D.C. Area Guide
This guide was written by BoD Member, Leyla Myers. The content is provided as one person's personal opinion/experience with the D.C. area and should not be construed as professional travel advice.
General Information
General Information
It is your personal responsibility to check local rules and your state’s reciprocity agreements with either Virginia or Maryland before you travel.
D.C. – despite the 2008 Supreme Court’s ruling, the nation’s capital laws are still extremely anti-gun, so don’t test the system unless you want to hurt our cause.
NO GUNS ALLOWED IN D.C.
Out of Virginia, Maryland and D.C., Virginia is by far the most gun-owner friendly place to live in and to visit. Concealed carry is not allowed in places that serve alcohol, - open carry is allowed, but the owner has a discretion to ask you to leave. Open carry is allowed in Virginia without a permit to anyone who can legally posses a hand-gun. However, there are some exceptions, such as federal parks (this right will be restored in late February 2010), schools, and court houses -- and some local jurisdictions (Falls Church) may give you a hard time about it.
In Maryland, there is no open carry, and concealed carry permits are hard to obtain. If you are traveling by car, your weapon must be unloaded and secured (i.e., in the trunk).
From the WMATA website: “Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) – its police officers have tri-state jurisdiction with responsibility for a variety of law enforcement and public safety functions in transit facilities throughout the Washington, DC Metropolitan area. The MTPD is nationally accredited through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. and officer candidates are trained to the standards established for police in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia.” It appears you can legally carry your firearm in Virginia including on metro trains and buses. If travelling by metro train or bus, pay attention and make sure you Do Not go to D.C. or Maryland – do not go past Rosslyn (on Orange and Blue line) and Pentagon (on Yellow line) stations on metrorail.
Area Advisory
Virginia Area Advisory
Suggested Areas to Stay: depending on your budget restrictions, King Street/Alexandria, Arlington, and most places along the Orange and Blue metro line. The areas that are tourist-draws tend to be more safe although expensive.
Hotels: in general, you can find lots of chain hotels of all price range around metro stations; you can use online travel websites to find hotels based on location or attraction. Orange Line: between Ballston and Rosslyn - hotels in that area are usually used for conferences so they might have special group deals available. Blue Line: There are a number of reasonably-priced hotel chains at The Springfield Interchange, also known as the Mixing Bowl, proximate to the Franconia-Springfield metro station. Some may have shuttles over to the Metro station. Other areas close to metro stations - King Street (rather upscale but safe area, if you can find a good deal on hotel), any of the three stations between Reagan Airport and Pentagon City (do not confuse it with Pentagon station – that’s where Pentagon is and you won’t find much around there); Crystal City station area had lots of developments going on in 2005 – adding new restaurants, shopping, and large selection of hotels (that are also used by business people, so you might get a good group discount deal).
Areas to avoid: there is some gang activity (MS13) in various small spots, but we cannot point to a particular area, and obviously things might be different in April 2010. It is mostly gang-on-gang and does not typically involve regular folks.
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Maryland Area Advisory:
Since I never lived in MD, this advice is based on my recollection of news flashes and overall impression about safety of living and moving about Maryland (Maryland folks, feel free to chime in on this section).
Safe Areas to Stay: in general, Bethesda, Chevy Chase.
Areas to avoid: as a general rule, avoid the areas of south-east D.C. (south end of Green metro line), and Prince George County (Maryland) that spreads both North-East and South-East from D.C. – it is mentioned on crime news everyday.
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Downtown D.C. Area Advisory:
Safe Areas to Stay: if you chose to stay in D.C., we suggest you stay downtown or north-west (N.W.) portion of the city – it has lots of business and government office buildings, nice hotels and heavy police presence. Expect to pay at least $180-200 for a room, compared to $100-150 in Virginia.
Areas to avoid: the rest of D.C.
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D.C. Area Airports
Public transportation allows you to get from either of the airports to nearby metrorail or bus service stops.
