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 BWIs 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. -2:00a.m. Friday, 8a.m.- 2 a.m. Saturday, 8 a.m.-12 midnight Sunday. The base Metro fare is $1.10 for non-rush hour travel between downtown locations. Children 4 and under ride free. For more information on the citys 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 $5 - $15. 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. Or, check out our Attractions and Shopping Guide for some links to the city's special attractions.

Travel Tips
Washington's hottest new attraction is the International Spy Museum. The wait to get in on holidays and weekends averages between 2 to 3 hours. Try visiting on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays after 11:00 a.m. when the lines are shorter. For more information contact 202.EYE.SPY.U (202.393.7798)

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 $5 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 at the Old Post Office Pavilion has half-price tickets available on a limited basis the day of the performance. While youre there, check out the spectacular view from the bell tower at the Old Post Office.

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