The Washington National Cathedral, known as the second-largest Neo-Gothic architecture in the United States, offers numerous attractions that can be enjoyed throughout the day. However, it is located quite far from the central tourist hub, the National Mall, and the nearest public transportation option is limited to city buses, making it less accessible for tourists.
Located about 2 miles north of Georgetown, the upscale shopping district in the western part of Washington, D.C., wher...
Here are three main methods to efficiently access the National Cathedral
Access the Cathedral by Taxi
This is the most efficient way to reach the Cathedral. Taxis in Washington, D.C., are recognizable by their orange and light gray bodies and can be found at taxi stands near hotels, Union Station, and the airport. When you board a taxi, inform the driver of your destination as “National Cathedral” and ask for a rough estimate of the fare, saying “Can I ask you how much the cost is?” In most cases, they will use the meter, and the fare from most locations within the city to the Cathedral should be under $20 (including the tip).
Before enjoying the surrounding scenery, make sure the meter is running correctly. Also, plan your journey with extra time to arrive before the start of worship services or tours.
Access the Cathedral from Union Station by Bus
Union Station serves as a central tourist base with a bus terminal offering routes within Washington, D.C., and even to the suburban areas.
To access the Cathedral by bus, take the X2 bus from Union Station’s bus terminal. Get off at the 10th stop, I Street and 15th Street bus stop, and then transfer to the 30S bus. The stop is marked by McPherson Square on the right side, and Vermont Avenue intersects diagonally at this location.
On the 30S bus, get off at the 21st stop, Wisconsin Avenue and Cathedral Avenue bus stop. Walk about 30 meters, and you will see the Cathedral on your right.
Access the Cathedral using Metro and Taxi
The area around the Washington National Cathedral lacks a nearby Metro station. The closest station is Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan, which is about a 30-minute walk away in a hilly residential area, requiring considerable physical effort.
To use a combination of Metro and taxi, take the Red Line from Union Station to Adams Morgan. From there, take a taxi from a nearby hotel or designated taxi stands to the Cathedral. This option reduces the distance covered by taxi, thus saving on taxi fares.
Heading to the National Cathedral while enjoying views of embassies and the Vice President’s residence
The closest station to the National Cathedral is Adams Morgan, but how about getting off at the one stop before, Dupont Circle station? From there, you can take a taxi from nearby hotels or designated taxi stands, and you’ll pass through Massachusetts Avenue, known as Embassy Row, where numerous embassies line the street.
Embassy Row is renowned for its large buildings surrounded by greenery, and the sight of various national flags waving is truly worth seeing.
Choose your preferred mode of transportation to access the Cathedral
The Washington National Cathedral is located quite far from the central tourist hub, the National Mall, requiring some local knowledge to access. However, the advantage of its less accessible location is that there are relatively fewer tourists, making it a must-visit spot for those seeking a more unique experience beyond the typical tourist routes.
When you visit Washington, D.C., be sure to consider visiting the National Cathedral. It’s definitely worth the trip!
