Washington - Getting Around
With many of DC's attractions located close to one another, you may find that getting around on foot or even by bike is a favourable option in this well planned city. But for longer journeys, DC’s excellent transport network of bus and rail travel will help makes sure that you don’t miss out on any of Washington’s sights.
DC’s clean and safe Metro service runs from 5am until midnight, and 5am until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays. Five colour coded rail lines intersect across the city, with Metrorail stations in most major areas. Fares depend on time and distance of the journey, but a basic fare is around $1.60-$2.75. Farecards can be bought at the stations and then charged up with money. Get a reusable SmarTrip card for a discount of 25 cents per ride, or opt for flat-rate Metro passes which offer unlimited travel for a set number of days, also available from the automated machines in the stations. For longer visits to the city, a SmarTrip debit card, ($10 cost with $5 transportation credit), will allow transport on Metro, Metrobus, the D.C. Circulator.
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DC Circulator
Good for tourists, the DC. Circulator is a shuttle-like service that runs between some of DCs major attractions and neighbourhoods, ideal for taking in the sights. The buses run every 10 minutes and cost $1 and transport you to must-see locations, taking in the perimeter of the National Mall from the Washington Monument to the U.S. Capitol.
Metrobus
The Metrobus is a service that suits locals, running through residential areas, but is useful for those attractions which are off the beaten track. Most routes cost a flat fare of $1.70 ($1.50 with SmarTrip card) and run around every twenty minutes. Routes connect you up to such sights as the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Embassy Row, the National Cathedral and the Zoo at Woodley Park.
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Taxis
Washington Flyer Taxis are available from the lower level of the Main Terminal. Follow the signs for Ground Transportation or Taxi to find a taxicab dispatcher on duty 24 hours a day. A journey to downtown Washington DC takes around 40-60 minutes and costs approx $60-$80.