Getting Around the City in Washington, United States

Washington, United States, Washington, Travel & Transportation, Getting Around the City

Getting Around the City in Washington, United States

1. Metro system (Washington Metro)

A rapid transit system serving Washington and its suburbs, offering an affordable and efficient way to navigate the city.
  • Extensive Coverage: Covers most of the city, making it easy to reach major attractions, neighborhoods, and workplaces.
  • Hours of Operation: Operates from early morning until late at night, providing convenience for travelers throughout the day.
  • SmartTrip Cards: Use SmartTrip cards to easily pay for multiple trips and avoid buying single-ride tickets.

2. Capital Bikeshare

A bike-sharing system with thousands of bikes available at hundreds of stations across the city.
  • Flexible Usage: Use for short trips or as a convenient alternative to public transit during peak hours.
  • 24/7 Availability: Bikes can be rented and returned at any time, making them useful for late-night adventures.
  • Annual Memberships: Affordable annual membership options are available, offering significant savings for frequent riders.

3. Circulator bus (DC Circulator)

A series of bus routes that connect major tourist destinations and neighborhoods within Washington.
  • Convenient Schedules: Frequent service during peak hours, ensuring reliable transportation.
  • Night Owl Route: Special route operating late into the night, catering to travelers exploring the city after dark.
  • Discounted Rates for Tourists: Discounted Day Passes are available for tourists, offering great value for multiple trips.

4. Water Taxis (Washington's Water Taxi)

A water taxi service that connects various destinations along the Potomac and Anacostia rivers.
  • Scenic Views: Offers stunning views of Washington's monuments, bridges, and waterfront neighborhoods.
  • Quick Connections: A faster alternative to driving or public transit for crossing the rivers.
  • Seasonal Availability: Operates during the spring, summer, and fall, making it a great choice for warmer months.

5. Zipcar (Car-Sharing Service)

A car-sharing service with vehicles stationed at various locations throughout the city.
  • Affordable Hourly Rates: Hourly and daily rates are available, making it an affordable option for travelers.
  • Parking Hassle-Free: Includes parking in designated spots, eliminating the need to search for parking spaces.
  • Flexible Reservations: Reserve cars by the hour or day, providing convenience for last-minute trips and longer excursions.

6. DC Streetcar (H Street/Benning Road Line)

A modern streetcar line connecting northeast Washington neighborhoods, including H Street and the Anacostia River.
  • Community Connection: Supports local businesses and connects residents and visitors to neighborhood attractions.
  • Affordable Fares: Low fares make it an accessible option for travelers on a budget.
  • Historic Preservation: Rides along historic streets and landmarks, offering a glimpse into Washington's past.

7. Uber & Lyft (Ride-Sharing Services)

On-demand ride services available through the Uber and Lyft apps, offering door-to-door transportation within the city.
  • Easy Booking: Book rides with just a few taps on your smartphone.
  • Variety of Options: Choose from standard cars, SUVs, and luxury vehicles based on your preferences and budget.
  • Payment Methods: Pay with cash or credit card, and save payment information for future rides.

8. Capital BikeTrails (Biking Trails)

A network of bike trails along the Potomac and Anacostia rivers, connecting various neighborhoods and attractions.
  • Scenic Rides: Enjoy beautiful views as you explore Washington's riverside neighborhoods.
  • Safe and Separated from Traffic: Trails are separated from traffic lanes, making them safer for cyclists.
  • Connected to Major Destinations: Leads to popular destinations like Georgetown, National Mall, and the Arboretum.

9. DC Dot Bike Map (Biking Resources)

An online map provided by the District Department of Transportation, featuring bike lanes, trails, and other biking resources in Washington.
  • Comprehensive Information: Includes bike routes, parking locations, and maintenance information.
  • Mobile-Friendly: Accessible on mobile devices, making it easy to plan your biking trip while on the go.
  • Regular Updates: Updated regularly to reflect changes in infrastructure and available resources.

10. Capital Cabs (Taxi Service)

A fleet of taxis offering door-to-door service throughout Washington and its suburbs.
  • Immediate Availability: Taxis are readily available at taxi stands or can be hailed from the street.
  • Flexible Payment Methods: Pay with cash, credit card, or mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Wallet.
  • Accessibility Features: Wheelchair-accessible taxis are available for passengers with disabilities.

11. RideOn (Montgomery County Transit)

A bus and rail system serving Montgomery County, offering transportation to and from Washington.
  • Extensive Coverage: Covers a large area, making it easy to reach destinations outside of the city.
  • Integration with Metro System: Provides seamless connections to Washington's Metro system.
  • Discounted Rates for Seniors and Disabled Individuals: Offers reduced fares for seniors and individuals with disabilities, promoting accessibility.

12. Arlington Transit (ART Bus)

A bus system serving Arlington County, offering transportation to and from Washington.
  • Extensive Coverage: Covers a wide area, making it easy to reach destinations in Arlington.
  • Express Routes: Offers express routes that bypass congested areas for faster travel times.
  • Integration with Metro System: Provides seamless connections to Washington's Metro system.

13. MARC Train (Maryland Rail Commuter Service)

A commuter rail service connecting Baltimore and the surrounding areas with Washington.
  • Long-Distance Travel: Ideal for travelers coming from or going to Baltimore and other Maryland locations.
  • Integration with Metro System: Offers connections to Washington's Metro system at Union Station.
  • Economical Travel Option: Provides an affordable alternative to driving or flying.

14. VRE (Virginia Railway Express)

A commuter rail service connecting Manassas and Fredericksburg with Washington.
  • Long-Distance Travel: Ideal for travelers coming from or going to locations in Northern Virginia.
  • Integration with Metro System: Offers connections to Washington's Metro system at Union Station.
  • Economical Travel Option: Provides an affordable alternative to driving or flying.

15. MetroAccess (Paratransit Service)

A paratransit service for individuals with disabilities who cannot use the regular Metro system.
  • Accessibility: Ensures that individuals with disabilities can travel independently within Washington.
  • Personalized Service: Provides door-to-door service, catering to the specific needs of each passenger.
  • Flexible Scheduling: Offers scheduling options that accommodate passengers' individual needs and preferences.