Travel and transportation information

Traveling to DC from the airport

Reagan National Airport is located just across the Potomac River in Virginia and is the closest airport to DC. It is accessible via its own Metro stop on the Blue and Yellow Lines. To catch a taxi, look for the official taxi stand outside of baggage claim. A ride into downtown DC will cost about $15-$20. Visit the Reagan Airport transportation and parking page for more information.

Dulles Airport is located 26 miles from DC in suburban Virginia. It has a dedicated access road that makes getting into the city efficient via car, taxi or airport shuttle. Washington Flyer taxi cabs exclusively service Dulles Airport. Taxi stands are located outside the main terminal at Door 2 and Door 6. A ride into DC will cost about $60-$68.
Washington Flyer also offers a Silver Line Express Bus that drops off at the Wiehle-Reston East Metrorail station about 15 minutes away. Silver Line Express Bus fare is $5 for one way. Purchase tickets inside the airport at Arrivals Door 4. Visit the Dulles Airport transportation and parking page for more information.

BWI Airport is a bit further out in Baltimore, but oftentimes that means you can find even better flight deals. BWI Airport is accessible via an Amtrak train route that drops off at DC’s Union Station. A reserved seat on the train will cost $15-$30. Visit the BWI Airport ground transportation page for more information.
All three airports also have a variety of car rental desks. Check with your preferred car rental company for more information.

How Do I Get Around Washington, DC?

Metrorail & Metrobus

Washington, DC has one of the safest, cleanest and most efficient transportation systems in the world. Metrorail and Metrobus are the most convenient ways to get around DC, with Metrobus providing connections for locations not serviced by Metrorail. Many hotels are conveniently located near Metro stations or bus routes. Metro operates from 5 a.m. to midnight on weekdays and from 7 a.m. to midnight on weekends.
Metrobus runs hundreds of routes throughout the city and the greater Washington, DC area, with more than 1,400 buses using compressed natural gas or a hybrid electric drive system helping to keep DC eco-friendly.
Riders can pay by purchasing a SmarTrip card, which allows users to load a designated amount on the card for repeated swiping. The cards can also be used as payment for Metrobus and DC Circulator rides.