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    Tourist Information

    Washington, D.C.

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North America United States Washington, D.C. Tourist Information
Tourist Information The guide was updated:
Quadrants of Washington, D.C.

Quadrants of Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. is divided into four quadrants, which are used for addressing purposes. The quadrants are Northwest (NW), Northeast (NE), Southwest (SW), and Southeast (SE). They are formed by dividing the city into two halves along its north-south axis (North Capitol Street and South Capitol Street) and its east-west axis (East Capitol Street and West Capitol Street). The point of division is the star-shaped medallion located in the Crypt under the Rotunda of the Capitol. Each quadrant has its own unique character, with different neighborhoods, attractions, and amenities. The NW quadrant is home to many of the city's most affluent neighborhoods and is the location of many of its museums and cultural institutions. The NE quadrant is home to many of the city's residential neighborhoods and is also the location of the U.S. Capitol and other government buildings. The SW quadrant is home to many of the city's lower-income communities, as well as a number of landmarks and tourist attractions. The SE quadrant is home to a number of residential neighborhoods, as well as the historic Anacostia area and the Navy Yard.
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Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)

Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)

The National Airport is accessible by Metro (Yellow/Blue Line). The Washington D.C. Metrorail system has an important Metrorail station connected to Terminals B and C at Reagan National Airport. The Metrorail system offers easy and affordable access to different locations throughout Washington, Virginia, and Maryland. You can buy your ticket from the vending machines located at all entrances to the Airport Metrorail station. SuperShuttle offers door-to-door service. Frequency is based on demand. To get in touch with shared ride services, go to the outside curb or contact a SuperShuttle representative. Another way is to rent a car. Rental car counters are located on the first floor in Terminal Garage A. You will find the taxi stands outside the terminals. A taxi to the National Airport from the National Mall takes approximately 15 minutes.
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Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

The Baltimore/Washington International is a major airport serving the Baltimore–Washington Metropolitan Area in the United States. Situated next to the CDP Linthicum in northern unincorporated Anne Arundel County, Maryland, the airport is about 51 km northeast of Washington, D.C. Here are some options on how to travel to and from the airport: Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority: Metro now offers BWI Express Metro bus service between BWI and the Greenbelt metro station. The service offers a direct connection between BWI and the Greenbelt Metro Station. The BWI Express/B30 service runs every 40 minutes, 7 days a week to the Greenbelt Metro Station, which is situated on the Green Line of the Washington Metro System. Amtrak: You can also take the Amtrak Train to BWI from Washington's Union Station. MARC Train: Take MARC Trains at Washington's Union Station situated at 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE. Here you will find hours and information. The BWI Marshall Rail Station is on MARC's Penn Line. Taxis: The taxi stand is placed just outside the baggage claim area of the Lower Level of the BWI Marshall terminal. BWI Marshall taxicabs are forbidden to charge flat rates.
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Passport / Visa

Passport / Visa

Citizens of the Schengen countries, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and the Kingdom of Brunei can visit the United States for up to 90 days without applying for a visa (as well as citizens of Andorra, Lichtenstein, Monaco and San Marino). Citizens of these countries must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before traveling. All other travelers must obtain a visa before visiting the United States. International travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the country.
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Best Time to Visit

Best Time to Visit

If you're planning a trip to Washington, D.C. these tips will be useful for a no-bad-surprises journey. Fall offers comfortable weather, fewer crowds, and a plethora of activities to join. Summer and spring are the peak seasons, thus expect long queues at the main city landmarks, as well as higher prices on accommodation and airfare. The cold and snowy winter is not for starters, but if you're brave enough, know that winter is also the quietest and least crowded season. Whatever the period is, Washington, D.C. boasts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year. Here are some of the most representative ones: January: - Commemorative events for Martin Luther King Jr. birthday February: - Celebrations of the Chinese New Year March: -National Cherry Blossom Festival May: -Memorial Day Weekend August: -DC Beer Week
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Public Transport

Public Transport

Washington, D.C.'s public transport system is super efficient and traveler-friendly, primarily centered around the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), which operates the Metrorail and Metrobus services. The Metrorail, known for its extensive network, covers key attractions and neighborhoods across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, making it convenient for tourists to navigate the city. In addition , the Metrobus system complements the rail service by reaching areas not covered by the Metrorail. Travelers can also use the D.C. Circulator, a bus service designed specifically for tourists, offering routes that connect popular destinations such as Georgetown, the National Mall, and Union Station. For seamless travel, the SmarTrip card allows easy fare payment across Metrorail, Metrobus, and the Circulator.
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