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Getting around Washington DC

Public transport: 

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (tel: (202) 962 1234; www.wmata.com) operates the city's Metro, an efficient and comfortable system of rail and buses, which operates throughout the city.

Five subway lines (red, orange, blue, green and yellow), known as the Metrorail, cover the city, extending into Maryland and Virginia.

There is a one-day Metrorail Pass, which is valid after 0930 or all day at the weekend. A Seven-day Fast Pass offers unlimited rail travel. There is a flat fee (exact money only) on the bus system. A Metrobus Weekly Pass allows unlimited travel on the buses.

Another convenient way to get around town is the DC Circulator (tel: (202) 962 1423; www.dccirculator.com). For US$1, it is possible to go from Union Station to Georgetown or to the National Mall. The Georgetown Metro Connection bus (M Street Line) goes from Rosslyn Metro Station to Dupont Circle Metro Station via the heart of Georgetown.

Taxis: 

Taxis in Washington, DC have been metered since May 2008. By law, passengers must wear seat belts. There are extra charges for each additional passenger and for luggage carried in the trunk. Tips of around 15% of the fare are expected. Cab drivers are entitled to pick up other passengers en route if those people are travelling in the same direction. Washington taxi providers include Diamond Cab Co. (tel: (202) 387 6200), Yellow Cab (tel: (202) 544 1212) and Mayflower Cab Company (tel: (202) 783 1111).

Driving: 

Washington, Dc's streets are laid out in a basic grid pattern, divided into four quadrants. Streets running north-south in the centre are numbered while letters designate east-west streets. Unless otherwise indicated, right turns on a red light are permitted if it is safe to proceed. One must also be alert to confusing traffic circles and one-way streets.

Parking restrictions apply during rush hours and some weekend hours. Meter parking is available for up to three hours, although it is normally free on the weekend apart from areas such as Capitol Hill and Georgetown, when only Sunday is free. In some neighbourhoods, it is possible to park for a two-hour period (although parking in residential neighbourhoods is usually reserved for residents). Though spaces tend to go quickly, free all-day parking is available along Madison and Jefferson drives in front of the Smithsonian museums, as well as south of the Jefferson Memorial in East Potomac Park.

Car hire: 

Insurance is compulsory when hiring and it should also be confirmed that there is adequate Loss Damage Waiver and personal liability insurance. The minimum rental age is generally 25 years but, for a costly surcharge, some companies will hire cars to drivers aged between 21 and 24 years. Customers must be in possession of a valid driver's licence.

Most car hire companies have offices in the city, including Alamo (tel: (202) 842 7454; www.alamo.com), Avis (tel: (202) 467 6585; www.avis.com), Budget (tel: (202) 289 5374; www.budget.com) and Hertz (tel: (703) 471 6020; www.hertz.com).

Bicycle hire: 

It is probably best not to attempt to cycle around Washington, DC, as the traffic is so heavy. However, there are plenty of enjoyable rides along the Potomac River and around the major sites where it is possible to avoid the traffic.

Better Bikes (tel: (202) 293 2080; www.betterbikesinc.com) delivers bicycles to hotels and will provide a map, helmet, backpack, lock and roadside assistance if necessary. A refundable deposit is necessary to ensure the bicycle's safe return. Bike the Sites, 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW (tel: (202) 842 2453; www.bikethesites.com) also do bike tours.

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