Getting Around Washington D.C.
Washington D.C. Airport information
If you’re flying into Washington, D.C., you have three major airport options — Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), Dulles International (IAD), and Baltimore/Washington International (BWI).
Each airport is well-connected to the city through public transportation, taxis, and shuttle services, making your arrival and departure smooth and stress-free.
For event planners, this is a big plus — your guests can easily reach hotels, convention venues, or downtown meetings from any airport.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
Just across the Potomac River in Arlington, Virginia, this airport is the closest to downtown D.C.
Approx. taxi fare to downtown: $22 USD
Connected directly to the Metro (Blue and Yellow lines)
Over 70 restaurants and shops, including Ben’s Chili Bowl, Legal Sea Foods, and Brooks Brothers
44 gates with nonstop service to 85 destinations
Plenty of parking — more than 7,500 spaces available
Offers stunning views of D.C. monuments from the air
Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Located about 26 miles west of downtown D.C.
Known for international flights and major airline connections
Access to downtown via Silver Line Metro or Washington Flyer services
Ideal for overseas travelers or large event groups
Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI)
Around 32 miles northeast of D.C., near Baltimore
Serves many domestic and budget airlines
Connected by MARC or Amtrak trains for a quick commute to D.C.
Known for its efficient check-ins and traveler-friendly layout.
Each airport is well-connected to the city through public transportation, taxis, and shuttle services, making your arrival and departure smooth and stress-free.
For event planners, this is a big plus — your guests can easily reach hotels, convention venues, or downtown meetings from any airport.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
Just across the Potomac River in Arlington, Virginia, this airport is the closest to downtown D.C.
Approx. taxi fare to downtown: $22 USD
Connected directly to the Metro (Blue and Yellow lines)
Over 70 restaurants and shops, including Ben’s Chili Bowl, Legal Sea Foods, and Brooks Brothers
44 gates with nonstop service to 85 destinations
Plenty of parking — more than 7,500 spaces available
Offers stunning views of D.C. monuments from the air
Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Located about 26 miles west of downtown D.C.
Known for international flights and major airline connections
Access to downtown via Silver Line Metro or Washington Flyer services
Ideal for overseas travelers or large event groups
Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI)
Around 32 miles northeast of D.C., near Baltimore
Serves many domestic and budget airlines
Connected by MARC or Amtrak trains for a quick commute to D.C.
Known for its efficient check-ins and traveler-friendly layout.
Washington D.C. Train information
Traveling by train to or from Washington, D.C. is simple and comfortable. The main station, Union Station, is not only a travel hub but also a historic landmark filled with shops, restaurants, and event-friendly meeting areas. Trains connect D.C. to major U.S. cities, making it easy for attendees or guests to arrive from different regions.
Union Station (Amtrak)
This beautiful Beaux Arts-style station operates service across eight Amtrak routes, including Acela Express and Northeast Regional.
Connects D.C. to Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Miami
Open 24 hours a day
Ticket office:
Mon–Fri: 4:30 am–10:10 pm
Sat–Sun: 5 am–10:10 pm
Excellent access to hotels, the Metro (Red Line), and major event venues
Alexandria Station (Virginia)
Located in Old Town Alexandria, about 8 miles south of D.C., this smaller but charming station also serves several Amtrak routes.
Connected to the Metro (King Street Station)
Served by Alexandria DASH and WMATA buses
Daily hours: 6 am–9 pm
Great option for travelers staying near Arlington or Pentagon City.
Union Station (Amtrak)
This beautiful Beaux Arts-style station operates service across eight Amtrak routes, including Acela Express and Northeast Regional.
Connects D.C. to Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Miami
Open 24 hours a day
Ticket office:
Mon–Fri: 4:30 am–10:10 pm
Sat–Sun: 5 am–10:10 pm
Excellent access to hotels, the Metro (Red Line), and major event venues
Alexandria Station (Virginia)
Located in Old Town Alexandria, about 8 miles south of D.C., this smaller but charming station also serves several Amtrak routes.
