Elaine

Can we possibly do anything with a 6 hour lay over at National Airport? We have never been to DC. I guess we would have to be back at the airport 2 hours before our flight to London so make that a 4 hour lay over.
Thanks.

Jason

Because National is conveniently located by the Metro, you could definitely do something. Assuming your layover is during the daytime, you could easily visit Arlington Cemetery, which is only 4 stops away on the Metro (10-15 mins). Or, you could take the Metro into D.C. and visit one of the Smithsonian museums, or the monuments, etc. 4-hours is plenty of time.

xxx

I think this is always tricky. You could leave but what if you get in bad traffic or something happens and you can't get back to the airport in time?

Tia

You've GOT to at least check out a couple monuments. Just got back from D.C. and the Metro is extremely EASY to use!! Cheap, too. I flew into National as well and it's right on the Metro. Grab a Metro map when you get your ticket and you'll be good to go. There are posted maps on the Metro cars as well. Do a search on Yahoo and you'll find the Metro web site. You can download a map prior to going and check out which monuments, etc. as closest. Most places are free as well. If you can't find the site, let me know. I'm sure I have it saved in my favorites. D.C. is such a wonderful place to explore. Granted, 4 hours is not much time, but at least you can head down to the White house and catch a couple monuments. The Vietnam Wall is something to see, too. I just can't say enough about D.C.!!!!! Good luck!!

Tia

P.S. I'm totally jealous you're on your way to London!! Trying to plan a trip there myself for spring of 2003!!

Sarah

it is a 15 minute subway into town. I would have definate plans and give myself at least 1 hour to wait at the airport. Factor that time in and you will be fine.

I think if you never have been you really have to see the Lincoln Memorial. My favorite museum is the museum of American History. Do thest two things and you will be fine. You could squeese in a stroll to the capital and white house if you cut down on museum time. Everything is realively close to each other. The Capital and Lincoln Memorial being the at opposite ends. I am going this weekend, YEAH FOR ME. I really like D.C. and was down from NYC twice over the summer.

r-travels

Yes ... in fact, there's probably few airports that put you as close to downtown when you've got a Metro stop outside the airport.

Visit ANYTHING in DC if you've never been. The airport is serviced by both the Yellow and Blue lines. The Yellow will get you near to the National Mall a little quicker - maybe get off at L'Enfant Plaza & walk, or transfer to Blueline and go to Smithsonian stop for excellent view of things from Lincoln Memorial, Capitol, Washington Monument & Jefferson. Walk around a bit. Be back on the Metro before 3pm tho, it starts getting busy again.

r-travels

www.wmata.com <-- Metro website, also check rideguide.wmata.com for how to get from place to place.

Tia

Elaine:

Here's the Metro web site where you can download a map: www.wmata.com

Hope this helps!!!! Feel free to e-mail me, too, if you have other specific questions.

Tia

P.S. The Museum of Natural History is fabulous, but really can be time consuming. Here are my favorites: Washington and Lincoln Mem., Vietnam Wall, White House, Museum of Nat. Hist., Georgetown is great, and the National Zoo is wonderful!!! You really need to stay a week to see everything!! Good luck!!

Elaine

You guys are great! I never expected to get to see our nation's capital when we booked this tour to London! Thanks. I will check out the Metro website and all these other suggestions.

Mike

Are you sure you are flying out of National and not Dulles? There are very very few international flights out of National.

oops

The only international flights to/from DCA are to Canada, so double check your itinerary. If the airport is Dulles (IAD) or Baltimore (BWI), six hours would not afford you time to see anything in DC unless you are willing to pay $50+ each way for a taxi to visit one site for just a few minutes, especially if your layover time includes the hours of 3 to 7 pm.

Elaine

Holy crap, Mike and Oops. I feel like an idiot. You're right. I didn't have the itinerary in front of me when I posted. Sorry for the trouble. I will be more careful in the future.
Foolish Person

kidronlewis1

I recently did a pretty extensive post on things you can do in DC with a long layover. I mostly covered restaurants and neighborhoods. http://askthechicgeek.blogspot.com/2...hat-to-do.html

vjpblovesitaly

Thanks a mill for bringing this 13 year old thread to the top. Awesome

vjpblovesitaly

11 year old