Dulles International Airport: Metro Bus shuttle 5A route to/from Rosslyn metro station.
Baltimore International Airport: Metro Bus shuttle route B30 to/from Greenbelt metro station.
Reagan National Airport: Reagan Airport Metro Station (Blue and Yellow line) is connected to the airport terminal with a skywalk; signs at the metro station indicate shortest pass to all terminals and airlines. Terminal A (Northwest, Midwest, Spirit airlines) is a bit further away – use free airport shuttle bus that continuously circulates between all terminals; it also takes you to parking lots, rental cars, garages, etc.
Some hotels offer shuttle services to/from airports or other locations – inquire about available services and costs.
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Introduction to Public Transportation
If you plan to drive in D.C., get a local map, lots of patience and ask local folks for directions. One interesting thing to point out about Virginia-D.C. corridor: certain portions of I-66 and I-95 between Virginia and Washington, D.C. have two-lane HOV (high-occupancy vehicle) sections of the road, located in the median of a highway. During certain hours on weekdays, it is designated only for use by bikes, motorcycles, buses, and vehicles that have 2 (or 3) or more passengers (including driver). Originally, HOV was HOV-2 (2 people per car), but I-95 lanes were quickly jammed, so the restriction on I-95 was changed to HOV-3.
The traffic direction changes- toward D.C. in the morning, and toward Virginia in the evening; HOV restrictions are active weekdays during rush hours and are lifted at set times. The lanes are also available on the weekends, without the HOV restriction. See Commuter Page for times and directions.
Commuter buses (discussed here) use HOV lanes.
Public transportation provides more frequent service during rush hours. It is wheelchair accessible. It appears that the schools’ Easter break, and the famous Cherry Blossom festival will be taking place before the SAM, but you still might see lots of tourists in April, so book your travel in advance and make sure to ask for advice from the locals. Metrorail is the most reliable, cheap, comfortable (very nice seats and carpeted train cars) way to travel inside D.C. You only need to carry one pocket-size map of the system to find your way around. Metro stations are usually good land-mark points when you are asking for directions in downtown D.C. No food, drinks, pets (except for service dogs), smoking allowed inside stations, and onboard a train/bus – helps to keep the place clean. Up to two children, under age 4, ride free with each adult paying full fare. Children 5 and older pay adult fares.
I will concentrate on Metrorail trains. It is referred to as METRO, not subway. If you want to rely on and use any of the alternative means, let me know – I will try and help you with specific routes and schedules.
You can also look into using other commuter services: Amtrak trains, Greyhound buses, VRE trains and PRTC buses (Virginia), MTA buses and MARC trains (Maryland). See details here.
Metro Train
The closest metro station to the Washington Monument is the Smithsonian (on Blue and Orange line). From the station’s platform, use exit stairs going towards The Mall. You will come up on a corner of 12th & Jefferson street – turn around and you should see the monument. Walk along the Mall.
Second closest stations is Federal Triangle (quite a walk away); next further - Metro Center and L’Enfant Plaza (quite a walking distance – I do not suggest this option).
Please refer to the website for general information, downloadable maps, minute-by-minute schedules, trip-planner tool, look-up cost of any ride, information on what attraction is near each station, etc.
It may appear hard to navigate the system if you have no prior experience with metro, but if my mother (a foreigner, with very little English language skills) was able to do this, you can do it too!
Once in D.C./VA/MD area, you can get a map of downtown D.C. (from newspaper stands, bookstores, etc.) with metro lines over-posted on it – that way you know where you are on the ground and underground. Each metro station has a large map of nearby area with “you are here” marker. Also, at each station you can get free pocket size booklet that includes map and general guidelines and rules. Google Maps for Washington, D.C. area shows blue “M” icons for metro stations, so you can get familiarized before you travel. On the ground, Metro stations can be identified by large black columns with large “M”; various color circles on the column show which line(s) train serve the station.
