Help with Washington, DC

[MickeyReeds]

Did I read somewhere that the cards cost something like $5 each and then you load it with fares? If so, do you turn them in at the end or are they your souvenirs? Thanks!

 

[Hootch]

Did I read somewhere that the cards cost something like $5 each and then you load it with fares? If so, do you turn them in at the end or are they your souvenirs? Thanks!

have some types of commemorative cards that cost money. I don't know.

All we did was to buy a card the first day with about $15 on it to get us going. It's a little heavy paper card with a magnetic strip. When we ran low we added more money to that card. As we approached the final days we determined how much we needed and added that amount at the end. I think we ended up with about $0.30 on each card.

Getting a card with a certain amount and adding more to that card are very easy.

 

[sweetpea29488]

Thanks again for all the information. I'm going to print all this out so I can put it in my file for our trip.

 

[wdwmom0f3]

have some types of commemorative cards that cost money. I don't know.

All we did was to buy a card the first day with about $15 on it to get us going. It's a little heavy paper card with a magnetic strip. When we ran low we added more money to that card. As we approached the final days we determined how much we needed and added that amount at the end. I think we ended up with about $0.30 on each card.

Getting a card with a certain amount and adding more to that card are very easy.

Do you think this would be better than doing a daily pass? I am not sure yet how much we will be using the Metro. I am trying to keep this as cheap as I can since there will be six of us. We are going this weekend, and I will be driving in to the Metro each day from Baltimore.

 

[elbowglitter]

Don't do a daily pass. It's usually not worth it unless you are using the metro a lot that day. You can go online and check out their fares, but for the most part, it's cheaper to just pay as you go. Don't forget that you will need a card for each person, but you can just get the free paper passes from the machines. Be warned - they will demagnetize easily, so don't rub the magnetic strips against each other or against a credit card or get it near a magnetic purse clasp. If it does demagnetize, you can get your money back for it, but it's a bit of a hassle.

 

[MickeyReeds]

Don't do a daily pass. It's usually not worth it unless you are using the metro a lot that day. You can go online and check out their fares, but for the most part, it's cheaper to just pay as you go. Don't forget that you will need a card for each person, but you can just get the free paper passes from the machines. Be warned - they will demagnetize easily, so don't rub the magnetic strips against each other or against a credit card or get it near a magnetic purse clasp. If it does demagnetize, you can get your money back for it, but it's a bit of a hassle.

I really appreciate this advice--we were considering the unlimited weekly pass, but it's kind of pricy. DH wants to go that route because it seems easier to him, but we will only be using it Wed-Sat (possibly Tu depending on what time we get in). We are staying in Bethesda and will be travelling some during the "rush hour" times.

Any other advice you can give about Metro travel or about visiting the area in general is very much appreciated!

 

[wdwmom0f3]

Don't do a daily pass. It's usually not worth it unless you are using the metro a lot that day. You can go online and check out their fares, but for the most part, it's cheaper to just pay as you go. Don't forget that you will need a card for each person, but you can just get the free paper passes from the machines. Be warned - they will demagnetize easily, so don't rub the magnetic strips against each other or against a credit card or get it near a magnetic purse clasp. If it does demagnetize, you can get your money back for it, but it's a bit of a hassle.

Thank yo so much. You sopund like you know a lot about this so I have another question for ya. Do you think that we will need to use the Metro Bus at all? I had it in my head that the Metro pass was good for both, but now I see I was wrong.

I really appreciate this advice--we were considering the unlimited weekly pass, but it's kind of pricy. DH wants to go that route because it seems easier to him, but we will only be using it Wed-Sat (possibly Tu depending on what time we get in). We are staying in Bethesda and will be travelling some during the "rush hour" times.

Any other advice you can give about Metro travel or about visiting the area in general is very much appreciated!

That's the very reason that I am looking at different ways to do this. The unlimited pass would cost me a LOT with six of us, plus we will only be there for no more than four days.

ALSO>>>>

The day that we go to the zoo, I see that they have parking there, should I do that or park & ride the Metro again? Also, how long should I plan to be at the zoo? Is it an all day thing or just a few hours?

AlSO>>>>

I am thinking about going to Georgetown from DC. Can we ride the Metro to that too?

Sorry about all of the questions, but I really need some help before this weekend and you guys are the BEST!!

 

[wdwmom0f3]

Also, if you are parking at a metro station (like we did), you either need a smart card, with appropriate funds on it or credit card to exit the parking lot or garage. We stayed in Gaithersburg.

Going through the entrances was very much like WDW. Everyone went thru & then I grabbed their cards so they wouldn't lose them

You sound just like me!! I have already told them that I would be doing the same thing!!

 

[Hootch]

to answer the Georgetown question. The metro rail does not go to Georgetown. The nearest stop is Foggy Bottom/GWU and it is several blocks from there.

One thing about DC if you have a particular place to go, is that the taxis are regulated. DC is split into zones and movement between zones is a set price. They do have the normal add ons like additional persons or luggage handling. Taking a cab for the one off destination is not that bad.

