sandy49

We have reservations to visit DC this weekend to see the cherry blossoms. Our reservations cannot be cancelled without a hefty penalty.

Our priorities are the monuments, Arlington National Cemetery and the Air/Space Museum(no problem). We want to take the Old Town Trolley tour just to give us an overview of the area since this will be our first visit.

We were also going to take the Old Town Trolley night tour of the monuments. I have seen some suggestions to do this by taxi--does anyone have an ideal of how much it would cost for two people to do this? We are considering this because then we could stop when/where we want, and we would probably stay warmer.

We are getting around by Metrorail. Just curious if the metro stops are fairly close to the major attractions. We like to walk, but not when it is raining and 40 degrees,

Thanks

vjpblovesitaly

Unless you make a deal with the taxi driver (if legal), I am not sure that anyone could tell you how much a tour of the monuments would cost. It would depend on how long it took. The taxis are metered here now.

www.wmata.com is the website for Metro. http://www.wmata.com/rail/maps/map.cfm is a map.

There is no Metrorail station super close to the Lincoln Memorial and that end of the Mall area.

doug_stallings

I can't imagine you'd pay less than $70 or $80 to do a tour of the major monuments, particularly if you go to the Jefferson Memorial ... if you can find someone to do the tour with you. I don't know if the typical taxi driver would agree since it's probably more lucrative for them to do regular fares. Every cab ride I took in DC last weekend seemed to cost about $8 or $9. I'd do the Old Town Trolley Tour myself. It's easier and stops at all the major sights.

I don't think the weather is going to be that bad, just a little rain. The thing you may want to reconsider is the trip to Arlington National Cemetary. Just plan that for when it's not raining. There's a LOT of walking there, and it will not be pleasant in a cold rain.

And I have a useful tip if you plan to visit the Capitol Visitor Center, which I recommend. There's just no room in the Visitor Center entrance for more than 10 or 12 people (a particularly odd choice given the crowds, but that's the design). So everyone has to stand outside before going through the metal detectors. The line moves quickly but will be a pain if it's raining. However, the line at the National Archives is much shorter, and once you are inside the Archives, there's an underground tunnel to the Capitol. You have to go through security again, but the line is significantly shorter than the line at the Visitor Center, and it is indoors to boot. I'd do that to save time and soaking feet.

obxgirl

>>Just curious if the metro stops are fairly close to the major attractions.

longhorn55

Doug, I think you meant to write that there's a tunnel to the Capitol Visitor Center from the Library of Congress, not the National Archives.

doug_stallings

Duh ... yes, you're absolutely right. How stupid of me. Thanks for the clarification.

sandy49

Thanks everyone for your helpful information and suggestions. We were able to move our reservations for a few days later, and I think that is going to work out perfectly.

I hope there are still a few cherry blossoms for us to see!

kayd

According to the official fare list posted inside DC taxis, they can be hired at a very reasonable hourly rate -- $25 or 30 minimum and prorated in 15 minute increments after the first hour, as I recall.(The last time I took notice of this was at least a year ago, but it was definitely after meters took effect.) At this rate you could have a nice 90-minute tour for about $40 (then tip generously because he might be passing up 5 or 6 regular $10 fares in that time).

I suggest that the first time you get in a cab, look at the price list (to be sure my memory is accurate). If you are interested, ask that driver about it generally and arrange your pick-up later if it looks good. You could also ask your hotel concierge or doorman for help locating a willing driver. They may have access to more expensive car services, which you can decline if you prefer a cab, but it might not hurt to hear what other options are available.

For the taxi tour, it would be best to do it in the evening so you don't wast time in 3 mph traffic downtown and especially around the Tidal Basin.

SuzieTrue

Today in DC was gorgeous, tomorrow is another story.