Washington, DC City Guide - Getting Around

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (tel: (202) 962 1234; website: www.wmata.com) operates the Metro system. The Metro is an efficient and comfortable system, consisting of rail and buses, which operates throughout the city providing a fast alternative to the heavy traffic congestion experienced in the city. Information can be obtained by telephone (tel: (202) 637 7000).

Five subway lines (red, orange, blue, green and yellow), known as the Metrorail, cover the city, extending into Maryland and Virginia. 

The fare you pay depends on the zone(s) you travel in. There is a one-day Metrorail Pass, which is valid after 0930 or all day at the weekend. A Seven-day Fast Pass offers unlimited rail travel. There is a flat fee (exact money only) on the bus system. A Regional One-day Pass allows unlimited travel on the buses. A combined Metrorail/bus pass allows unlimited travel on the Metro bus and subway.

The Metrorail operates 0530-2400 Monday to Thursday, 0530-0300 on Friday, 0700-0300 on Saturday and 0700-2400 on Sunday. Metrobus operates 24 hours per day but service intervals vary.

A new and convenient way to get around town is the DC Circulator (tel: (202) 962 1423; website: www.dccirculator.com). For the US$1 fare, it is possible to go from Union Station to Georgetown or to the National Mall. The Georgetown Metro Connection bus (M Street Line) goes from Rosslyn Metro Station to Dupont Circle Metro Station via the heart of Georgetown. The service operates daily from 0700-2100.

Taxis in Washington, DC are operated on a zone system and are not metered, although there are plans to introduce meters. By law, passengers must wear seat belts. There are extra charges for each additional passenger and a surcharge per person for travel during the weekday morning and evening rush hours (0700-0930 and 1600-1830). An additional charge applies if a taxi is radio dispatched. Tips of around 15% of the fare are expected. Cab drivers are entitled to pick up other fares en route if those people are travelling in the same direction. 

Providers include Diamond Cab Co. (tel: (202) 387 6200), Yellow Cab (tel: (202) 544 1212 or (202) 829 4222; website: www.dcyellowcab.com) and Mayflower Cab Company (tel: (202) 783 1111).

When city planning began under Major Pierre L'Enfant, he could never have envisaged the demands of modern traffic. However, the streets are laid out in a basic grid pattern, divided into four quadrants, which makes navigation pretty straightforward. Streets running north-south in the centre are numbered while letters designate east-west streets. Roads running diagonally to the general grid pattern are named after American states. One must also be alert to confusing traffic circles and one-way streets. Unless otherwise specified, the city speed limit is 25mph (40kph).

The Capital Beltway, made up of Interstates I-95 and I-495, encircles the city. Because this road is frequently clogged with traffic, it is often difficult to cross the lanes to get to the road exit required. During rush hours (0630-0900 and 1600-1830), carpool regulations govern the number of people in vehicles for certain lanes. Certain lanes and even streets change direction for morning/evening rush hours, in order to alleviate the congestion. Unless otherwise indicated, right turns on a red light are permitted if it is safe to proceed.

Parking restrictions apply during rush hours and some weekend hours. Illegally parked cars are towed away to a car pound that is only open for retrieval Monday-Friday. Meter parking is available for up to four hours, although it is normally free on the weekend. In residential neighbourhoods, parking is often reserved for the residents with a specially displayed zone sticker. In some neighbourhoods, it is possible to park for a two-hour period. Though spaces tend to go quickly, free all-day parking is available in West Potomac Park on Ohio Drive, SW, south of the Lincoln Memorial, as well as south of the Jefferson Memorial in East Potomac Park. Parking Guide Magazine provides information on parking locations and costs around Washington. Because of the chronic lack of parking spaces, most visitors use the public transport system.

Insurance is compulsory when hiring and it should also be confirmed that there is adequate Loss Damage Waiver and personal liability insurance. The minimum rental age is generally 25 years but, for a costly surcharge, some companies will hire cars to drivers aged between 21 and 24 years. Customers must be in possession of a valid driver's licence. 

Most car hire companies have offices in the city, including Alamo, Washington Union Station (tel: (202) 842 7454 or 1 800 327 9633; website: www.alamo.com), Avis, 1722 M Street, NW (tel: (202) 467 6585 or 1 800 331 1212; website: www.avis.com); Budget, 50 Massachusetts Avenue, NE (tel: (202) 289 5373 or 1 800 527 0700; website: www.budget.com) and Hertz, Dulles International Airport (tel: (703) 471 6020 or 1 800 654 3131; website: www.hertz.com).

It is probably best not to attempt to cycle around the city, as the traffic is so heavy. However, there are plenty of enjoyable rides along the Potomac River and around the major sites where it is possible to avoid the traffic. 

Better Bikes (tel: (202) 293 2080; website: www.betterbikesinc.com) delivers bicycles to hotels and will provide a map, helmet, backpack, lock and roadside assistance if necessary. A refundable deposit is necessary to ensure the bicycle's safe return. Bike the Sites, 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW (tel: (202) 842 2453; website: www.bikethesites.com) also do bike tours.