Washington DC Travel Guide (Washington DC, United States)

DC is a cinch. Most places downtown, including the Mall museums, the major monuments and the White House, are within walking distance of each other, and an excellent public transportation system reaches outlying sights and neighborhoods. The clean, efficient and still-growing Metro subway is the envy of other cities; one-way fares start at $1.10 (base rate, off-peak), with a slight rush-hour surcharge from 5.30-9.30am and 3-7pm. A One Day Pass, valid after 9.30am on weekdays, costs $5 (trains run Mon-Thurs 5.30am-midnight, Fri 5.30am-2am, Sat 8am-2am & Sun 8am-midnight; get route information at the Metro Center Sales Office, Metro Center station, 12th and F sts NW; tel 202/637-7000). The standard fare on the more extensive bus network is also $1.10. Taxis are a good-value alternative with most cross-town fares ranging $5-12.50. (Surcharges kick in during peak hours and for each additional passenger.) There are taxi stands at major hotels and transportation terminals (like Union Station), or call Yellow Cab (tel 202/544-1212).