Need Quick Help! Transport from BWI to Northern Virginia
Jan 14th, 2006, 02:47 PM
#1
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Need Quick Help! Transport from BWI to Northern Virginia
I have an aunt and uncle (elderly)flying into BWI who will need to get to a residence in Arlington, VA. Cost is an issue. I have found a Super Shuttle for $52. They could probably get to Union Station by train, but would anyone have an idea of cab fare from there to Arlington. Or any other ideas? Thanks.
Jan 14th, 2006, 03:04 PM
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B30 Express Bus runs every 40 minutes, 7 days per week, right from the BWI terminal. For $3, it takes them to the Greenbelt Metro stop. If they can get to Greenbelt or Union Station, they can take the Metro to a point in or near Arlington. Much easier than getting hte train at BWI, which involves a shuttle to the train station.
Jan 15th, 2006, 10:25 AM
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I like the B30 bus too. If they are going to areas of Arlington near Pentagon or National Airport, have them change from the Green Line train to the Yellow (towards Huntington) at the Mt Vernon Metro station; they won't even have to leave the platform, only need wait for a yellow line coming to the same track.
If they need to get to areas like Rosslyn, Courthouse, Claredon, have them change to an Orange Line train (towards Vienna) at L'Enfant Plaza.
If they take a MARC train, they can transfer from MARC to the Orange Line at New Carrollton, and can transfer to any Blue Line (if they need to) at any station between Stadium/Armory and Rosslyn without changing platforms.
One last choice (probably too expensive) is that if they are headed towards Alexandria, some Amtrak trains stop at BWI, New Carrollton, Union, and Alexandria. The B30 is my top choice. The MOST that trip (bus + subway) would cost is $6.90 each, or $2.55 if they qualify for Senior/Disabled. Check website www.wmata.com for specific stops, times, fares, etc., and for info on senior fares. good luck.
If they need to get to areas like Rosslyn, Courthouse, Claredon, have them change to an Orange Line train (towards Vienna) at L'Enfant Plaza.
If they take a MARC train, they can transfer from MARC to the Orange Line at New Carrollton, and can transfer to any Blue Line (if they need to) at any station between Stadium/Armory and Rosslyn without changing platforms.
One last choice (probably too expensive) is that if they are headed towards Alexandria, some Amtrak trains stop at BWI, New Carrollton, Union, and Alexandria. The B30 is my top choice. The MOST that trip (bus + subway) would cost is $6.90 each, or $2.55 if they qualify for Senior/Disabled. Check website www.wmata.com for specific stops, times, fares, etc., and for info on senior fares. good luck.
Jan 19th, 2006, 10:47 AM
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The Supper Shuttle-will be most conveinent for them(It is basically a BLUE VAN) as it will literally drop them at the door. BUt it might take awhile as there will be other passengers(total of 6 max) that they will also drop off they do a good job at organizing drop offs so they do not back track.
Jan 19th, 2006, 12:02 PM
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But getting from BWI to Union Station would involve taking a shuttle to the train station, then the train to Union. This seems at least as taxing as getting onto the Metero's B30 bus right at the BWI temrinal, and taking it to the Metro. It's two rides, either way.
Jan 19th, 2006, 12:06 PM
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It assumes the bus is going to show up--which is not always a reasonable assumption--and then cramming onto a bus that was not designed for travellers and then to be plopped into a Metro Station on the far edges of the area for a long subway ride into the city.
Jan 19th, 2006, 12:13 PM
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The distance into the city is the same, no matter how they get there.
The B30 bus is the type of airport-shuttle bus that is indeed 'designed for travelers;" it has special areas for luggage storage; I guess you've never taken it. There's no reason to expect it to be less reliable than other options like the train or a private service.
The Greenbelt station, being at the suburban, northern end of the line, usually has a staff member posted to help machines. I would certainly rather have my own elderly parents there than at Union Station, where the distances to be covered are huge and the clientele a bit, um, varied.
We really should drop this, since the "Need quick help" request was posted 5 days ago.
The B30 bus is the type of airport-shuttle bus that is indeed 'designed for travelers;" it has special areas for luggage storage; I guess you've never taken it. There's no reason to expect it to be less reliable than other options like the train or a private service.
The Greenbelt station, being at the suburban, northern end of the line, usually has a staff member posted to help machines. I would certainly rather have my own elderly parents there than at Union Station, where the distances to be covered are huge and the clientele a bit, um, varied.
We really should drop this, since the "Need quick help" request was posted 5 days ago.
Jan 24th, 2006, 04:17 PM
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Thanks for everyone's help. It's good to have a place to get local advice. My uncle and his wife were making a quick trip to visit his twin brother who had just been diagnosed with cancer. Unfortunately, he passed away as my aunt and uncle were on their way. I just got back from the funeral, my first trip to Washington in 15 years. (I grew up there). I had forgotten how pretty the city is. I only had a few hours to drive downtown, but hope to get back soon. I was impressed with how the WW2 memorial fits in with the scenery.
