I will be staying in Arlington but want to know how much further I will have to treck if I bus or train it in from NYC. Think I will be getting in about 9:30-10pm Friday night. I was thinking of taking a cab from entry point to train station and then heading into Arlington. Not sure it is worth it if I have to travel an additional hour on the DC subway. Anyone know?

I live in Arlington. It kinda depends on where you live in Arlington, but from where I live it takes about 5 minutes to drive into DC, about 20-25 minutes to walk into DC, and about 20-30 mins by Metro. If you take the train into DC, and catch a cab from Union Station to Arlington, it'll cost about $12 and take around 15 minutes that time of day. It's not far at all. You could also take the subway, but it's less convenient because you have to change lines. These times are approximate because I'm not sure where exactly in Arlington you will be.

Thanks that does not sound bad at all and oh so wonderful to cab it. The apartment I am staying in I believe is right on the metro line at Arlington stop is that near you?

Sarah, there are many Metro stops that are in Arlington. On the Orange Line, there is Rosslyn, Courthouse (my stop), Clarendon, Ballston, and a few others. On the Blue Line, there is Pentagon, Pentagon City, Crystal City, National Airport, etc. There is no "Arlington" stop. So I'm still not sure where you are, but you should be fine cabbing it. I can't imagine that a cab would cost more than $20, at the absolute most no matter where in Arlington, and more likely would cost $12 - $15.

Thanks Jim I am pretty sure it is Rosslyn

If it's Rosslyn, that's a very easy trip from DC. No problem taking a cab. You can walk from Rosslyn into Georgetown, which is in DC and has a lot of restaurants, shops and bars. Rosslyn is the first metro stop in Virginia.

Thanks again Jim

I love Georgetown and the mention of restaurants has me thinking of where to eat. Are crab cakes in season still Jim? I ideas on seafood joints in D.C.

You don't have a Roy's in D.C do you?
Thanks again can't wait so glad to beat the cold of winter we are starting to feel in NYC.

Sarah be sure to bring some shorts. It is still summer here in DC. BTW most places have crab cakes year round.

Yummy Yummy Yummy

Sarah, please bring your winter woolies. I'm sleeping with an electric blanket since the apartment complexes don't usually switch AC to heat until November 1, and it's about 40 degrees at night.

The bus station is in a pretty sketchy area. if you walk to Union Station from there, about 4 blocks, be careful.

Amtrak is having a special. My daughter just got a great RT from NYC for Thanksgiving. The Bus Station is really creepy. Please take the train! (unless you fly USAirways and get triple miles on the shuttle to DC National...er...Reagan.)

Thanks Mom. I did the bus in the summer and swore I would never do it it again. Station was ok as long as you hop directly into a cab. I just can't justify twice the fare on trains that might have me sitting on the floor if it is crowded. My biggest problem is not the station but who you might be sitting next to on the bus, what they smell like, if the are eating, drinking; and that portable bathroom what is coming from that part of the bus. Oh well a fun weekend away is worth the high risk of an unpleasant journey.

Just an idea: Georgetown is not the place to think about restaurants. And neither is Rosslyn. And the walk to G'twon from R. is a long one, across Key Bridge, wading thorugh some rather heavy traffic. Suggest you get a Zagats for DC and use it. And think about Adams-Morgan, Pa. Ave. and Dupont Circle.

Thanks X that sounds like what I would suggest for someone coming to NYC.

I disagree with "x" about Georgetown. Plenty of restaurants there. The walk across the bridge will take you like 5-10 minutes, and there is a sidewalk so you won't be in traffic. Late at night I wouldn't do it, but otherwise it's fine.

Sarah, DC is NOT a great restaurant town, not like NYC. Our best areas for decent restaurants in DC: 7th street NW, Adams-Morgan, DuPont Circle and Pa. Avenue about 7th to 12th. G'Town does have restaurants, but not of the same quality as once. A few restaurants on upper Wisc. Ave. and out Connecticut Ave. are good, and Zagats will give you this breakdown by neighborhood, as you already know. If you're into Vietnamese, use the organe line out of Rosslyn to Clarendon - several in that neighborhood, including Nam Viet. The best Thai is Duangrats, but it's on Rte. 7, you'd need a car. Generally restaurants in Old Town Alexandria are rather so-so. Our Chinatown is a mere shadow of what it ought to be. Zagats for DC is a decent guide but Z is as for other cities, can express popularity in lieu of reliable info. on quality. DC is a good city, with decent food and the prices are okay, but not like NYC! Have a good trip.

Sarah, have you checked out Washington Deluxe, the premier bus service between NYC and DC? They got a GREAT review in the Washington Post. Immaculate buses, big comfy seats, great service, price is unbelievable--same or less than Greyhound/Trailways. Check it out: washingtondeluxe.com.