Washington, D.C. Inauguration Travel Guide: Activities, Attractions, Public Transportation and More
This Washington, D.C. Inauguration Travel Guide will help you get around Washington even after the inauguration of Obama. Washington, D.C., is an attractive destination any time of year, whether for springtime cherry blossoms, the incredible selection of museums and monuments, or the unparalleled variety of restaurants, all of which reflect Washington’s eclectic melding of world cultures.
Expand All Guide SectionsThings to Do in Washington, D.C.
There are plenty of things to do in Washington, D.C. Enjoy midday brunch in a ... read more »
Where to Stay in Washington, D.C.
When deciding where to stay in Washington, D.C. you'll have quite a choice of ... read more »
Getting Around Washington, D.C.
Compared to many other cities, getting around Washington, D.C. is a dream. Consistently named among the best U.S. walking cities, and praised for having an extremely efficient and clean Metro system, you may be able to avoid the expense of cabs and rental cars altogether.
Insights for Getting Around Washington, D.C.
- The Washington, D.C., Metro system is a fast and clean way for getting around Washington, D.C. You’ll probably like it, even if you’ve never been a fan of underground transportation.
- Metro officials suggest buying your passes ahead of time (online at Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority) if you plan to visit during the inauguration. Also give yourself an extra hour or so to get to the capital, and expect big crowds.
- Use walking maps to get from place to place, and you’ll see more of the city than the average tourist. If you have time, walk through the National Mall at night for a dramatic scene.
Top Sites for Getting Around Washington, D.C.
For getting around Washington, D.C. using public transportation …
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Web site covers subway (metro) and bus transportation, including maps, timetables and fares, and tips on boarding and exiting trains and buses.
HopStop
HopStop makes it easy to plan your trip by rail, bus, taxi or walking. Just enter your starting point and destination and HopStop provides specific directions to anywhere in Washington, D.C., in seconds.
For D.C. walking maps …
Map Network
Map Network has interactive, printable walking maps of downtown D.C. and of the entire District. A map of the D.C. regional area is also available. All are free of charge, download quickly and allow you to zoom in or out.
For self-guided walking tours of Washington, D.C. …
National Geographic
National Geographic Places of a Lifetime series has walking maps of Georgetown, Embassy Row and U Street, with descriptions of sites and historic background.
For running in D.C. …
Washington Running Club
The Washington Running Club lists running routes of different lengths all over the city and into Virginia. Each route has a map, step-by-step written directions, and a brief description of terrain, making it easy to choose the perfect run.
For getting around Washington, D.C. with a car rental …
Expedia
Expedia connects D.C. visitors to the cheapest car rental services from several different companies, including Alamo and Enterprise. Scroll down to the “Rent a Car” search tool to find your vehicle. However, according to Expedia, “renting a car is only essential if you need to drive outside the city limits or if you’ve flown into Dulles Airport.”
For Washington, D.C. taxi services …
DC Pages
DC Pages explains the zone system of pricing in the District, including how to save money and the history of the zone system. Phone numbers for several taxi companies are provided.
For D.C. bike sharing …
The Washington Post
The Washington Post explains how to use the D.C. SmartBike bicycle-sharing program in three simple steps, and provides a map of SmartBike locations throughout the city. SmartBike membership cards are $40 and must be ordered over the phone or online ahead of time.
SmartBike DC
SmartBike DC membership information is available at the official Web site of the program.
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