Out of all modes of transportations, metro trains operate the longest hours and run continuously in all directions from opening till closing, 7 days a week, open on weekdays at 5 a.m., weekends at 7 a.m.; it closes at midnight on Sunday through Thursday, and as late as 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights (to encourage party-goers not to drive). NOTE: the last train will leave the station before the closing time, so plan ahead. Arlington Cemetery station closes at 10 p.m. in the Spring – you don’t want to be there later anyway.
Where are you going? All trains are identified by the line’s color on the map (e.g., Red, Blue, Orange, Green, Yellow) and the direction of each train – which is described by the last/final station in the direction the train is headed. No, they don’t call it north, east, south-west, – these are not highway routes. When a train comes to a platform, it will have its “line color” stated on the front (driver’s windshield) and each car has a small display above the side windows – look closely – you will see a small bar that is the color ID, and the name of the final station toward which the train is headed. Additional feature (sometimes unreliable, like any computer system) – each platform has a display that lists: line color, how many cars, in what direction, and waiting time till the arrival of next 2-3 trains in order of arrival.
The most important Rules of Behavior: Exercise safety rules listed here. I cannot stress enough the one rule that all have to follow: on the escalators – stand on the right side (and I mean right half of the steps to allow another adult to pass you on the left); move/pass on the left side; the “locals” are in the hurry and want to pass (run down the steps) and you are in their way. Also, do not block (e.g., stand in front of it and talk!) the escalator steps; once at the end of the run - quickly move away from it – do not block others’ ability to get off – it may cause serious injuries for those behind you. Similar courtesy is expected when boarding the train – let those trying to exit the train get off first, by standing to the side of the doors, and then board. At the platform, stand behind the bumpy tiles along the platform’s edge; watch for flashing lights along the platform’s edge, which signal train’s arrival. Once inside the train, proceed further in, do not block and gather by the doors. Keep track of where the train is along the route – if the next station is where you need to get off, start to proceed towards the doors so you are not hurrying to the door in last second – those doors close when the voice says “doors are closing” and you might be stuck (unlike elevator doors, train doors do not reopen automatically). If you missed your stop, just stay on the train, get to the next stop, get off the train, get to the opposite platform and take same “color” line train going in reverse – get off at next stop (there is no extra charge).
Metro Parking
Refer to the website for general information.
Metro operates parking facilities at 42 Metrorail stations. All 42 stations offer daily or hourly parking. Cost: on weekdays, $1 per hour at the metered parking spots (immediately next to the station), or $4.50/day in the covered garages connected to the station; free on weekends at metro-operated facilities; no overnight/long term parking unless you paid for it in advance (see website; have to use pre-assigned level for multi-day parking). When you park on weekends, it is generally considered 24 hour parking; officers monitor cars left over the evening and will leave a notice on your windshield reminding that you have to leave.
In addition to the Farecard (to ride the train) you would need a SmartTrip Card (sort of a reusable prepaid check card accepted only on public transportation system) in order to use/pay and exit the garages at metro station. These cost $5 just to have it, and then you need to add minimum value of $5. You can use SmartTrip card to pay for train or bus ride too (plan to add enough value).
If you come as a group and will drive one car and plan to use metro and park at the metro stations, you could buy one SmartTrip card for driver (to use both for parking and train fare), and the rest of your group can just buy Farecards.
There are few stations at the end of the lines that will accept credit cards (Discover, Mastercard, Visa, American Express) for parking charges: Blue Line - Franconia-Springfield, Largo Town Center; Orange Line - Vienna/Fairfax-GMU, New Carrollton; Red Line - Shady Grove; Green Line – Anacostia; look for signs that tell you which level/exit lane accepts credit cards.
Help
Ask locals or station workers.
Metro Bus
Numerous routes, too many to list here. Just refer to website if you plan to use one. Each bus stop has detailed map posted by the waiting stop with detailed schedules and transfer/connection options. Fares are posted on the farebox as you get on the bus. Pay $1.25 on regular Metrobuses, $3 on express buses.