I lived on the Hill years ago and spent many a weekend night in Georgetown. The twelve or so block walk from Foggy Bottom was not so bad then. That was many years ago but we're talking about DISers who are used to walking a lot more than that.

 

[wdwmom0f3]

OK, 12 blocks is not so bad. I don't know why I am so nervous about this. i just don't want to miss something and I feel like a fool for being up here so long and now trying to cram it all in to a few days. I just need to take a chill pill I guess.

 

[DEA]

The day that we go to the zoo, I see that they have parking there, should I do that or park & ride the Metro again? Also, how long should I plan to be at the zoo? Is it an all day thing or just a few hours?

AlSO>>>>

I am thinking about going to Georgetown from DC. Can we ride the Metro to that too?

Sorry about all of the questions, but I really need some help before this weekend and you guys are the BEST!!

The Zoo does have parking, and it is $10 for the first hour, $15 for two to three hours, and $20 for more than three hours. Spaces are somewhat limited; I think that going during the week would avoid the worst of the parking hassles if you choose to go that route.

If you are taking the Metro to the Zoo, I would suggest NOT getting off at the Woodley Park-Zoo Station. It is an uphill walk to the Zoo from there. If you get off at the Cleveland Park Station and walk South on Connecticut Ave, it will be a mostly flat walk. There is also a Coldstone Creamery on one side of the street there, in case you need to fortify yourself with ice cream. There is also an Irish pub for other types of fortification.

As another poster noted, there is no Georgetown Metro stop. Another alternative to the GWU-Foggy Bottom stop is the Rosslyn stop across the river in Virginia. You can walk from there over the Key Bridge into Georgetown. If you are going to spots on the far West end of Georgetown, Rosslyn is a little closer than the GWU stop (.8 miles vs. 1.0+ mile). If you're traipsing all around Georgetown, you may want to start at one Metro stop, walk the length of Georgetown to see what you want, and then walk to the other.

There are several parking garages around Georgetown, as well.

And just to update one of the PP's comment about taxis in DC: They no longer have zone-based fares. They are metered according to distance and time.

 

[elbowglitter]

Any other advice you can give about Metro travel or about visiting the area in general is very much appreciated!

There are a couple of things that confuse newbies about the Metro.

First off, rush hour can be crazy. Just be aware of that. In the evenings, it seems to be the worst right around 5. I'm not sure about the specific morning rush, as I get to work at 7:30 and it's nice and empty then.

Metro doors? Not like elevator doors. They will close on you and they hurt! Also, the unofficial rule on escalators on Metro is stand right, walk left. This is not an official policy, because for safety reasons, you're not supposed to walk up or down escalators. Whatever. The point is, some people get very rude if they see someone standing on the left side of the escalator. So just be aware of this weird thing.

You're staying in Bethesda, so you're on the Red Line. The Red line goes to Glenmont and to Shady Grove, but during certain times of day, the line doesn't go all the way to the end - instead of Glenmont, it stops at Silver Spring, and instead of Shady Grove, it stops at Grosvenor. Not a big deal - Grosvenor is past where you would get off for Bethesda. It sounds complicated, but the reason I mention it is this. You're standing at the metro station in Bethesda, and you know you need the red line to Glenmont because you're getting off at Union Station. But oh no, the next train is a Red line to Silver Spring! Check your map - yep, you can take that train too. A lot of people will pass up trains because they don't realize they're going the same place.

I'm trying to think of other good tips. It's been hot here. Stay hydrated! A friend works at Ford's Theater and is now on a first name basis with the EMTs because they've called them for heatsick tourists.

 

[wdwmom0f3]

There are a couple of things that confuse newbies about the Metro.

First off, rush hour can be crazy. Just be aware of that. In the evenings, it seems to be the worst right around 5. I'm not sure about the specific morning rush, as I get to work at 7:30 and it's nice and empty then.

Metro doors? Not like elevator doors. They will close on you and they hurt! Also, the unofficial rule on escalators on Metro is stand right, walk left. This is not an official policy, because for safety reasons, you're not supposed to walk up or down escalators. Whatever. The point is, some people get very rude if they see someone standing on the left side of the escalator. So just be aware of this weird thing.

You're staying in Bethesda, so you're on the Red Line. The Red line goes to Glenmont and to Shady Grove, but during certain times of day, the line doesn't go all the way to the end - instead of Glenmont, it stops at Silver Spring, and instead of Shady Grove, it stops at Grosvenor. Not a big deal - Grosvenor is past where you would get off for Bethesda. It sounds complicated, but the reason I mention it is this. You're standing at the metro station in Bethesda, and you know you need the red line to Glenmont because you're getting off at Union Station. But oh no, the next train is a Red line to Silver Spring! Check your map - yep, you can take that train too. A lot of people will pass up trains because they don't realize they're going the same place.

I'm trying to think of other good tips. It's been hot here. Stay hydrated! A friend works at Ford's Theater and is now on a first name basis with the EMTs because they've called them for heatsick tourists.

OK, you are going to think that this is insane, but my 17 year old is scared to death of escalators. Do you know if they have stairs there? I didn't even think about this but she will REFUSE to get on these.

