Getting around 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).
