Washington DC Mass Transit?

Question

Hi, I'm relocating temporarily to DC (for about 30 days). I've never lived in a big city, before. Where I live everyone drives. I won't have a car while I'm there and I'm terrified about getting to and from work on time. I've been looking for short term rentals online, and I'll make sure I'm within walking distance of a bus or metro station, or whatever it's called.

I've been to the mass transit website for DC and I know I need to buy a smart card, but can someone answer a few questions? How would you describe how to use the system to a complete noob? If I have to be at one of the government buildings in DC at 8am, do the trains or buses get so crowded that I should leave a very long time before then? Is it fairly easy for a complete noob to get on the right bus/train and make any connections needed?

Any advice on this would be great (and some advise on picking a short term rental, too. All I ned is privacy, a bed, a fridge, a microwave and Internet access). Thanks.

Answer 1

Go ahead and get your smart card. You can put in up to $300.00.

I would start with a smaller amount, say $30.00 and then you can determine what you need later on. You can add to it in all metro stations or even on a metro bus.

Check the web site and plug in the time you want to arrive, giving yourself some little leeway, and you will get a few schedules. The ground transportation can be affected and will be at times by the traffic, but no cars are allowed on the train tracks so it goes smoothly. Also they add extra buses and trains for the rush hour. If you are required to walk to any area, they give you a walking map. The connections in the Metro stations are well marked. You will not have any trouble.

The Washington, DC is one of the best mass transits in the world.



This is my help from Washington, D.C. United States of America.

Please pick a "Best Answer", even if it is not mine.

Answer 2

They run pretty often in the rush hours, so if you have to make a connection you should be able to make a quick one. Travel time depends on how far you're going of course. It shouldn't take too long to figure out the system, there are only a few lines.



The DC metro is organized around a hub at Metro Center and one or two stops around there, with the various lines radiating out from there. The way you use the Metro is like any subway system. You look at your starting point, you look at your ending point, you see the transfer points you need to take to make those connections. Metro charges you for distance on the way out, so you have to scan your card at the exit.



If you're going to connect to a bus, make sure you look for a bus transfer at your starting destination. They don't want people to be able to just walk into a station and get a transfer without actually taking the metro, so it has to be from another metro stop. Bus transfers are in little machines at the top of the escalators.



It's hard to give more specific advice without specific questions. I think the Metro site has travel times on it. You probably want to add at least 10-15 mins at each end to allow time for confusion, at least the first day.

Answer 3

Since you're nervous about using our Metro subway system, I'd suggest doing a "dry run" ahead of time. The day before you're starting your job, even if it's on a weekend, try using the system. Purchase a farecard with a good amount of money on it--enough for your first few days of travel. Look at the signs posted near the farecard machines to figure out your one-way fare.



Also, take a close look at the Metro website, to learn the basics:

http://www.wmata.com



That way you'll know which trains to use, which entrances and exits to use, and about how long the trip will take, and can figure out everything without rushing. If it's a weekend, trains run less often, but otherwise the process should be about the same.



As for suggested places to stay, check out the Oakwood location on Roosevelt Blvd. in Falls Church. While expensive, it's in a very nice, safe, area, and is located only one mile from a Metro station, with a free shuttle bus. They specialize in short-term rentals.

Answer 4

There is a metro/bus system- METRO. This is great, it will take you through DC and into VA and/or MD. Highly recommended. :-) Be Green.