When visiting Washington DC, will an unlimited Metrorail pass be enough to get around?

Question

Do we need the unlimited Metrobus pass in addition to this? Or should we just get a regular Metrorail farecard?

We'll be in DC for 4 days, visiting the main attractions. We would also like to venture into the neighborhoods for good spots to eat at/visit, so some suggestions will be nice.

Answer 1

I went to college there and have been back on family vacations a few times. I don't think you need to buy the unlimited pass for the rail or the bus. That is $22/ person for a 7- day trip pass. You are only going to be there 4 days. If you plan your trip and site seeing right, you'll end up doing most of it in walking. Example. We rode the metro to Foggy bottom/GWU and got off. We walked a few blocks to see Lincoln Memorial and the Vietnam and Korean War Memorials. Then we walked down past the reflecting pool to the Washington Monument. Well, just past that is the "Mall" where all the museums are. If you keep walking, you'll reach the capitol. You can walk the whole thing. If you want to cut it half, Get off the metro at the Smithsonian exit and start at the mall, do the museums and capitol. That saves some fare money to go to china town or whereever you want. There is an awesome restaurant , kind of in the middle of no where called Marrakesh. It is a set price for the meal. I think around $30 w/o drinks but it is like 5 courses and there is belly dancing and it is a wonderful experience. I highly recommend it. I've beem there a handful of times myself. So my recommendation, buy one ticket for each person for about $5 for the day. If you have to add a little on the machine, big deal, better than shelling out $22/per person you can't get back. If you want more info, I'd be happy to help. Good luck and enjoy.

Answer 2

If you can go down to Shirlington, the restaurants there are nice, Extra Virgin has a nice three-course lunch and a wonderful tira misu. My husband and I were just there last week. If you go soon you should see the cherry blossoms, they were just beginning to bud last Thursday. The metro should be enough to get your around, you'll probably need to stick to the Orange line (it goes right through the Mall. And an all-day pass is only $6.50 or you can get a week-long pass for I think $13 or so. It will be much cheaper than a cab or renting a car. Most of the metro stations are within walking distance of the sites. Best of luck and have fun!

Answer 3

You have come to the right place. The DC area is full of things to do.

There are a variety of restaurants in Georgetown, Adams Morgan and Old Towne Alexandria.

If you are looking for night life, I would also suggest Adams Morgan and down by the waterfront.

Check out www.flowinsiders.com

I would go with the unlimited pass. I don't use public transporation (im a suburbanite) but I hear the fares are going up tremendously.

Have fun!