Suggestions for travel in and around Washington DC

[daveleau]

Anyone live in Baltimore or Wash DC? Need suggestions for her to get to her hotel. Safe but inexpensive...

My wife's going to a political conference later this month. The airfare to Ronald Reagan (2 miles from her hotel) was $430. Airfare to BWI airport in Baltimore was $175. Expedia said there was 4 miles between the airports. I didn't do my homework and assumed Expedia was correct. Mapquest says there is 34 miles ebtween the airports and 35 miles from BWI to her hotel.

What options are there for her to get to the hotel?

Thanks
Dave

I think Mapquest is correct. But the commute from BWI to DC is pretty easy with rental cars if you book in advance. Staying in Baltimore is also much cheaper. And there's a fantastic aquarium and dolphin show in Baltimore.

Unless the conference timings are unsuitable, its not a bad idea to stay in Baltimore and commute.

Just my opinion.

[daveleau]

Well, the conference is at a hotel and she got good rates to stay there ($70/night). Sorry, I guess I should have added that. What about busing and/or cabs. Will it be tremendously expensive to do either? What's available?

Thanks
Dave

[B71655]

Ok Dave. I live in suburban MD. There are several shuttle services from BWI to all major hotels in the area. About $20 for a one-way ride. Check the BWI website. Mapquest is right. It's an easy ride to DC with the"Super Shuttle". Hotel in DC or Va?

What about Supershuttle? Or an outfit like that?

B71655!! You beat me!

Jinx!

[Theophylact]

Another thing to consider: you can get a MARC train from BWI to Union Station in DC for about $5, and take the Metro to National Airport from there. If she's staying in Crystal City, it's a stop closer than National.

If she has time, Washington has loads of stuff to see, mostly free. I'll be glad to make suggestions. Also check the Washington Post entertainment section, Washingtonian, and City Paper for events and restaurants.

[daveleau]

Thanks everyone!

She is staying in a Marriot very close to the Crystal Gateway Marriot. They are connected underground, but are supposedly 2 separate hotels (with 2 different rates).

Is that a fairly safe route, Theophylact?

I'll also look at the Super Shuttles.

Thanks!
Dave

[Theophylact]

Safe? Certainly safer than driving anywhere in this area (not talking about crime, just bad drivers).

Yeah, it's safe. Union Station is a big shopping plaza, too, and the Metro is safer by far than the New York, Boston, Philadelphia or Chicago subways. She won't be going through any "bad neighborhoods", if that's what you mean, but I can't guarantee that she won't find an unruly teenager or a Mormon missionary on her route. Marcia took the Metro to Union Station every day until she retired; I still take it to go to Federal Triangle. Mind you, I am a city boy, and I'm much more paranoid, say, about the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

[B71655]

Has she used subways at all? The DC system works well to Crystal City, stops in the basement. I know the hotel, safe enough. Marc works well to DC's Metro(subway/bus) and there are signs to guide you. To be honest, I'd do the train, but send my wife on the shuttle. She'll wait a bit, but get's out at her hotel. Enjoy my city, I was born here. Lots to see, do.