We have to meet our tour group at the Old Post Office Pavilion. We are driving in from Hagerstown area. When we get to I-495, would it be better to take George Washington Parkway or to take what looks more local - the Clara Barton Parkway? Both roads seem to run side by side, just across the river from one another. This would be a Saturday, if that matters.

Thanks!

I recommend the GW Parkway. It is more scenic and a divided highway. Just a delightful approach into the city.

Definitely GW Parkway, as there is construction around Chain Bridge which has greater effect on DC-Md side travel.

But where are you planning to park?? The Old Post Office Pavilion is on Pennsylvania Avenue between the White House and Capitol Hill. I can't imagine trying to find someplace to leave your car, even on a Saturday. There is little street parking. If you do drive, be prepared to leave your car at a hotel parking lot and pay for the privilege. You may want to check the websites of the J.W. Marriott (not far from the Old Post Office) to find more on the parking situation.

You would be much, much, MUCH better off parking in Virginia along the Orange line (say in Vienna), or parking in Maryland on the Red line (say out past Bethesda) and planning a change of trains, and then getting off at the Federal Triangle stop. That would put you a block at most from your destination.

You can plan a metro trip at www.wmata.com. Be sure to put in your travel times, b/c it is definitely true that the Metro is less frequent on weekends, and you would need to allow plenty of free time.

Agree with the previous poster. You might even exit 270 to get to the Shady Grove metro station and park. I don't know what exit that is (perhaps 370?) but you could certain google it or the wmata.com site might have it.