City guides
United States of America
Washington DC
Getting Around
Getting around Washington DC is relatively easy as most attractions are within walking distance of one another and the streets are fairly easy to navigate. The city is laid out in a circle around the White House, with 'spokes' radiating out from it. Washington DC has an excellent public transport system that includes buses and the Metrorail subway, which has stations at or near almost every tourist attraction. The system operates until midnight. The efficient Metrorail subway system provides services throughout the city, and to the Virginia and Maryland suburbs, and is used by means of a computerised fare card.
The extensive Metrobus network fills in the gaps, but is more complex to use and is slower due to heavy traffic; bus transfers are free and valid for two hours from boarding. Bus, train, or combined one-day passes are available. Although most visitors to Washington DC arrive by car, it is often easier to use public transport as traffic is heavy, and parking in the city is difficult and expensive. Taxis are a good way of getting around for short distances and they are cheaper than most other major cities in the US; Lyft and Uber are also available.
Airports
Baltimore-Washington International
The airport is situated 9 miles (14km) south of Baltimore and 32 miles (51km) north of Washington DC.
Baltimore-Washington International (BWI)
Location
The airport is situated 9 miles (14km) south of Baltimore and 32 miles (51km) north of Washington DC.Getting to the city
The Amtrak train station has trains going to both central Baltimore and Washington DC; the BWI Marshall Station offers free and frequent shuttle services between the station and terminal, with a shuttle operating every 25 minutes. Both MARC and Amtrak run trains to Union Station in DC. A light rail service goes from the airport to Baltimore costing US$1.60. Taxis are available outside of baggage claims and cost about $25 to Baltimore and $63 to Washington DC. Public buses include Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Bus Service, which serves the greater Washington area. There are also various bus shuttle services to both cities, some dropping off at the central hotels. App-based ride services such as Uber and Lyft are available.
Time
GMT -5 (GMT -4 from March to November).Car rental
A car rental facility is linked to the airport terminals by a free shuttle service, which leaves from the lower level terminal every ten minutes. Car rental companies include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Next Car, Paylesss, and Thrifty.
Airport Taxis
Taxis are available from the lower level of the main terminal. The only taxi service that is authorised by the airport is BWI Airport Taxi. Taxis charge upwards of $60 for the 30 to 60 minute drive into the city; credit cards are accepted.
Facilities
There are ATMs, bureaux de change and postal services throughout the terminal, as well as WiFi. Facilities for the disabled are good. Other facilities include restaurants, bars, shops, a duty-free, a business service centre and information help desk.
Parking
The Hourly Garage is in front of the terminal and costs $4 per hour and $22 per day. The daily garage is connected to the terminal by shuttle buses and costs $12 per day. Long-term parking costs $8 a day.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
Three miles (4.8 km) south of Washington DC.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
Location
Three miles (4.8 km) south of Washington DC.Getting to the city
The airport has a Metrorail station connected to the concourse level of Terminals B and C which offers connecting service to downtown Washington DC. Metrobus provides service to Washington DC on weekend mornings when the Metro isn't operating. There are several shuttle companies that offer door-to-door service within the city.
Time
GMT -5 (GMT -4 from March to November).Car rental
There are several car hire companies with offices at Ronald Reagan Washington Airport, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty, Payless, and Enterprise. Rental car counters are located on the first floor in the Terminal Garage A.
Airport Taxis
There are taxi stands located near the baggage claim exits of each terminal. The taxis are metred and charge additional fees per person and bag.
Transfer between terminals
A shuttle service is available throughout the airport to various terminals and parking. There are walkways between the terminals that allow passengers to walk between concourses without re-clearing security.
Facilities
The airport has ATMs, charging stations for computers and cell phones, foreign exchange offices, a chapel, post office, a spa, and a number of shops and restaurants within the terminal. There is also a USO Lounge available for American military personnel. There is complimentary wireless internet access throughout the airport.
Parking
Parking at DCA costs $6 per hour in the terminal parking lots and $25 per day. The Economy parking has no hourly rate, but cost $17 per day. Shuttles are available to transport passengers from the parking lots to the terminals.