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 season, 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

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.

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

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 32 miles (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 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 of the baggage claim area of the Lower Level of the BWI Marshall terminal. BWI Marshall taxicabs are forbidden to charge flat rates.

• Web:

  www.bwiairport.com

• Address:

  Baltimore-Washington International Airport

• Phone:

  +1 410 859 7111

Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)

The National Airport is accessible by Metro (Yellow/Blue Line). The Washington DC 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 National Airport from the National Mall takes approximately 15 minutes.

• Web:

  www.flyreagan.com

• Phone:

  +1 703 417 8000

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

Washington Dulles International Airport is an international airport in Loudoun and Fairfax counties in Virginia, 26 miles (42 km) west of downtown Washington, D.C. The airport is served by Metrorail, taxi, and rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft. The metro’s silver line takes you directly to the Washington Dulles International Airport Metrorail Station. For information on fares and operating hours, visit the Metrorail's official website.

• Web:

  www.flydulles.com

• Address:

  Dulles International Airport

• Phone:

  +1 703 572 2700

Public Transport

Public transport in Washington consists of the super-efficient Metrorail and bus services. Computerized fare cards are available from self-service machines at the stations. One-day passes and weekly ones are available. The bus service in DC provides services throughout the city and to outlying suburbs. Stops are marked by red, white, and blue signposts. Kids travel free. Be sure to have exact change ready for the automatic fare machines.

• Web:

  www.wmata.com