I am traveling to DC via BWI, and looking for the easiest way to get there. I am looking into the MARC, but don't know anything about it. Also, any advice for 3 women (30yrs) to enjoy the town? We want to see some touristy things, but also want to see a fun nightlife. Your advice is appreciated!

The last time I was in BWI (1999) there was a shuttle from the airport to the train station for a 25 min. ride to DC Union station. Very convenient to the metro subway and near Capitol Hill. Nightlife areas that are good, Capitol Hill has some good happy hour stuff, also the area near GWU and Dupont Circle/Adams-Morgan have fun spots. Georgetown is at the high price end. Downtown Alexandria was nice has an old town setting. Have fun. Lot's to do and see. You'll just stumble into stuff.

Check out BWI's website, bwiairport.com, which has info on ground transportation to DC. There are cabs of course, the Amtrak and MARC trains (MARC doesn't run on weekends or holidays--it's a commuter train) and shuttle bus service.

The MARC train is very inexpensive, comfortable and fast. However, as someone said it only runs on weekdays. It is about 15 minutes from the airport on one of the free connecting busses. On the weekends, hiring a shuttle van is actually cheaper for two than taking the Amtrack!

You are looking at somewhat of a long ride either by car or train. The train doesn't go to the airport exactly, you have to shuttle to it, which is near a large parking garage. I lived in Virginia and made the hour trip many times. My advice is to take the limo service, the counter is near baggage claim. It costs about the same as a cab, because they only charge by the hour, and is obviously much nicer.

Some good places to go for nightlife, depending upon your scene, are Adams Morgan and Georgetown. Felix is a small but funky club. Sequoia and Tony and Joe's are on the waterfront in Georgetown, expensive, but great atmosphere. One of my favorites is not far from the main drag in Georgetown, Music City Roadhouse. Kind of a dive bar for those of us scared to death of dive bars, Gospel brunch on Sundays.