ozgirl

Hello, have received lots of great info already for my son and friends great US adventure on another post.
I am wondering if anyone can advise transport options as above? Is there a bus or train, approximate costs, pros and cons (obviously time)and frequency.
Thanks

bardo1

It just so happens that the best way from Orlando to Washington DC is to fly non-stop! $77 (includes all taxes/fees)

Look at this budget US airline Independence Air):

http://www.flyi.com



A train will cost a few dollars more ($86). www.amtrak.com

A bus (with a million stops along the way) is only a few dollars less ($63 advance purchase or $112 standard ticket). www.greyhound.com

bardo1

I should add that for the DC to NYC leg that follows it is much better to take amtrak (DC to NYC is a very popular route with departures every 30-60 minutes) or greyhound bus, peter pan bus, or one of the chinatown bus services. With a little research/planning, an express bus from DC to NY can be as little as $20.

lolfn

airtran also flies a few nonstops from orlando to baltimore/washington airport for around $85. it is in better shape than independence air which had warned of bankruptcy/liquidation.

it is a 2 hr flight. about 15 hours to drive in a car so the train/bus would be around that time +/-. as bardo said, not worth it for the few dollars saved.

ozgirl

Thank you bardo and lolfn. I had been told about Independence from a travel agent here, but she said could only book with an American credit card (eg. resident of US) but I've just done a dummy run at your suggested website and looked like no problem. Airtran similar but no non-stop to Washington only Baltimore - excuse my ignorance but how would they then get to DC?

rb_travelerxATyahoo

On a weekday the best way from BWI to DC is to take the MARC commuter train from BWI to Washington's Union Station ($6) On weekends and federal holidays, take the Metrobus #30B from BWI to the Greenbelt Station (Greenline) ($3) then take Greenline into central DC (under $4)
http://www.mtamaryland.com/schedules...c_schedule.cfm

http://www.wmata.com or better yet
http://rideguide.wmata.com

Times: MARC 35 - 55 min
B30: 1/2 hour
Greenline: under 1/2 hour

There is a free shuttle bus from the BWI air terminals to the BWI rail station, picks up outside the baggage areas. The Metrobus picks up same place, but out on the pedestrian island and only near terminals A and D

rb_travelerxATyahoo

Southwest Airlines also serves Orlando & BWI. I second the suggestion to use $20 bus from DC to NYC

bardo1

Just to clarify. DC has three major airports: IAD, DCA, & BWI.

DCA is about 10-15 minutes to downtown DC. IAD and BWI are about 45-60 minutes to downtown DC. Most budget airlines into DC go into either IAD or BWI.

ozgirl

Have now booked this sector with US air which apparently flies in to Reagan airport - would this be the IAD or the DCA that bardo refers to? Could someone please advise on cheapest and easiest to find (!) transfers from there to downtown - they will be staying at the Carlisle. Thanks again.

bardo1

DCA is Reagan National Airport. There is a Metro (subway) stop right at the airport.

Take a YELLOW train in the direction of Mt. Vernon Square. Get off at Gallery Place and transfer to a RED train in the direction of Shady Grove. Get off the RED train at the Dupont Circle station. Exit the Q St. side.

From The Carlyle Suites websight:

"We are just 3 blocks from the Dupont Circle Metro stop on the Red Line. Use the Q Street/North exit. Turn right as you exit the escalator (this is Q Street) and follow it to New Hampshire Avenue. Turn left and follow New Hampshire to 1731, on the right."

http://www.carlylesuites.com/get_here.html

Here's a Metro system map:

http://www.stationmasters.com/System...ystem_map.html

Here's a map of the Dupont Neighborhood. It looks like the Carlyle Suites is close to the Embassy of Grenada:

http://www.stationmasters.com/System.../dupontci.html

ozgirl

How did I travel before finding Fodors? Many thanks bardo for these very explicit instructions - it will be a great help!