Capital city in District of Columbia, United States
Getting around Washington, D.C.
How to get around Washington, D.C.
Metrorail and buses connect most visitor areas, and the core is walkable. Use SmarTrip or contactless; add Capital Bikeshare and Uber or Lyft for short trips.
Ways to get around Washington, D.C.
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Metrorail | $2–6 depending on distance and time | Tap a SmarTrip card or contactless; off-peak is cheaper |
| Metrobus | $2 | Free transfer within 2 hours; many routes run late |
| Capital Bikeshare | About $1 unlock plus per minute | Docked and e-bikes across downtown and Arlington |
| Uber / Lyft | About $14–25 for short trips | Reliable throughout the city |
Ride-hailing apps in Washington, D.C.
A 5 km ride costs about $14–25 ($14–25).
- Taxis exist and use zone-based fares or meters; rideshare is cheaper and easier. Waymo is planned for DC but not yet widely available.
Arriving in Washington, D.C.
Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)
Metrorail Blue/Yellow to downtown about $2–4, 15–25 min; Uber/Lyft $15–30.
Washington Dulles (IAD)
Metrorail Silver Line about $6, 50–60 min; Uber/Lyft $55–90, 40–60 min.
Driving and onward travel
- Driving: on the right. Foreign licences work for visitors in most states; carry an IDP if yours isn't in English. Under-25s pay rental surcharges.
- Onward travel in United States: Distances are long, so domestic flights are usually fastest. Amtrak works well in the Northeast Corridor; buses are cheapest. Outside big cities you often need a car.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Washington, D.C.?
Yes. Apps that work here: Uber, Lyft.
What's the best way to get around Washington, D.C.?
Metrorail and buses connect most visitor areas, and the core is walkable. Use SmarTrip or contactless; add Capital Bikeshare and Uber or Lyft for short trips.
How do I get from the airport to Washington, D.C.?
Metrorail Blue/Yellow to downtown about $2–4, 15–25 min; Uber/Lyft $15–30.
Is Washington, D.C. walkable?
Very walkable.
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Sources
- Amtrak
- Greyhound
- FlixBus
- WMATA (Metrorail and Metrobus)
- Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority
- Destination DC (tourism)
- DC Water
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.