By Car: Be sure to get a good map of the Washington, D.C. area before you start. Road signs on the interstate highways can be confusing and traffic is often heavy, so it is important to know where you are heading. Try to avoid rush-hour traffic. Parking in most downtown hotels will cost $12-20 per day. If you are flying to D.C., we advise against renting a car, because it is expensive to rent, to park and difficult to maneuver. Generally, it is better to pay a little more for a hotel that is close to our outstanding Metro rail system.

By Train: For travelers on the East Coast, Amtrak (800/USA-RAIL) runs hourly service to and from Union Station, which is located just two blocks from the U.S. Capitol and near the Smithsonian museums. This is a very convenient, relaxing way to travel to D.C.

By Plane: Washington is served by three airports:
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), located 15 minutes south of the city in Arlington, Va., is the most convenient. A taxi from the airport into downtown Washington hotels will cost about $15 (extra persons costs only about $2 more) and will get you straight to the hotel in less than 30 minutes. Metro also connects directly to the airport, but is usually not convenient if you are carrying luggage, which can be cumbersome on the train and on Metro escalators.

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is located about one hour west of downtown Washinton in Reston, Va. A taxicab ride into downtown hotels for one to four persons will cost about $60. Supershuttle (800/258-3826) will collect a number of passengers and transport them to several hotels in the same zone. It will take longer than a cab, but the cost is $22 one-way and for others traveling together the fare would be $10. Another alternative is the Washington Flyer bus, which operates buses in each direction every 30 minutes from Dulles to a downtown terminal at 1517 K St. NW, which is about three blocks from the White House. Fare is $16 one-way, $26 round-trip, but you may also need to pay for a cab to your hotel. This option is best for single travelers or couples. Metro is available from Dulles by taking the Washington Flyer bus to the West Falls Church Metro station (703-685-1400). It will cost about $8 for the bus and $3 for the Metro ride into downtown and will take extra time.

Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) is located about 45 minutes north of Washington and about 20 minutes south of Baltimore. Taxi fares from BWI into downtown D.C. will cost about $60 for one to four persons. Van transportation into Washington's downtown hotels is provided by Supershuttle (800/258-3826) for $28 for the first person and $10 for extra persons in the same party. Even though it is expensive, a taxi may still be a better and more direct alternative for parties of two or more.

Disclaimer: This information is provided as a service to our clients, but all rates are subject to change.