Getting Around Washington DC
Navigating Washington DC by car can be challenging with heavy traffic and one-way roads, so we suggest leaving your car parked and use one of the many other ways to get around the city. From rail to bus to taxi to bicycle and even scooter, it's easy to get around without a car.
BICYCLE
Pick up a bike at one of hundreds of stations around the metro DC area, take it where you need to go and end your ride by returning your bike to any station. For details, visit www.capitalbikeshare.com
SCOOTER
Just about anywhere you go in the city, you will see people on scooters. Shortly after their introduction in spring 2018, scooters replaced dockless bikes as the vehicle of choice in the District. Lime, Bird and Lyft are a few of the companies for scooter rental.
METRORAIL
Washington DC’s subway system is a good way to get around as there are trains running from the early morning until almost midnight. Fare cards are available for purchase at stations and online. Metro Pocket Guides also come in handy when you're traveling around.
METROBUS
DC’s public bus system is another way to get around the city; but keep in mind that you’ll be riding in traffic along with everyone else so don’t be in a hurry. A good tip is to only ride the bus during off-peak hours, between 9:30am to 4pm or after 7pm. Complete information about routes, fares, and hours is available on Metro's website.
DC CIRCULATOR
Another bus to consider is the DC Circulator. These buses run every 10 minutes between several of the most popular locations around the city. If you’re visiting on the weekend, the bus system makes a loop around the National Mall on Saturday and Sunday. Information on schedules and fares can be found online.
TAXI OR RIDE SHARING APPS
If you’re in need of a quick ride, call or hail a cab; there are always dozens of taxis making their way around the city ready to take you where you want to go. Taxis use a metered system just like every other city in the country. All taxis also accept credit and debit cards as payment, as well as cash.
Ride sharing apps such as Uber or Lyft are also popular ways to get around.
For more information about all of the transportation options in Washington, DC, visit Washington.org!