 

[MickeyReeds]

There are a couple of things that confuse newbies about the Metro.

First off, rush hour can be crazy. Just be aware of that. In the evenings, it seems to be the worst right around 5. I'm not sure about the specific morning rush, as I get to work at 7:30 and it's nice and empty then.

Metro doors? Not like elevator doors. They will close on you and they hurt! Also, the unofficial rule on escalators on Metro is stand right, walk left. This is not an official policy, because for safety reasons, you're not supposed to walk up or down escalators. Whatever. The point is, some people get very rude if they see someone standing on the left side of the escalator. So just be aware of this weird thing.

You're staying in Bethesda, so you're on the Red Line. The Red line goes to Glenmont and to Shady Grove, but during certain times of day, the line doesn't go all the way to the end - instead of Glenmont, it stops at Silver Spring, and instead of Shady Grove, it stops at Grosvenor. Not a big deal - Grosvenor is past where you would get off for Bethesda. It sounds complicated, but the reason I mention it is this. You're standing at the metro station in Bethesda, and you know you need the red line to Glenmont because you're getting off at Union Station. But oh no, the next train is a Red line to Silver Spring! Check your map - yep, you can take that train too. A lot of people will pass up trains because they don't realize they're going the same place.

I'm trying to think of other good tips. It's been hot here. Stay hydrated! A friend works at Ford's Theater and is now on a first name basis with the EMTs because they've called them for heatsick tourists.

Thanks for the tip! I can just see us standing there and not getting on a train for fear that it's the wrong one! DH and I were in DC in 2002 without kids, and we loved using the metro! I'm planning on bringing lots of water! August was the only time we could go this summer, so we are prepared for the heat! It's been very hot here in Iowa--it was 80 at 6:00 am today! Hopefully, we'll be a little bit used to it! WE are going to tour the monuments at night and try and do more indoor things during the day. Again, thanks for your help!!

 

[turtlebean]

OK, you are going to think that this is insane, but my 17 year old is scared to death of escalators. Do you know if they have stairs there? I didn't even think about this but she will REFUSE to get on these.

Not alot of stations have stairs (It's way too steep. Just keep looking straight ahead), but there are elevators.

Like pp have said stay hydrated!! It has been unseasonably hot here this year w/heat index in the 110+ degree mark. When I check the weather here vs WDW, it's usually hotter here. Yesterday it was still 103 at 7pm and that wasn't w/the heat index. August is typically a much hotter month.

The good news is that most kids will be back to school by the last week of August (I think that is when you said you were going).

 

[turning40withMickey]

Great thread, really helpful.
When I go to the parks, I like to have a touring plan, which ride to do first, get fastpasses, etc.

Does anyone have a touring plan for DC, where to start, what sites to see in what order to maximize a day here? Walking, preferably from site to site unless this is not possible.

Thanks!!

 

[elbowglitter]

Not alot of stations have stairs (It's way too steep. Just keep looking straight ahead), but there are elevators.

Just be aware that not infrequently, the elevators are broken. Just something to watch for. You can always go to another stop and walk (or taxi for the super far stops) if necessary.

 

[sweetpea29488]

I have another question that I hope someone doesn't mind helping me with.

I was wondering how safe the metro is and also the areas that we want to visit? (monuments, zoo, etc.) Any areas to stay away from?

Again, thank you so much for your help.

 

[elbowglitter]

Metro is relatively safe, but you just have to be cautious. For a while, there were a lot of thefts of things like iPods and cell phones. I don't know if the numbers are down because people are smarter or if it's just not being reported. People would be standing by the door on the train and playing with their phone and ignoring things and right before the doors closed, someone would grab their phone and run off. So just use common sense on that one. What always made me feel better was that these weren't violent crimes.

The monuments and zoo are also safe areas, especially during the day. If you plan to be on the metro after dark, just stay alert, but really, I wouldn't worry. I'm a smallish 29-year-old woman and I just pay attention to my instincts and have never had any problems. I go places alone all the time. I do think a few years ago there were some nighttime muggings on the National Mall, but it made BIG NEWS because it was so rare. Again, just be smart and you'll be fine.

 

[Hootch]

the metro is very safe. We didn't ride it much at night this past trip but I have done so some times on business trips. Most of the tourist areas are on federal land have federal rangers or other types of police around at all times. Capitol Hill has its own police force that is out in numbers. Pretty much every intersection we walked through near Capitol Hill had a uniformed officer on the street and a vehicle parked with two other officers just off the intersection.

Many of the tourist areas close for tour when it's still daylight during high tourist times. For example the major Smithsonian Museums close usually at 5:30 or 7:30. The Capitol and the Supreme Court will clear out people for tours around 5:00. (The last SC chamber talk is at 3:30.) The monuments are open late and can be stunning at night. The W Hotel has a restaurant with a great view and I understand that the Hay Adams is adding a viewing point, but I'm not sure when it will open.

When I travel there I stay in NW DC not far from the tourist areas (JW Marrot, Embassy Suites, Hay Adams, Washington Hilton, etc.), L'Enfant area, Alexandria or Crystal City. I often go out for walks after dinner and have never felt threatened.