Capital Region Transportation Guide

Tour Operators

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.

Major Highways

Major highways in the Capital Region include the north/south Interstate 95 and the Capital Beltway (I-495) that encircles DC, as well as I-395, I-295, I-66, I-270, the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Dulles Toll Road. 

Bike Share

The Capital Bikeshare programme is a network of more than 4,300 bicycles at 500-plus stations across DC; Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church and Fairfax County in Virginia; and Montgomery County and Prince George’s County in Maryland. Rental options start at $8 for 24 hours, but three-day and 30-day usage is also available. Pick up a bike and pedal to wherever your plans take you, with the ability to return your ride at any station nearby.

Metro

The DC Metrorail system covers the DC area plus nearby towns in Virginia and Maryland. Metro SmarTrip® fares range from $2–$6, depending on the time of day. The Metrobus takes you from Metro stations to many convenient stops around DC, Maryland and Virginia including direct access from Washington Dulles International Airport. 

Certain Metro stations might be impacted by an ongoing Metro improvement plan. Visit wmata.com/safetrack to help plan your trip. Maryland’s MARC train service and Virginia’s VRE rail service connect to DC daily and on weekdays, respectively.

Taxi Cabs, Uber & Lyft

Taxis can be hailed on busy streets or at hotels and other landmarks; dispatch may also be called ahead of time to arrange pick-up. Find approximate taxi rates and fees at dctaxi.dc.gov. Tipping 10% to 15% is customary.

Uber, Lyft and similar ride-sharing services are available in many locations.

Car Rental

Travel on your own schedule by renting a car from companies in major airports and larger cities. If you’re staying in Maryland or Virginia, or travelling outside of Washington, DC, a rental car makes sense. In Washington, DC and adjacent areas, neighbourhoods are pedestrian-friendly and affordable public transportation is readily available.

For a short trip outside the city, consider renting a Zipcar, available by the hour or day. 

Although not required, drivers are advised to get an international driving permit before the trip. Sample car rental rates (prices vary by pickup location): compact ($74/day), standard ($80/day), full-size ($113/day), luxury ($133/day), plus taxes and fees.

Amtrak Trains

Amtrak trains include comfortable standard and business-class seats, sleeping cars and glass-domed observation cars. The Acela Express and Northeast Regional routes take you quickly to major East Coast cities such as DC, Baltimore, Richmond, Norfolk, Philadelphia, New York City and Boston, as well as Charlottesville, Lynchburg, Newport News, Roanoke, Virginia Beach (via coach transfer) and other cities within the Capital Region.