Bus service is somewhat less reliable than metro trains. Once you are within the immediate D.C. downtown area, the bus service becomes a victim of regular street traffic, so I would use metro train.
Help
If you are already at the bus stop, ask locals or bus driver (of any bus that comes). If you have any questions before you come to D.C. area, contact me – I will try and help you as much as I can.
Suggested Travel Routes
Now, after you read all this, you have one huge question: Which route should I take?
From South (Virginia): You can use regular I-95 or HOV-3 lanes (check the rules) to get from south of Virginia to Franconia-Springfield metro station. Plan to arrive very early to metro station on Monday morning or be prepared to search for parking on very top levels or nearby shopping mall parking. Get to Franconia Springfield metro station (Blue line) - final station on the line and you can only board the train going north (towards D.C.). Take Blue line train all the way to Smithsonian (about 40 minutes ride), walk to the Washington Monument.
From West (Virginia): Get to Vienna/Fairfax metro station on Orange line train - final station and you can only board the train going east (towards D.C.); stay on that train until Smithsonian, walk to the Washington Monument.
From North (Maryland): get to metro’s Red line (on either of the stations on either end of the line), make sure you are on a train going towards downtown D.C. Get off the train at Metro Center, and follow signs to switch to Orange line (going to New Carrollton) or Blue (going to Largo Town Center) (doesn’t matter which line, they are sharing tracks in this section) and get off at Smithsonian station; walk to the Washington Monument.
From East (Maryland): get on Blue Line train (first stop - Largo Town Center) going to Franconia Springfield, or Orange line (starting from New Carrollton) going to Vienna/Fairfax; stay on that train until Smithsonian, walk to the Washington Monument.
From BWI Airport area (Maryland): Take Green line from Greenbelt station going towards Branch Avenue, stay on Green line train till Archives/Navy Memorial station (yes, you can add this stop to your site seeing to visit National Archives and Navy Memorial), switch to Orange (going towards Vienna) or Blue (going towards Franconia Springfield) line train, get off at Smithsonian, walk to the Washington Monument.
Additional Detailed Guide: MetroRail/Train
A Few points on metro stations, trains, etc.:
On metro trains, you are charged at the end of the trip based on the distance travelled and the time of the day you are using service (e.g., rush hours, weekends). On metro buses, you are charged when you board and the amount is based on the distance to be traveled – so you need to know how much you need to pay before you board and have money ready when you board. The bus drivers do not give you change, so carry small bills and coins (no pennies).
Keep your farecard and bus tickets during the trip.
Most metro stations are underground, some are above ground. Some have more than one entrance/exit on the street level, few blocks apart. This is important if you plan to meet with someone at the “entrance” to the station – make sure you are talking about the same entrance location.
Not all metro stations have metro parking next to them. You can park on the street, at nearby shopping mall’s garages, or other public garages, but there is no way to list them all and know specific rules on the ground. Metro parking includes “kiss&ride” drop off/pick up areas, outdoor metered parking area (paid for with cash; limited number of spots available), and covered multi-level garages (discussed in Parking section).
At the station, after you purchased the farecard, proceed to the faregates (or “gates”, or “turnstiles”). Faregates are “one-way” passages – to enter, insert the farecard into the faregate with the green and white arrows – insert the farecard face up, wait for it to be scanned and returned to you, then enter to the left of that gate (as the green arrow shows). Do not try to put farecard into faregate with red&white (“stop”) sign on it – that gate is used by those exiting the station (the exiting people see “green arrow” on their side.) Keep the farecard during the trip.
Then you need to go down (or up) to the platform. Some stations have two platforms, separated by train tracks that serve travelers going in opposite directions. With these stations, BEFORE you go down/up to the platform, make sure you are going to the correct platform. This would be very important if you have a child or a wheelchair person with you. Usually, there is a brown/black column or overhead sign next to the escalator (which would take you to the platform) and it lists stations that you can get to from a particular platform. If you are on a platform and you realize you are on the wrong side, – just make your way back to opposite platform – there is no charge for switching platforms.
