Navigating a new area can be confusing and stressful. To help you prepare, we invite you to look through our Washington, DC transportation guide, offering information on local and regional railways, rental cars, taxi services and public transportation.
Metrorail is the most heavily used Washington, DC transportation service. Operating five different lines throughout the city and into the Maryland and Virginia suburbs, Metro is extremely easy to use. Each traveller is required to possess his or her own fare card, which are available for purchase at all Metro stations. Depending on the time of day and distance travelled, each journey will cost between $1.60 and $5.00. One-day Metro passes are also available for $9.00, and allow unlimited journeys from 9:30am until the Metro closes.
Throughout the Capital Region’s urban centres, taxis are a convenient, popular form of USA transportation. Taxis can generally be hailed on the street, although it is a good idea to bring along the number of a local taxi company if visiting a more remote neighbourhood. Tipping taxi drivers is customary throughout the country and highly appreciated.
Although often unnecessary in urban areas like Washington or Baltimore, rental cars are an ideal way to explore the outlying region, which is spanned by major interstate highways and beautiful scenic byways. Cars with built-in GPS systems are available from many rental agencies for an additional charge. For car rental details and companies, visit airport web sites and look for ground transportation links.
Rail service is available throughout the Capital Region and beyond on the nationwide Amtrak system. With its hub at Washington, DC's Union Station, Amtrak's high speed Acela service provides multiple daily connections to Baltimore, Wilmington, Philadelphia, New York and Boston. Within the Capital Region itself, Amtrak offers “The Carolinian,” which serves Baltimore, BWI Airport, Washington, DC and the cities of Alexandria, Fredericksburg, Richmond and Petersburg in Virginia; “The Crescent,” which offers transportation between Baltimore, Washington, DC and the cities of Alexandria, Manassas, Culpeper, Charlottesville, Lynchburg and Danville in Virginia; and the “Northeast Regional,” offering service to Baltimore, BWI Airport, Washington, DC, Alexandria, Fredericksburg, Richmond and Williamsburg, terminating in Newport News, Virginia. A new line now offers service to Lynchburg, Virginia as well.
Virginia Railway Express provides commuter rail service weekdays between Fredericksburg and Manassas Virginia and downtown Washington, DC. The MARC (Maryland Area Regional Commuter) Train Service operates three lines throughout Maryland and downtown Washington, DC, with service available Monday through Friday.
Prefer someone else to organise your USA tour? Learn about USA transportation services to Washington, DC, Virginia and Maryland offered by tour operators from your home country.
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