How to Travel to and Visit Washington, DC

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By Paul McDaniel
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Washington Monument and White House

Washington DC, as the capital city of the United States of America, is a popular travel destination for both domestic and international travelers. The nation's history is literally embodied in the many monuments, memorials, and buildings throughout the city. Whether your travels take you to Washington DC for business or for a vacation, you'll certainly want to take some time to look around the city and see some of the sights. This article will help you to plan a trip to Washington DC and then offer an introduction of what to see and how to get around (which is quite easy) once you are there.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Washington Dulles International Airport

First of all, you'll need to plan your trip to Washington, DC, which involves making transportation and accommodation decisions and reservations.
Step 2

Washington DC Area Airports

Air Travel to Washington DC: Washington, DC is easily accessible by air. If flying to Washington, DC be sure to search airfares from your hometown to one of the three capital region airports in order to find the lowest airfare. The three airports are (1) Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), located 26 miles from downtown DC in Loudon and Fairfax Counties Virginia; (2) Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), in Arlington Virginia across the Potomac River from downtown DC; and (3) Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI), located about 37 miles from downtown DC in Baltimore Maryland.
Step 3

Union Station, Washington DC

Rail Travel to Washington DC: Washington, DC is also easily accessible by rail transportation. Union Station is the hub for intercity rail transit into and out of the nation's capital. Amtrak long-distance trains make stops at Union Station and serve routes to the Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, and beyond. MTA and MARC commuter trains serve points in Maryland. VRE (Virginia Railway Express) commuter trains serve cities in Virginia.
Step 4

Driving to Washington DC: If you plan to drive to Washington DC, you have many options via Interstate and U.S. Highways to approach the capital from all directions. Note however, that parking fees are high in Washington.
Step 5

Jefferson Memorial

Washington Hotels: Before you travel to Washington, DC you will also need to decide on a place to stay. Many websites will help you search for and find the type of Washington hotels you might like to stay in based on your budget. Wherever you decide to stay, I would strongly recommend staying in a hotel that is within easy walking distance to a Metro (Subway) station. The Washington DC subway system is extensive, easy to navigate, and inexpensive.
Step 6

Now you're ready to embark on your journey to Washington, DC. Once you're there, use the DC Metro (Subway) system to easily and cheaply get around the city and to avoid driving in heavy traffic and high parking fees (See the MetroRail website in additional resources below).
Step 7

U.S. Capitol, National Mall, Washington DC

Sights to See: If this is your first trip to Washington DC, plan to spend several days touring the most important monuments, historic sites, and vast museums. You'll want to explore all the sights of the National Mall area, which stretches about 2 miles between the Lincoln Memorial and the U.S. Capitol building. Points of interest in and around the National Mall include the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, World War II Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Memorial, the Smithsonian Institution and many of its associated museums (such as the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of American History, National Zoological Park, National Portrait Gallery, National Museum of the American Indian, and the National Museum of Natural History), the U.S. Capitol, the White House, the U.S. Botanic Garden, and much more. Other nearby sights of interest include the Jefferson Memorial, the Roosevelt Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the National Archives, the various U.S. Federal Government entities, Chinatown, Dupont Circle, Embassy Row, Ford's Theater, the Holocaust Museum, the National Geographic Society and Explorer's Hall, the International Spy Museum, the Newseum, and much more.
Step 8

Places to Eat: Washington DC is renowned for its many fine and varies eating establishments located throughout the city. You won't have to travel far to find a delicious meal no matter what type of food you're in the mood for.