How do I get there?
 By Plane.
Washington DC is served by three airports. Reagan National Airport is about 20 minutes from downtown. Dulles International Airport is 45 minutes from downtown and Baltimore-Washington International Airport is about 1 hour from downtown. You have many choices to get from each airport depending on your time and budget. Taxis are the quickest. Downtown Washington is subway accessible from Reagan National Airport. The Washington Flyer Coach service operates between Dullles International Airport and the West Falls Church metro station. For information, contact 1-888-WashFly. Express Metro Bus #B30 departs operates between BWI Airport and the Greenbelt Metro Station and departs from BWI's main terminal Lower Level, Pier East. For more information contact 202-637-7000.
 By Train.
Amtrak provides service to Union Station in downtown Washington. Call 1-800-USA-RAIL.
How do I get around?
Washington offers great public transportation. The Metro (subway) system is open 5:30a.m. -12 midnight Monday -Thursday, 5:30a.m. -3:00a.m. Friday, 7:00 a.m.- 3:00 a.m. Saturday, 7:0 a.m.-12 midnight Sunday. The base Metro fare is $1.35 for non-rush hour travel between downtown locations. Children 4 and under ride free. For more information on the city's bus and subway system, call WMATA at 202-637-7000.
Taxis are easy to come by in Washington. Because downtown locations are fairly close, you can often get to your destination for $6 - $18. There are also surcharges for extra passengers, and rush hour commutes. Parking downtown in difficult. Parking meters are limited and you need to pay close attention to the posted signs for parking restrictions. Parking garages charge between $10 - $25/day.
How safe is it?
 Just like any other major city, you'll need to take common-sense precautions against crime in Washington. Travel in well-lit areas at night, and don't walk alone. Taxis are a good, inexpensive way to get around at night. Use travelers checks, keep your wallet in an inside coat or front trouser pocket.
How do I get information on the sights?
 There's lots to do for free in Washington.
The 14 Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo are open daily, except Christmas. Call the White House 24-hour information line at 202/456-2200 for tour information. Visit the DC Chamber of Commerce's Visitor Information Center located in the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center at 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW . Open Monday - Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. The closest metro stop is Federal Triangle. To request an Official Visitor's Guide to Washington DC contact 202-328-4748. Check one of the city's newspapers for information when you arrive.
 Says one reviewer of Jeff Bagato's new book Mondo DC: An Insider's Guide to Washington, DC's Most Unusual Tourist Attractions: "Being a DC native, I thought I knew about all the strange and unique places in and around the city.
I guess I was wrong. Mr. Bagato's book has caused me to reasses my knowledge of all things DC. Don't tour Washington DC without this book firmly tucked under arm. And, if you live in DC (or its suburbs), dust yourself off once in a while and see what you're missing."
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Travel Tips
Access Information Inc - www.disabilityguide.org
Electric Scooter and Wheelchair Rentals - plus toddler strollers - Make the most of your visit to DC - tour on a mobility scooter or manual wheelchair - call Bike the Sites at 202-842-BIKE
Smithsonian Museums - be prepared for new security policies enforced at all the museums.
 Metro One Day Pass - Certainly a great value if you plan to ride the subway at least 5 times within the same day. The $6.50 pass is per person, not per family.
Renting a car to tour Washington is probably not a great idea. Public transportation is excellent and taxis are affordable and plentiful. Parking near the museums is mostly metered, and garages are expensive. If you must drive, the parking garage at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center located on 14th Street, between Pennsylvania and Constitution Avenues, is very convenient.
Ticketplace located at 407 7th Street, NW in the Penn Quarters district, has half-price tickets available on a limited basis the day of the performance. Closest Metro: Archives/Navy Memorial
When in Washington, Ride METRO. It's fast, clean, safe and fun.
Visit the monuments at dusk. Fewer crowds and the sunsets can be very picturesque.
Many fine restaurants have "pre-theater" fixed priced menus. It's a great way to try the best places. The tradeoff is that you usually must be seated before 7pm.
Check out the gift shops at the Smithsonian Museums. You'll find unique gifts for all occasions and the gift shops are TAX FREE.
For a unique activity in Washington, visit the Rock Creek Park Horse Center and take a guided trail horse ride, geared toward beginners and children 12 or older. Pony rides are available for younger children.
Useful Links
Legislative Affairs
- House of Representatives
- Senate
Other Cities
There's something to be said for personal service, and a comprehensive knowledge of the hotels, restaurants and attractions in the city to which you are traveling, not to mention a competitive, if not better, hotel room rate than what the mega travel sites or travel agencies can offer.
Please feel free to enjoy the services of these other destination based reservation services that have first-hand knowledge of which hotels offer the best amenities for your tastes, budget and travel intentions.
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With three airports nearby, an extensive Metro subway system and security policies to consider when visiting museums and monuments, Washington can be challenging if you don't have the inside scoop. So we've compiled some links to help make your trip easier and hassle-free!