The Washington DC metro is the main mode of transportation for many of the residents of Washington, D.C. and the surrounding communities. It’s convenient, safe, clean, easy to use and inexpensive! Getting familiar with the metro system and the way it works might be the first thing you consider before you visit the district. An excellent online map and other helpful information are available at www.wmata.com. Farecards are needed to ride the Metro and can be purchased at every station. Note: Bring small bills because there are no change machines in the stations; credit cards may also be used to purchase farecards.

On most of the city's major thoroughfares, parking is restricted (and towing strictly enforced) between the hours of 7 and 9:30 a.m. and/or 4 and 6:30 p.m. on weekdays. Make certain that you check the entire street for signs before leaving your car in the afternoon or overnight. The city's neighborhoods are governed by restrictions that allow residents to park all day, but limit all others to two hours maximum from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Parking meters cost a quarter for fifteen minutes, with two hours maximum. Unlike many U.S. cities, there are no central municipal parking garages in Washington. In downtown, several office buildings and hotels have private garages; rates range from $5 for an hour to up to $20 for a full day, and more for an overnight stay.

Please note: the Metro serves most of the major tourist attractions well, enabling you to leave your vehicle stationary during your visit and to still see the sights.

 Fares for the DC taxi system are calculated according to zone maps, not by the meter system. No matter how far you travel within a zone, the fares are the same. When traveling by taxi, you can calculate your fare before you get into the taxi, by calling the D.C. Taxicab Commission at (202) 645-6010. Verify the fare with the driver before getting in the taxi. Carry small bills, as most drivers cannot make change for anything over $20. All area taxis are required to post a taxicab zone map and the driver's photo ID; if you don't see these prominently displayed, hail another taxi. Note the company's name and the number of the taxi in case you need to file a complaint. And remember to tip the driver, the going rate is between 15 and 20 percent - tip more for especially good service.

  Additional charges may apply. A rush hour surcharge will be added if you travel between 7 and 9:30 a.m. or 4 and 6:30 p.m. An extra $1.50 is charged for each additional passenger. Zone charges are doubled during snow emergencies. A luggage charge may apply on trips to and from the airport.