From the Airports
Reagan National Airport (various called Reagan, National, or DCA by locals) is closest to the venue but has limited international flights. Participants flying into Reagan can get on the Metro at the National Airport Metro Station. Take the Blue line (towards Largo) to Rosslyn Metro Station. At Rosslyn, change to the Orange Line (towards Vienna) or Silver Line (towards Ashburn) to Virginia Square Metro Station. From the station, walk 3 blocks north east on North Fairfax Dr. to reach campus. The trip should take ~45 minutes depending on walking speed, time of day, the train schedule, etc. At current fare rates, the trip will be $2.80 during the week or $2 after 9:30pm or on weekends.
Participants flying into Reagan can also take a taxi, Uber, or Lyft, directly to the venue. Numerous taxi vendors serve Reagan and can be picked up without reservation at the airport. The trip should take 10-15 minutes outside of rush hour. Taxi fares vary based on the time of day and traffic, but should be about $20.
Shuttles, rental cars, and other services are also available at this airport. For more transportation options from Reagan, see https://www.flyreagan.com/parking-transportation
Dulles International Airport (usually called Dulles by locals) is the closest international airport to the venue. Participants flying into Dulles can get on the Metro at the Dulles Airport Station. Take the Silver Line (towards Largo) to Virginia Square Metro Station. From the station, walk 3 blocks north east on North Fairfax Dr. to reach campus. The trip should take ~60 minutes depending on walking speed, time of day, the train schedule, etc. At current fare rates, the trip will be $6 during the week or $2 after 9:30pm or on weekends.
Participants flying into Dulles can also take a Washington Flyer Taxi, Uber, or Lyft directly to the venue. The trip should take ~30 minutes outside of rush hour. Taxi fares vary based on the time of day, tolls, and traffic, but should be around $60.
Shuttles, rental cars, and other services are also available at this airport. For more transportation options from Dulles, see https://www.flydulles.com/parking-transportation
Baltimore-Washington International Airport (usually called BWI by locals) is the furthest of the three local airports from the venue, but often has cheaper flights than the other two. We strongly recommend that participants flying into BWI take either the MARC (Maryland Area Regional Commuter) or Amtrak train to DC. There is a free shuttle from the terminal to the MARC/Amtrak train station. Depending on the train schedule at the time of your arrival, you can get a coach class ticket for around $5 on either service that will take you to Union Station in downtown DC. See the “from the Amtrak” section below on how to take the Metro to campus from Union Station. Total fare, including the Metro fare, should be $10 or less.
Participants flying into BWI can technically take a taxi, Uber, or Lyft directly to the venue. Trip times may vary wildly due to traffic or accidents on I-95 and the Beltway, especially during rush hour, but will be at minimum 1-1.5 hours and likely over $100. Bus, shuttles, rental cars, and other services are also available at this airport. For more transportation options from BWI, see https://www.bwiairport.com/to-from-bwi/transportation
From Union Station (Trains)
The Amtrak and MARC trains will take you to Union Station in downtown DC. From there, you can get directly onto the Metro. Take the Red Line (towards Shady Grove) to Metro Center Metro Station. From there, changes trains and take the Orange Line (towards Vienna) or Silver Line (towards Ashburn) to Virginia Square Metro Station. From the station, walk 3 blocks north east on North Fairfax Dr. to reach campus. The trip should take ~40 minutes depending on walking speed, time of day, the train schedule, etc. At current fare rates, the trip will be $3.05 during the week or $2 after 9:30pm or on weekends.
Participants can also take a taxi, Uber, or Lyft directly to the venue. The trip should take ~20 minutes outside of rush hour. Taxi fares vary based on the time of day, tolls, and traffic, but should be around $25. For more transportation options from Union Square, see https://www.unionstationdc.com/transit-and-travel/.
Around Town
There’s numerous ways to get around DC, from walking to biking to scooter rentals. Check out Walk Arlington’s top ten places to go for a walk or rent a scooter or a bike and use this bicycle comfort level map to check out the Arlington area.
In addition to using public transportation to get to/from the airport, you can use MWATA (“the DC Metro”) to get around town. They have a trip planner website that will let you find train / bus times and estimate fares, as well as webpages with information for new riders and general tourist guidance, including info on riding the metro with disabilities. A full map of the DC Metro system is also available in English or Spanish
- NOTE: while you may notice some locals eating or drinking on the Metro, it is technically forbidden. You will definitely get in trouble if you try to smoke on the Metro. For more on rider guidelines, see: https://www.wmata.com/rider-guide/rules/
- NOTE for families: Up to two children under 5 can ride for free with a paying adult passenger. Children over the age of 5 pay the regular fare.
Major ride share companies operating in the area include Uber and Lyft. There are also numerous taxis that you can hail or reserve a ride on for travel around town.
Anyone interested in going a bit further abroad can check out the MARC trip planner, for day trips to Baltimore or to come/go from BWI, and the Amtrak website, for traveling to other East Coast cities (e.g. Norfolk, Williamsburg, Charlottesville, Philadelphia, NYC).
Interested in driving to DC or renting a car once you get here? Just be aware that “rush hour” in DC is much longer than an hour and major highways in and around DC (e.g. the Beltway/495) are liable to back up or be completely impassible for several hours in the morning and evening. Several routes in and around DC require an electronic transponder (EZ Pass) to pay tolls, which can be rented along with your car. Didn’t have a transponder and missed a toll? In a lot of instances, you can pay online to avoid penalties.
Parking is usually free in the more distant suburbs but closer in you’ll find street parking meters and numerous parking garages. If you want to reserve a parking spot, check out Spothero, which can help you find (discounted) parking at when traveling around DC proper.
Virginia-specific driving rules to be aware of: radar detectors are illegal and if your windshield wipers are on, you must also turn on your headlights.