Other stations have one platform in the center and train tracks are on the opposite side of the platform. With these stations, there would be one escalator in the center. Once you are on the platform, figure out what side of platform your train will be coming to – again, look for list of stations the train will be going to from each side of a platform. Rosslyn (Orange/Blue line) is a unique station – it is two-level. Top level platform is for trains going east from Virginia towards D.C. and MD; lower level platform is for trains going west to Virginia; both Orange and Blue train will come to the same track, but they are still two different trains, so make sure you get on the one you need.
Metro train come with 4 or 6 cars. If the electronic sign on the platform says the coming train has 4 cars, do not stand at the very end of the platform – you will have to run towards the last car. Each train car has 3 sets of doors on both sides – this accommodates the various platform set ups. The driver announces which doors will open before each stop (left or right side in the direction of the train).
Again, since stations may have more than one entrance/exit, -- after you step off and move away from the train, look at the signs (usually on the wall sign that has station’s name) – it will have arrows pointing towards escalators and will say in which direction (street name or attraction) each escalator will take you. Those arrows also point towards wheelchair accessible escalator.
The frequency of trains serving each station in either direction is reduced after 10 a.m. and then picks up again by 3-4 p.m. For example, on weekdays during rush hour, trains come about every 2-4 minutes, during off-peak hours and on weekends – prepare to wait for 10-15 minutes or more for next train. The pros of riding during off-peak hours – partially empty trains and reduced rates. You might see increased crowd during weekday lunch hour or weekend (lots of shoppers use metro). Also, the Metrorail Daily Pass ($7.80) can be used from 9:30 a.m. (on weekday) or all day on Saturdays, Sundays; the pass expires at the end of the operating day (3 a.m. on weekends, midnight on weeknights). Peak hours are weekdays from opening till 9:30 a.m., then during 3-7 p.m.; and weekends 2 a.m. to closing. You will be charged regular rate during these hours; and reduced rate during all other hours. So, on Monday, any trip you take from 9:30 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. will be charged at a reduced rate.
Notice, if you look on the metrorail map, you will see that some color lines “run alongside” the other – at those stations the tracks are shared by two “color” lines, so if you only need to travel within those shared sections, it doesn’t matter if you get on [Orange and Blue line], [Blue and Yellow], [Yellow and Green] – it will go in the same direction for 3-5 stations and then split. “Circles” are stations; double-circles are transit stations – where you can switch to other “color line(s)”.
Fares: rates are fixed, pre-set based on “from-to” stations, the fares table is posted on a huge board next to the farecard vending machines; website lets you look-up what any trip will cost you based on start-end point and time (i.e. regular or reduced fare).
Purchasing farecard from vending machine inside the station: for complete instructions refer to website. In general, it takes $1, 5, 10 and 20 bills, coins (no pennies); change will be given in coins only up to $5.00 value. You can also use debit or credit cards.
One farecard per person – that includes regular farecard, daily passes, weekly passes, etc. The way the system is designed, you won’t be able to share a card. After you purchase it, you will insert it into the “gate” scanner, it will come out after it read it. You must keep it with you during the ride and will need to re-scan it at the exit gates in order to exit the station. Each time you exit the station, the gate scanner will print the balance left on the card.
