Myer

Doug Stallings wrote about arriving in Washington

"Just FYI, the last time I tried to take a taxi from Union Station after 11, I had to wait in a taxi line for almost 45 minutes. You may want to look into Uber for DC. I don't recommend Über in NYC, however."

Well, I emailed Uber and they didn't respond.

Now I'm thinking of going in a different direction.

Our train from NYC is supposed to arrive at 11:25PM. If it's on time, I'm tempted to take the Metro. The Metro runs until midnight.

Our closest stop (3 minutes walk as per Google Maps) is Farragut West but that requires a change.

Our second closest stop (7 minute walk) is Farragut North and we can get their without changes (Red Line) after an 8 minute ride from Union Station.

Can I assume the Union Station Metro is easily accessible and easily found from inside the train station?

Is this an ok option (disregarding the saving in fare) compared to a cab?

I've already purchased Smartrip Cards.

NewbE

Yes, the Metro is right in the station and easy to find. I think it's a fine option, unless of course you have way too much luggage to handle the escalators and trains.

Not to denigrate in any way Doug Stallings' advice, but his is one anecdotal experience. Why not plan to check out the taxi stand, and if the wait is too long, or taxis are scarce, go with the Metro as Plan B?

(Farragut North and Farragut West are not far apart from each other for good walkers, which I believe you have said you and your wife are.)

emd3

I use Amtrak and then the metro from Union Station a lot. There are elevators in Union Station and in the Union Station metro entrancce, to help get your luggage onto the metro platform. There are also elevators at the Farragut North and West stops. So you will have elevators for luggage.

Myer

Newbe,

Thanks.

I thought of checking out the taxi line first. My concern about that is we arrive on a Sunday night (11:25PM if on time) and I think the Metro stops running at midnight. Unless of course that isn't correct.

If we wander around the train station too long we'll lose the Metro option.

Also, my wife is concerned about a 5-10 minute walk at midnight in a city we don't know. What's that area like?

Is the taxi line anywhere near the Metro entrance.

AAFrequentFlyer

Why not just arrange a private car service or taxi pick-up before your trip?

The car will be waiting just for you. Same price, same service.

They do check arrivals and they show up just when you show up.

MichelleY

I agree with just having a pre-arranged car service for that time of night.

gabriele

Definitely recommend a taxi or car. The Metro will be nearly deserted at that hour, and the Farragut area has a great many odd characters even during the daytime. There's a reason the taxi line is so long. It's the same risk you would take in walking around at midnight by yourself in any large city. You may be fine, or you may find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time. I don't think anyone who lives and works in DC would recommend the Metro. I would be the first off the train and get a move on to get there before the line begins to form at the taxi stand.

Myer

Ok, where's the taxi stand in relation to the Amtrak exit?

gabriele

Http://www.unionstationdc.com/mimage...rectorymap.pdf

NewbE

< I don't think anyone who lives and works in DC would recommend the Metro.>
That's silly.
As is this:
<the Farragut area has a great many odd characters even during the daytime.>
Unless you consider suit-and-tie types odd. It's a business district, and as such, will be largely deserted at midnight, but not dangerous.

Look, the Metro and the walk will be safe. Whether it is desirable to schlep via Metro and on foot with luggage at midnight after a long day of travel and in an unfamiliar city, only the OP can decide.

Myer, Union Station is large but not that large. Unless your train is delayed--a a strong possibility, btw--you will have time to check the taxi stand and hie yourself to the Metro instead, if you choose. Or, just arrange for a car. Simplest solution, with least wear and tear on you and spouse.

gabriele

I can only assume that NewbE is not a DC resident, or else is extraordinarily uninformed or oblivious. The area has an active drug trade, and the parks, alleys and doorways serve as nighttime residences for those unfortunately snared in that lifestyle. I have had opportunity to observe this and many other things in the 30+ years I worked within 2 blocks of Farragut Square, and used the Metro from nearly the first day it began running. And, yes, many of those folks mix in with the suit-and-tie types during the day. It really is not at all difficult to miss. Call me silly!

gabriele

Sorry, that should have been ensnared.

Myer

Any recommended car services from Union Station?

Thanks.

AAFrequentFlyer

http://www.dcprivatecar.com/our-rates/

http://www.dclivery.com/

http://www.execucar.com/

http://www.premierprivatecar.com/was...dc-car-service

and so on and on.....

Google.com search is your friend

GoAway

Maybe I've missed a post somewhere -- are you staying in a hotel in DC?

If so, ask your hotel for advice. They should be able to tell you which Metro station is closest to the Hotel, and may have suggestions for non-Metro arrival, like which car service they recommend.

NewbE

I called your advice silly, which it is. There are homeless people all over DC, but more in parks, of which there are a lot; most are mentally ill, some are addicted to drugs, some both; and they can frighten tourists who are not accustomed to seeing people living on the streets.

I lived in DC for decades and have visited annually since I left. I worked near both the Farragut North and West stations for many years and then near(ish) by for many more, using the MacPherson Sq station. Unfortunately, I got very accustomed to seeing homeless/ill/addicted people on the streets.

To say that these areas are home to an "active drug trade" is to reveal that you can't possibly know what an active drug trade looks like.

obxgirl

If the OP is still checking in:

1) Uber requires a "smart" device to work. (e.g. iPhone, Android, iTouch, iPad with 3g)

2) If your train arrives on time:

Our second closest stop (7 minute walk) is Farragut North and we can get their without changes (Red Line) after an 8 minute ride from Union Station.

Metro entrance is on the same floor as train arrivals and is pretty well marked. Don't dawdle. Don't hit the restroom, don't check the taxi stand.

Farragut North is a 3 minute walk from Farragut West so the changing train thing is pointless and will take you more than 3 minutes even if you can change at that late hour.

Walk to your unnamed hotel. I think gabriele is a bit of an alarmist. I wouldn't walk through Farragut Square (or any unlit square, circle or park at night).

3) Doug is correct. Cabs can be a wait at Union Station when Metro is closing and after closing. Sometimes you have to share.

4) There is a night bus. (your Smartrip card will work)

5) Walk 5 minutes to the The Dubliner (or the attached Phoenix Park Hotel), have a drink and ask them to help you call you a cab.

If it were me, I'd spring for a car service, use Uber, or wait in the cab line. Nothing wrong with the Metro option but it's a bit of a sprint even assuming your train arrives on time.

HKP

Anecdotal but a cautionary tale: a cousin arrived at an off hour at Union Station and was victimized at the escalator to the Metro by a purse-snatching team. One stopped to fumble with a suitcase in front of her where one would step off the escalator and the other grabbed her purse while she was trying to maneuver around the first one with her own luggage.

During the day I'd never avoid the Metro as a good way to get around, although it's worth knowing something about the stations you might be using. But in your situation, I'd certainly look into a car service and be sure you're clear on where to meet the driver.

NewbE

I suppose there is no point to underlining that that is the kind of thing that can happen in any city, at any hour of the day or night, is there?

I have not avoided the Metro after dark in over 30 years of using it to get all around the DC Metro area and I have never been mugged.

Christina

No, because it isn't true -- it is always more dangerous in big cities than in small ones, and doing some activities compared to others (like anything to do with public transport). And there are a lot of nefarious types hanging around the Union Stn metro stop. I don't know about Farragut at nighttime, though, as I haven't been around it then, but I wouldn't hesitate to do this trip during the day at all. But to suggest DC is no more dangerous than any other city in the US just isn't true. And there is more crime at night, especially during late hours.