Train or car into Washington, DC?
 

Heading into DC on the Friday of Labor Day w'end. Was going to take the train from VA but after discovering we can't take bags into the White House or Capitol tours, we thought we'd drive into DC so we could leave our stuff in the car during the tours. I understand there are plenty of parking garages not too far away. Accurate information? If so, any suggestions on specific garages to use? We are avid walkers, so don't mind a stroll. We'd be driving in around 7am. Good plan? Any idea what we can expect for traffic/length of drive? I'm optimistic traffic will be light given the holiday w'end - people heading out instead of in. Any advice is appreciated - thanks!

" I understand there are plenty of parking garages not too far away. Accurate information? If so, any suggestions on specific garages to use? We are avid walkers, so don't mind a stroll. We'd be driving in around 7am. Good plan?"

There are plenty of garages. Mapquest and other similar search engines have an option to search for businesses nearby. I would use that and put parking garages in. There are a few companies that have several outlets throughout DC. One I can think of offhand is PMI. You may get lucky and find a $10 all day before 8:00 (or 8:30) deal.

I don't think you mentioned where in VA so traffic/length of drive is unknowable. I also think traffic will be light.

Yes it sounds like a good plan.

Yes, there are garages around. They will cost you, but won't be crowded on the weekend. If you are going to both the Capitol and the White House then look for something north of Pennsylvania Avenue between those two sites.

I don't know what the rules are for the White House tours, but you can take a bag on the Capitol Tour, as long as it's not bigger than 14" wide x 13" high x 4" deep:
http://www.visitthecapitol.gov/Visit...nd%20Policies/

I understand you can't take ANYTHING on a White House tour, not even a purse.

Yeah, that is what I've heard as well

Thanks for the replies & suggestions. I'm told you can bring pretty much just a wallet on the WH tour. But yes - the Capitol is a little more flexible. I'd be driving from Leesburg, VA. Not sure of the route yet, but if you have any traffic-avoidance tips, please pass along. As I mentioned, we'd be driving in on a Friday morning. Want to hit up the WH Visitor's center before our 10:30am tour. Thanks again!

Here's a link to a site where you can plug in an address and it will come up with a map showing nearby parking garages and their rates: http://washingtondc.bestparking.com/index.php

I'm not sure how the traffic will be on Friday morning, but as you drive in, you can listen to 103.5 FM radio (WTOP-FM) for current traffic conditions which are broadcast every 10 minutes on the 8's (e.g. 7:08, 7:18, etc.)

I believe you can check bags at Union Station for a reasonable price, so that's what I'd do. And I'd simply not bring too much. I think traffic will be horrible, especially on the way home for you. Of course, I always prefer the train, so I'm biased.

train.

Just an FYI with the train - you will still have to drive to the train station and then potentially switch lines depending on where your first stop is. Also, you should know that the DC Metro has been having some issues lately in certain locations because we just recently introduced an increased fare during the "peak of the peak" rush hour, and there is now a .25 cent additional charge for paper cards (as opposed to smarttrip cards - which you will need to get out of certain metro parking garages).

I don't think you will hit too much traffic from leesburg if you are leaving at 7, but the closer you get to about 8:15-8:30 am, you will start hitting rush hour traffic, even on the Friday before the weekend (at least that has been my experience). You will definately hit more traffic going home - which could start as early as 2:00-2:30 in my experience on a holiday weekend.

It is a long drive from leesburg to downtown DC (I would budget for at least 45 minutes - 1 hour) and you may hit some traffic downtown. I agree that you should listen to WTOP (103.5) for traffic and that may dictate your route. From leesburg, there are several ways to go. There will be garages nearby both those sites and I agree that if you get in early, you will probably around $10-12 for the whole day. Depending on how many of you are going, that may be cheaper than taking the metro to and from and you will have the flexibility of a car to go other places if your plans don't work out.

From Leesburg, I would take the Dulles Greenway (toll) and the Dulles Toll Road (both are Rt 267) down to I-66 and follow the traffic east.

I-66 then merges with US 50 and goes across the Potomac. Just keep going straight as I-66 ends and it just becomes US 50.

Turn left on 14th Street (IF IT IS LEGAL at that time of day). Look for parking on the right, under the Ronald Reagan building. I've done this on the weekend, not sure about weekday.

Many thanks to all for the insight!!