Union Station in Washington, D.C. is a major transportation hub offering a wide range of ways to get around the city and beyond. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the transportation options available at and near Union Station:
1. Metrorail (WMATA)
- Access: Union Station is directly connected to the Red Line of the Washington Metro. The Metro entrances are located inside Union Station.
- Service: The Red Line provides easy access to popular areas like downtown D.C., the National Mall, and Smithsonian museums. It’s a convenient option for getting around the city.
- Fares: A SmarTrip card is required for travel. These can be purchased at vending machines in the station or online.
2. Amtrak, MARC, and VRE
- Amtrak: Amtrak provides intercity rail service along the Northeast Corridor, connecting Washington, D.C. to major cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Boston.
- MARC (Maryland Area Regional Commuter): MARC trains provide service to Maryland suburbs.
- VRE (Virginia Railway Express): VRE connects D.C. to suburbs in Virginia.
- Access: All these services are available from Union Station’s platforms, which makes it easy to transfer between different modes of transportation.
3. Metrobus
- Service: Metrobus offers numerous routes across D.C. and the surrounding areas, including routes that connect Union Station to major neighborhoods and attractions.
- Fare: Riders can use the SmarTrip card for payment. Metrobus riders can also transfer to Metrorail at no additional cost if using the same card.
4. Taxis and Rideshares
- Taxis: A taxi stand is located outside the Main Hall entrance of Union Station. Taxis are available 24/7.
- Rideshares: Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft also operate at Union Station. Pick-up and drop-off areas are clearly marked.
5. DC Streetcar
- Route: The H Street/Benning Road Line serves Union Station and provides a free, scenic route through the H Street NE corridor.
- Access: The streetcar station is located on the H Street Bridge, which is easily accessible from Union Station.
6. Capital Bikeshare
- Availability: There are Capital Bikeshare stations located near Union Station, offering a convenient bike-sharing service for short trips around the city.
- Access: Bikes can be rented using a credit card or through the Capital Bikeshare app, which provides a simple way to access bikes for commuting or sightseeing.
7. Walking
- Proximity: Union Station is located within walking distance of many major landmarks like the U.S. Capitol, National Mall, and Smithsonian museums.
- Pedestrian Access: The station is well connected to the city's sidewalk network, making it easy to explore key attractions on foot.
8. Car Rentals and Parking
- Car Rentals: Rental agencies are located inside Union Station, offering both short-term and long-term vehicle rentals.
- Parking: Union Station has parking facilities with over 2,400 parking spaces available, making it a convenient place to park if you're driving into the city.
Whether you’re arriving by train, subway, bus, or car, Union Station offers a variety of transportation options that make it easy to explore Washington, D.C., and the surrounding areas efficiently.