Connected to the Metro (King Street Station)
Served by Alexandria DASH and WMATA buses
Daily hours: 6 am–9 pm
Great option for travelers staying near Arlington or Pentagon City.
Washington D.C. Public Transportation information
Getting around Washington, D.C. is easy and affordable thanks to its extensive public transportation network.
Whether you're attending an event, meeting clients, or exploring the city, you’ll find plenty of dependable options.
Metrorail
The city’s subway system connects 91 stations across D.C., Virginia, and Maryland. It’s clean, safe, and ideal for commuting.
Six color-coded lines (Red, Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow, Green)
Trains run most frequently during rush hours:
Weekdays: 5–9:30 am and 3–7 pm
Fares:
Peak: $2.15–$5.90
Off-peak: $1.75–$3.60
Seniors and riders with disabilities get reduced fares
Up to two small children (under 4) ride free with an adult
Metrobus
With more than 1,500 buses on 325 routes, Metrobus serves the entire region — even late at night.
Operates 24/7
Fares:
Regular route: $1.75
Express route: $4
Pay using cash or a SmarTrip card (rechargeable fare card)
Exact change required for cash payments
DC Circulator
This is the easiest and most affordable way to see the city’s main attractions. Perfect for event guests or casual sightseeing.
Fare: $1 (cash or SmarTrip card)
Runs every 10 minutes on popular routes like:
National Mall (Red Line)
Georgetown–Union Station (Yellow Line)
Dupont Circle–Georgetown–Rosslyn (Light Blue Line)
Pass options: 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day passes available
Taxis
Readily available near airports, hotels, and landmarks.
Average fares:
$16 from Reagan National to the Convention Center
$60 from Dulles to downtown D.C.
$90 from BWI to downtown D.C.
D.C. base fare: $4.25 for the first mile + $1.50 per additional mile
Rental Cars
Major companies like Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz operate at all three area airports.
At Reagan National (DCA): Rental counters in Parking Garage A — accessible by shuttle or a short 10–15 minute walk
At Dulles (IAD): Shuttles to car rental area from baggage claim exits
At BWI: Dedicated rental facility with free shuttle every 10 minutes from the terminal.
Whether you're attending an event, meeting clients, or exploring the city, you’ll find plenty of dependable options.
Metrorail
The city’s subway system connects 91 stations across D.C., Virginia, and Maryland. It’s clean, safe, and ideal for commuting.
Six color-coded lines (Red, Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow, Green)
Trains run most frequently during rush hours:
Weekdays: 5–9:30 am and 3–7 pm
Fares:
Peak: $2.15–$5.90
Off-peak: $1.75–$3.60
Seniors and riders with disabilities get reduced fares
Up to two small children (under 4) ride free with an adult
Metrobus
With more than 1,500 buses on 325 routes, Metrobus serves the entire region — even late at night.
Operates 24/7
Fares:
Regular route: $1.75
Express route: $4
Pay using cash or a SmarTrip card (rechargeable fare card)
Exact change required for cash payments
DC Circulator
This is the easiest and most affordable way to see the city’s main attractions. Perfect for event guests or casual sightseeing.
Fare: $1 (cash or SmarTrip card)
Runs every 10 minutes on popular routes like:
National Mall (Red Line)
Georgetown–Union Station (Yellow Line)
Dupont Circle–Georgetown–Rosslyn (Light Blue Line)
Pass options: 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day passes available
Taxis
Readily available near airports, hotels, and landmarks.
Average fares:
$16 from Reagan National to the Convention Center
$60 from Dulles to downtown D.C.
$90 from BWI to downtown D.C.
D.C. base fare: $4.25 for the first mile + $1.50 per additional mile
Rental Cars
Major companies like Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz operate at all three area airports.
At Reagan National (DCA): Rental counters in Parking Garage A — accessible by shuttle or a short 10–15 minute walk
At Dulles (IAD): Shuttles to car rental area from baggage claim exits
At BWI: Dedicated rental facility with free shuttle every 10 minutes from the terminal.
