Washington D.C., the capital of the United States and an international city, is home to various attractions such as the White House, government agencies, and the Smithsonian museums with collections from around the world. Despite being contained within one city, these landmarks are spread out, so it’s important to use transportation wisely to efficiently explore the area. Particularly, the National Mall, known for its vast lawn spaces, can involve significant distances to cover between destinations, leading to longer travel times than expected.
Therefore, let’s introduce some recommended means of transportation for getting around Washington D.C.
Various Transportation Options in Washington D.C.
As a city at the heart of the world, Washington D.C. boasts a well-developed transportation system compared to many other American cities. While its subway system may not be as extensive as New York’s, it does run close to many tourist destinations, making it a viable choice for getting around.
Next is the bus system, which may be less familiar to Japanese visitors, especially those from the Tokyo area where trains are more common. However, in the United States, where cars are prevalent, the bus network is more developed than trains.
Additionally, as Washington D.C. is known as the “City of Parks,” it offers a unique transportation option in the form of shared bicycles. There are rental spots scattered throughout the city, allowing you to use a bike for as low as $8 a day if returned within 30 minutes, making it an affordable mode of transportation.
Using the Subway for Major Tourist Destinations
The subway is convenient for visiting major tourist spots in Washington D.C. However, unlike in New York, where destinations are often immediately accessible upon exiting a station, here you can expect to walk around 500 meters to 1 kilometer from the station to your destination. Although you’ll need to walk a bit from the stations, the Washington D.C. subway system experiences fewer delays and remains relatively busy even during late hours, making it a reliable choice for transportation.
Taking Buses to Georgetown and the Washington National Cathedral
In places where the subway doesn’t run, you’ll find lesser-known spots where locals tend to gather. Visiting such places allows you to have unique experiences and enhances the quality of your trip. Buses are convenient for reaching these areas. While buses might not be as familiar to those from Japan where trains are prevalent, Washington D.C.’s bus routes often run along major avenues, making them quite convenient when your destination lies along these roads.
Moreover, the city offers “Circulator” buses that loop around certain areas, stopping close to tourist attractions. If you prefer not to use the subway or have a bus stop right in front of your hotel, these are excellent transportation options to consider.
Enjoying the National Mall on a Bicycle
As a city of parks, Washington D.C.’s central area features vast green spaces, one of which is the National Mall. It stretches from the United States Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, with numerous museums and monuments lining its sides.
For touring these attractions amid the greenery, shared bicycles are a convenient and comfortable option. Bicycles are available at various spots throughout the city, and you can use them for as low as $8 a day if returned within 30 minutes, making them a very affordable mode of transportation.
If Still Uncertain about Local Transportation, Opt for Hop-On Hop-Off Tour Buses
If you remain unsure about using local transportation, you can consider using hop-on hop-off tour buses operated by CitySights and Big Bus Tours. Both companies run double-decker sightseeing buses that stop right in front of major tourist spots. These buses are equipped with audio guides that provide information in multiple languages, including Japanese. Having a guided tour in your native language can be a huge relief and advantage, especially for first-time travelers or those less familiar with international trips.
These tour bus options offer three plans: a 1-day pass, a 2-day pass, and a guided night tour. If you purchase the 2-day pass, you’ll get the guided night tour for free.
Choose the Best Means of Transportation for a Comfortable Stay in D.C.
Washington D.C. offers various transportation options, and by using these modes wisely, you can access your destinations efficiently and enhance the quality of your trip. While guided tours can be great for covering major tourist spots, using public transportation allows you to discover hidden gems that may not be included in regular tours.
When you visit Washington D.C., consider trying out the city’s public transportation options.
