Riding on the Metro in D.C.

[goofyme]

I have 4 kids(11,9,7, and 1) and wife traveling to d.c. this week...we will need to take the metro from DCA to Chevy chase MD to our hotel about 10 am in the morning(5:30am when going back to the airport)..we will have two rolling bags and a stroller. we will need to change to a different line at the metro center to get to our destination..would you feel comfortable doing this?? should we just rent a car? thanks for the info

 

[jrydberg]

As long as you're comfortable wheeling the luggage and stroller around, I wouldn't hesitate to do it. You're not going at peak times, so crowds shouldn't be a big deal. I'd just make sure to leave yourself some extra time for getting your bags/stroller around.

 

[justhat]

We do this all the time since we live in DC. We live on the same line as DCA though so no switching for us, but same idea. We just have 1 child though, but she's 1, and so we've done it with the stroller, carseat, and many, many bags-and our stroller and carseat are in bags so we can't even stroll the kid or carseat. I also picked up my in-laws on the metro this summer, so we also have my then 3yo niece and her booster seat, and we were all fine. Like Jrydberg said, just be sure to leave plenty of extra time since you're not familiar with the surroundings and it may take you longer to navigate than you think.

BTW, I used to work in Chevy Chase DC, and took the metro there all the time. It's a nice area.

 

[PlutoPony]

Yes, you should be able to manage it, you're on the fringe of really busy times in both cases. You'll probably want to use the elevators instead of escalators to go up/down which will also make it easier to keep everyone together in any crowd. Just in case you're not familiar with Metro, restrooms are not really readily available (there's usually one at each station but it can be hard to find) and eating and drinking are not allowed in the stations or on the trains. Have a good time - just saw the forecast and it's supposed to clear up later in the week.....

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Yes I would feel comfortable.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[tinatark]

We stayed at the Embassy Suites at the CC Pavilion - you do have to switch over to get to your stop. It was easy enough for us and our 2 children - they were 8 and 9 then, I think - we'd never used that type of transportation before but were wishing we had it here by the end of the week!

We did use a car service to get to/from the airport - about $20 from National - but it would have been fine to take the metro if we had been comfortable with it at the beginning of the week+ we were there.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

I am not crazy about subways but have always felt safe on the DC metro. DD 19 rides it alone.

 

[Snowysmom]

The DC Metro is outstanding! We stayed at Embassy Suites in Chevy Chase this past summer and used the Metro to get everywhere. We were amazed at how clean, safe, and the great singage to let you know what line and stop to take. We also liked the countdown to when the next train was coming. We will have trouble getting on the MBTA in Boston now! If you can carry everything it shouldn't be a problem. Both times are not at rush hour. Given a choice between the Metro and renting a car, personally I would take the Metro. Have fun!

 

[LadyyRedd]

I feel very comfortable riding the metro, have done it many many times in my life!

Kimya

 

[Mandabella]

DC's Metro is the only subway I feel comfortable riding.

 

[Barb D]

It will be a WHOLE lot easier doing the Metro than driving, trying to find parking, and lugging the stuff from the car.

I've never felt unsafe on the Metro, either.

 

[DisneyArk]

We took the Metro from DCA to our hotel and it was VERY easy.

We did have a problem returning. We had an early flight out on Sunday and the Metro was not open yet! So we had to catch a last minute taxi. If you are leaving on the weekend you might check the schedules!!

 

[grlpwrd]

We traveled with 4 kids on the Metro and I would not hesitate to use it again and we now have one more.

Yes, use the elevators and check their schedules. They have a website.

GL!