experience, taking a taxi can be an option. However, it’s much pricier, costing around $65.00 (€54.50) for the 35-minute journey.
- Private Transfer: Alternatively, you can opt for a private transfer service to take care of your transportation needs.
Aeroporto Internazionale di Washington-Dulles
Distance from the city: 40 km
Travel time: 35 minutes
In bus + metro Cost: $5,00 (€4,20)
Linea Silver Line Express Bus + metro Silver Line
In taxi Cost: $65,00 (€54,50)
Travel time: 35 minutes
Private transfer Transfer with shared service to Washington DC
Aeroporto Nazionale di Washington-Ronald Reagan
Distance from the city: 6 km
Travel time: 10 minutes
In metro Line Blue / Cost ticket: $2.75 (€2.30)
In taxi Cost: $20,00 (€16,70)
Travel time: 10 minutes
Private transfer Transfer to Washington DC airport
Walking Around the City
Washington D.C.’s walkability is one of its most attractive features. The city’s wide avenues and green spaces make it easy to explore on foot. However, there are some busy areas to be aware of, particularly Downtown, the financial district.
One of the best ways to experience Washington D.C. is by walking around its parks and museums. For example, the National Mall area offers a 3 km long green road with famous landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial at one end and the Capitol Hill at the other. The Washington Monument is located in the center, surrounded by some of America’s most renowned museums.
Walking
Walking between its streets and parks is very pleasant. When possible, we recommend walking around the city, such as in the National Mall area. You can visit all major points on the National Mall Route without leaving your feet!
Biking in Washington DC
Washington D.C. is a great city to explore by bike. It’s not too crowded, and there are many green spaces, making it easy to rent a bike. In fact, it’s much safer than in cities like New York or Los Angeles.
The bike-sharing service is called Capital Bikeshare and can be recognized by the red bikes. A single trip of up to 30 minutes costs $2.00 (€1.70), while the daily pass costs $28.00 (€23.50). Bikes are picked up and left at designated stations all over the city.
We recommend taking a guided tour with a knowledgeable guide who knows the best routes in the city!
Biking
Washington is a great city to explore by bike. It’s not too crowded, and there are many green spaces, making it easy to rent a bike. The bike-sharing service is called Capital Bikeshare.
- A single trip of up to 30 minutes costs $2.00 (€1.70)
- Daily pass: $28.00 (€23.50)
Bikes are picked up and left at designated stations all over the city.
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Using Public Transportation
Washington D.C.’s public transportation system is efficient, safe, and well-organized. You can count on the metro, metrobus, and circulator bus!
To use the metro, you’ll need to buy a SmarTrip Card ($2.00/€1.70), which is rechargeable (minimum recharge $8.00/€6.70) and must be validated each time you board.
Metro
It’s one of the most convenient ways to get around Washington City, operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. The six lines are identified by color: Red Line, Blue Line, Orange Line, Yellow Line, Green Line, and Silver Line.
Scalable map available metro-washington
Operating hours Monday-Friday 5:00-23:00, Saturday 7:00-1:00, Sunday 8:00-23:00
Ticket prices vary depending on distance traveled and time of day.
Metrobus
The city’s urban buses are used mainly by locals and connect the center to suburbs. They are operated by the same agency as the metro.
Fares vary, starting at $2.00 (€1.70).
Difficultly using these means is low, but they’re great for visiting nearby towns for a day-long excursion!
Scalable map available bus-washington
Operating hours usually 5:00-20:00; varies by line. Consult official website.
Ticket prices per Corsa Single $2.00 (€1.70) with SmarTrip Card
Ticket prices for SmarTrip Card/Abbonamento 1-Day Unlimited Pass $13.00 (€10.90), 3-Day Unlimited Pass $28.00 (€23.50), 7-Day Unlimited Pass $58.00 (€48.60)
Circulator Bus
The city’s circulator buses are shorter routes that focus on central and tourist areas. This is the most used bus by tourists, especially the National Mall Route, which goes in a circular motion along the National Mall, visiting all major points!
A trip every 10 minutes costs $1.00 (€0.85).
Scalable map available bus-washington
Operating hours usually 6:00-23:00; varies by line.
Ticket prices per Corsa Single $1.00 (€0.85)
Driving in Washington DC
Washington has heavy traffic, especially during rush hour, but it’s not comparable to the traffic of cities like New York or Los Angeles! This makes driving much safer!
However, using a car is not necessary! If you’re going to move on to another city by air or train, renting an auto is definitely not recommended due to costs.
If you are on an east coast road trip, it’s best to leave the car at your accommodation or in one of the many large parking lots available in the city!
In conclusion, Washington D.C. has easy transportation options, and public transport is convenient. Whether you prefer walking, biking, or using public transportation, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful city.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are some popular modes of transportation in Washington D.C.?
- Walking
- Biking (Capital Bikeshare)
- Public Transportation (metro, metrobus, circulator bus)
- Which airport is closer to the city center?
- Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) – 6 km from the city
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) – 40 km from the city
- What is the best way to get around the city?
- Walking or biking for shorter distances, public transportation for longer distances
- How much does a SmarTrip Card cost in Washington D.C.?
- Initial charge: $2.00 (€1.70)
- Minimum recharge: $8.00 (€6.70)