Farecard value: All fares listed here are as of May 2009. When you buy your farecard, you can put minimum of $1.35 (minimum cost of one trip) and maximum of $45 (which is too much per person for a weekend trip anyway). You can add value to the farecard at any station’s vending machine at any time. If you get to the area over the weekend, go ahead and buy farecard with value enough to last you through Monday (but do not buy the Daily Pass in advance). There are plenty of vending machines at each station, but you might have to wait in line to use the vending machine, especially if other tourists are having difficulty using the machines. Regular rate single trip will cost you minimum $1.65, and $4.50 maximum. Reduced fare single trip will cost you from $1.35 minimum to $2.35 max. So consider buying a card with at least $5 value per person per day to start with. Or consider buying a Daily Pass for $7.80 if you will be going to various attractions via metro. Example: A single one-way trip from Franconia Springfield to Smithsonian on Monday morning that originates before 9:30 a.m. will cost you $4.15, originated after 9:30 a.m. will cost you $2.35.
When you exit the station, if you used up the balance for the trip, your “zero” balance farecard will stay in the “gate” scanner, it will not be returned to you by the “gate”.
If you are leaving the D.C. area for good and you have a balance left on your farecard or SmartTrip card, you cannot request the balance refund. You can consider giving it to your newly found local friends, or try giving it to anyone entering the station.
Help
Metro system has its own police force and each station has a station supervisor (non-police officer) who sits in a booth – they are usually very helpful and knowledgeable. Also, you can ask locals - “Do you live in the area? Can you help me?” Most cell phone providers do not have service in the underground metro stations; all stations have a phone booth on the platform or by the vending machines; a number of stations (especially final stations on each line) are above ground so you can use your cell phone.
If you ever realize you are on a wrong train going in a wrong direction, just get off the train and ask for help, do not leave the station. Most likely all it will take is to cross to the other side of the platform and get on the right train going in correct direction. There are no extra charges for making a mistake. You are only charged based on the “entry” station and “exit” station and time of the day. If you leave/exit the same station you entered few minutes ago, there is no charge.
My farecard doesn’t work: Do notplace your card anywhere near electronic devices – it can get de-magnetized. Also, it could fail to work if it gets wet, bent too much, damaged in any way, - the magnetic strip cannot be read by the gates. If you are outside the station and cannot get in, ask station manager for help, or just get a new card (you can then consider the hassle of replacing it at Metro sales offices atthe Metro Center or Pentagon stations). If you are inside the station, and your farecard doesn’t work so you cannot get out, or you lost it, – contact station manager for help. He might let you out if he can verify that you had enough balance and it is just the card’s fault.
“I am trying to exit the station and the gate’s screen tells me it does not have enough value”: This is when I suggest to check the listing of fares before you enter the station – to make sure you will have enough balance on your card for your next trip. If you have $2 balance left on the card, and your trip ended up costing you $2.20, the gate will not let you exit the station – you need to take few steps back and find the “Exitfare” kiosk and add just the $0.20 to the card, follow the directions on the machine; it will give you the same card back with $2.20 balance although it would still say $2.00; take your card with $2.20 balance and proceed to exit. When the gate scans your ticket, it will “eat” it – you will not get it back, since the balance is zero. Just get yourself a new card if you need to ride more.
Amtrack
www.amtrak.com
Service stations in Virginia: close to metro stations – Union Station, Alexandria, and Franconia Springfield; further away - Fredericksburg, and Manassas; (can then continue on VRE train (weekdays service only) to get to metro stations); Woodbridge (from that area you can then use PRTC bus service (weekdays only) to get to metro stations). Lorton, VA is an auto train only station, the only service is non-stop service from Sanford, FL (SFA).
Service stations in Maryland: BWI Airport (from there you can use shuttle metro bus B30 (cost $3.10, weekdays and weekends, check schedule to get to closest metro station, Green Line); New Carrollton (walking distance to metro station, Orange Line)
Schedules/Fares/Tickets: plan your trip and purchase tickets here.
Greyhound
www.greyhound.com
Service stations in Virginia: Springfield (Blue line metro station - Franconia Springfield); Woodbridge
Service stations in Maryland: New Carrollton (Orange line metro station); Silver Spring (Red line metro station).
