BEST WAY DOWNTOWN: Train

BASICS
Ronald Reagan Washington National is located three miles (5 km) south of Washington, D.C. The airport's Web site offers some good information, including:

• Terminal maps
• Transportation options for nearby towns

BUS
Washington Flyer operates a bus service from National to the city terminal at 1517 K Street NW. From there, shuttle buses will take you to the major hotels, or you can take a taxi to your final destination. The fare is $8 one-way. The buses depart from outside the terminals about every 30 minutes for the 20-minute ride to downtown.  

TRAIN
The Washington Metro Subway operates two lines from the airport station. If you are traveling fairly light this is a good option. The station is an easy walk from the terminals, or there is a free shuttle bus departing from in front of the terminals. The shuttle bus is a good idea in bad weather.

The Blue Line will take you to Metro Center Station at 11th and G streets NW where you can transfer to another line or take a taxi to your final destination. The Yellow line stops at L'Enfant Plaza, and Gallery Place(7th and G Streets NW). Trains leave every few minutes and take less than 20 minutes to downtown. The fare varies depending on the time but will be $1.05 to $1.25.

SHUTTLE
Various shuttle services operate at the airport. Fares vary from $8 to $35 depending on your destination. Expect it to be cheaper than a taxi but a little more expensive than the bus. Some companies require advance reservations. Visit the airport's Web site for more information.

RENTAL CAR
A good idea if you are traveling to areas outside of the city like the Virginia, or Maryland suburbs. If you are only staying in the downtown area the Metro or a taxi will get you to where you want to be. All major rental car companies have desks at National.