| On The Cheap Travel |
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| Washington, D. C.: Getting Around Subway: Washington's subway system, popularly known as the Metro, is clean and easy to use. Fares vary depending on your travel time and distance. You can buy a one-day Metrorail pass for $6.50. If you're staying for several days, consider purchasing a rechargeable SmarTrip card. While Metro stations are equipped with escalators and elevators, it's best to travel light. During peak travel times, Metro trains are extremely crowded. You may arrive at a station only to find both the elevator and escalator out of service. Be sure to follow the rules. Getting a ticket will blow your travel budget. Don't eat or drink on Metro trains or in stations. Use headphones with your iPod or CD player. Bus: Washington's Metrobus system covers the entire city. Regular bus fare is $1.25 and express fare is $3.00. You must pay for your trip with exact change, a SmarTrip card or a bus pass. One day passes are $3.00 and are valid on all regular buses. You'll pay a $1.75 surcharge if you take an express bus. The DC Circulator bus will take you to many popular sights for just $1.00. One route circles the Mall, passing the Washington Monument and Smithsonian museums (weekends only). Another takes you from Union Station to the ever-trendy Georgetown area. The third navigates between the Convention Center and the Southwest Waterfront. You can pay for your trip aboard the Circulator bus (exact change only), get tickets at multi-space meters along the Circulator route or use a SmarTrip card. A one day pass is only $3.00. Taxi: Taxis operate on a zone-based fare system. Fares are even higher during rush hour. Save this expensive option for a late-night return to your hostel or hotel. --Nancy Parode What's your favorite way to get around Washington DC on the cheap? Tell us here. <<Washington DC Home Washington DC Cheap Sleeps>> |