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DC has quite a few options for getting around town. Most tourists opt for more traditional modes of transportation such as taxis and the Washington Metro system, while others might be inclined to use DC’s new bikesharing system, Capital Bikeshare.
Taxis
There are many taxi options in DC. Although legitimate companies have different colored cars and lettering, all official companies have meters. Before
you head out on your journey in the capital, you can take a look at this site to calculate your fare (http://dc.taxiwiz.com/?lang=en).
Some of the larger taxi companies include:
All certified taxis will have “dctc” stickers on their windows.
Washington Metro
The Washington Metro is a relatively simple rail system paired with a very elaborate bus system, Metrobus. These two systems can pretty much pick you up
and drop you off within a 2 block radius of anywhere a visitor would want to go. Navigating the bus schedule can be confusing, but Metro makes it a little easier with its trip planner app. Most Metrorail stations open shortly after 5am Monday through Friday and 7am Saturday and Sunday and close by midnight Sunday through Thursday and 3am Friday and Saturday. The opening and closing time for each station varies, however, so it is good to check Metro’s website or look at the posted times at each station.
Circulator
DC offers a simplified bus service called Circulator. These buses are usually in great condition and little more comfortable. They cost $1 per ride, and you can pay in cash or use a SmarTrip card. If you are staying in the hostel, you’ll take the Georgetown – Union Station Circulator back and forth using your week pass. The hours for the Circulator bus are 7am to 9pm each day; from 9pm to midnight Sunday-Thursday and 9pm to 2am Friday-Saturday.
DC Bikeshare
For those in the mood to bike around town, DC offers a great bikesharing program for tourists and locals alike to get around town. Capital Bikeshare has a
few different rental options from 24 hours to all year and has many locations
all over town, including one block away from the Marvin Center.
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