Taxis and Metro

ONCE YOU'RE IN DC, HOW SHOULD YOU GET AROUND?

Taxi - DC has a zone system, which is supposed to prevent taxi drivers from taking advantage of strangers to DC. I have ridden in a cab numerous time from the airport and have never been overcharged since this new system came into being. The "zones" are usually clearly marked in the back of the cab and you can see how many you go through. All of the pricing is listed where you can see. Taxis are plentiful in DC, hailing one should not often be a problem. Just FYI, if you happen to be here during a snowstorm, taxis are allowed to double their prices so beware!

List of Taxis

Taxi Zone Map

Metro - DC is very lucky to have a wonderful public transportation system. It is clean (there is a $25 dollar fine if you are caught eating, drinking or littering so behave!) and it takes you everywhere in DC, except for Georgetown. The normal cost is $1.35 per ride, regardless of how far you go. The exception to this rule is during rush hours in the morning and evening. During those hours, prices fluctuate widely depending on how far you travel. The trains can also be pretty crowded during those hours so try and schedule accordingly. If your hotel is near a metro, or has a shuttle to the metro, you have no need for a car whatsoever - unless you want to stay out very late, or are adverse to walking a few blocks now and then.

Metro generally runs from 5:30am until midnight Monday - Friday, and 8am until midnight on weekends. Holiday hours are different so check the Metro web link provided above. Also remember, just because metro closes at midnight, that doesn't mean the last train leaves at that time - sometimes the last train leaves at 11:30. Again, just click on the blue metro above for specific hours and station fares.

You can buy your metro fare cards at any metro station. The machines look daunting but they are not. Just put your money in (the machine takes change, $1, $5, $10 or $20), click on how much credit you want applied and then push the button to release your fare card. Be careful though, if you put in a $20 bill and only want $2.20 in credit, you will get a lot of quarters in change! You can use your card over and over so if you will be traveling a lot by metro, go ahead and put $5 or $10 on it - just don't lose it like I always do.

Metro Map