Commuter Trains and Busses
COMMUTER TRAINS AND BUSES operate on weekdays during morning (in one direction) and evening (in reverse direction) hours, there is no service in either direction from (approximately) 10:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m. Parking lots at most stations are free for use all day, but need to be cleared by the end of the day in most cases; if you leave your car overnight – it is “at your own risk.” City of Manassas just came out with a requirement to display a free commuter parking permit that makes it impossible to obtain unless you live or work in the area. So check the rules before you travel.
Weekday service only; service between Virginia and D.C.; two lines - one originates from west (Manassas), and another from south (Fredericksburg). VRE trains share tracks and stations with Amtrak, and can be used as a local addition to Amtrak service.
Metro stations served: Franconia Springfield, Alexandria, Union Station.
Fares: based on “to-from” zone table.
Tickets: you have to have ticket before boarding; can be purchased with credit/debit card from the vending machines at the station (very easy touch-screen navigation), or over internet. Make sure to “validate” the ticket before boarding.
Help
Ask locals, station workers.
Commuter bus service from Virginia (eastern Prince William County and the Manassas area) to downtown Washington, the Pentagon, Crystal City, Rosslyn/Ballston, Capitol Hill and Washington Navy Yard. Most of its OmniRide bus routes use 14th Street Bridge to get from Virginia into D.C. and continue on 14th Street – they stop just 2 blocks away from the Washington Monument (at the intersections of Constitution or Independence Ave. and 14th Street) – which makes them great routes to consider. On the way back, buses pick up passengers at marked stops on the opposite side of the street. This service is heavily used by locals – be prepared to have to stand on the bus if all seats are taken. Also, number of buses on each day are limited according to the posted schedules.
Metro stations served: Blue Line – Franconia Springfield; Blue and Yellow - Pentagon, Crystal City; Orange Line - Vienna, West Falls Church, Ballston; and Rosslyn (both Orange and Blue line).
Fares: One Way cash fare between Northern Virginia and Washington - $6.50. If you use SmartTrip card, you will be charged a discounted rate of $4.75. If you pay in cash, make sure to have exact change for the cost of the ride; if you pay more you will not get a change from the bus driver.
Schedules: refer to website for all possible routes and times. I can help you choose a route if you need help. We might be considering taking this option of travel if we travel on Monday morning.
PRTC also provides Metro Direct weekday connecting services – from Prince William county to the Franconia-Springfield and from Manassas area to West Falls Church Metro stations, they pick you up in Virginia from about 4-5 a.m. till 11:30 p.m. and take you to those two metro stations; and from about 12:00 p.m. till 9-10 p.m. they take you from those two metro stations back to Virginia.
Service Routes: there are AM and PM route maps – make sure you review both and carry them with you. Do not miss the last bus in the evening – you will have to find an alternative transportation back to your car (i.e., cab ride). Maps show the bus route, street names and nearby landmarks that can give you an idea where you are. When you look at the maps, there are “numbered/timed” stops (large black circles) and not-numbered (black squares along the route). The difference is – the bus will stop, drop off and pick up passengers at all timed/numbered stops. It will pick up passengers only at timed stops (that’s why there is time assigned to them – so that people know when the bus will come to that bus stop). Buses leave on time, so be prepared to arrive to the station early. Do not wait for the bus at not-numbered stop. The un-timed stops will be served for drop off only. You have to push the red “request to stop” button (above each seat) in advance of bus arrival to your stop to let the driver know you want to get off. Don’t push it too early – just after the previous stop and before the one you need. When you push the button, you will hear a chime and “stop requested” sign will light up above the driver’s seat. If no one pushed the “request to stop”, the bus continues to next numbered stop. Once the bus completes its route in one direction, it goes back to the bus garage empty, it cannot have any passengers on board by the end of the route.
Help
Ask locals, driver of any bus, or contact me.
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Maryland has similar transportation systems – MTA commuter bus services and MARC commuter trains. I would refer you to their website, or we can hope that some Maryland folks on the forum can chime in.
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