How Do I Get Around Washington, DC?

The most commonly used transportation systems for getting around the DC area are supervised by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). This organization was founded in 1967 and serves area residents, commuters and visitors almost all day, seven days per week. Trips are paid through a SmarTrip account, either by a reloadable plastic card or mobile pay. This national capital area system includes Metrorail, Metrobus and the DC Circulator. For specific directions in utilizing WMATA services, check out their Trip Planner.

Metrobus

Metrobus operates hundreds of routes throughout DC and the surrounding area, with over 1,400 eco-friendly buses using compressed natural gas or hybrid electric systems. These buses, managed by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, produce about 45% fewer hydrocarbons than traditional diesel, making them a sustainable choice for transportation.

DC Circulator

The DC Circulator gets rave reviews from residents and visitors alike. The bus is $1 for all riders and travels along six specific routes designed for easy-on, easy-off access at points of interest throughout the District.  You can pay with exact change, SmarTrip card, and 7-day WMATA regional bus pass Explore neighborhoods such as Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle, Georgetown, Woodley Park, U Street and Capitol Hill with the Circulator. The bus even offers a dedicated National Mall route for super easy access to DC’s majestic lineup of monuments and memorials. Schedules for every route are available and buses run every 10 minutes.

Renting a Car

Driving in the city can be stressful with expensive, hectic parking and notorious rush hour traffic. With many accessible transit options, renting a car is only worthwhile if you plan a day trip outside the city.

One of the best ways to experience Washington, DC is on foot. The city’s wide sidewalks meander past the inspiring monuments and museums found on the National Mall, as well as the intimate museums, world-class theaters and splendid gardens in the city’s collection of neighborhoods.

For those who enjoy exploring on two wheels, Unlimited Biking offers rentals from two locations in DC with a wide selection of bikes, including kids' bikes and attachments. Each rental comes with helmets, locks, and a map, and their friendly staff will help you plan your route through the city. Another option is Capital Bikeshare, which has over 350 stations across DC, Virginia, and Maryland. With more than 3,000 bicycles in its fleet, you can access bikes 24/7 by joining (options range from a Day Key to a year-long membership). The first 30 minutes of each trip are free, with additional fees for each extra half hour.

Additionally, renting bikes, scooters, or mopeds is an economical and quick way to get around DC. 

Note: please obey all local laws, including age and safety requirements. Please use the DC bike lanes and leave the sidewalks to pedestrians.

Visitors can easily travel from DC to its neighboring states, Maryland and Virginia. The region, commonly referred to as the DMV, has a variety of options in order to serve locals and commuters coming into the District for work and play. However, these modes of transportation can easily carry visitors to sites outside the city. Options include the Fairfax Connector buses in Virginia, the Virginia train system known as the VRE and the MARC train in Maryland. Other regional transportation systems are listed on WMATA’s website.