Washington D.C. long layover: Finalizing plans
Jan 5th, 2007, 02:33 PM
#21
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I am a bit late to this thread, but I do have a DC tourguide license (though I largely do not use it) and know the sites well. I am posting this information in hopes it will be of use to others as the OP has already taken her trip.
You cannot do this itinerary. Since Arlington is near the airport, take the blue line Metro train there and spend ALL your time there. Arlington can easily take up 3-4 hours assuming you do the Kennedy graves, Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns, etc. There is a tourmobile that just goes around Arlington. You should take that to make the best use of your time. When you are done, go back to the airport. You can, by the way, get a good view of some of the monuments in DC from the airport but you cannot possibly do them all in a few hours. Rather than put your return flight in jeopardy, just do Arlington and return. Then make plans to take a trip to DC and stay for a week and see the other things.
By the way, going through the Holocaust Museum takes 3-4 hours as well.
You cannot do this itinerary. Since Arlington is near the airport, take the blue line Metro train there and spend ALL your time there. Arlington can easily take up 3-4 hours assuming you do the Kennedy graves, Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns, etc. There is a tourmobile that just goes around Arlington. You should take that to make the best use of your time. When you are done, go back to the airport. You can, by the way, get a good view of some of the monuments in DC from the airport but you cannot possibly do them all in a few hours. Rather than put your return flight in jeopardy, just do Arlington and return. Then make plans to take a trip to DC and stay for a week and see the other things.
By the way, going through the Holocaust Museum takes 3-4 hours as well.
Jan 6th, 2007, 05:26 PM
#22
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Thanks, everyone, for all of your help. We went with the plan to be flexible and not try to overdue it. We ended up using the Metro (Thanks for giving me the courage to try it...It was perfect once you got the hang of it not to mention economical!)and going to National Archives (quickly to see the most important documents: Declaration, Constitution, etc...Got me teary eyed!) and to Arlington. We did use the Tourmobile but since it was raining we just got out quickly at the Keneddy gravesights and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. I wish we could have stayed longer but we were always keeping one eye on our watches so as not to miss our flight home. We ended up with a perfect amount of time to get to the airport, eat lunch, and get a front row seat on the plane. The airport was not as crowded as I was anticipating. Thanks again for helping. I would LOVE to come again and give D.C. the time it deserves!
Jan 6th, 2007, 09:47 PM
#23
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Glad you were able to see somethings you wanted to see despite the weather. It takes at least a week to make a dent in DC's tourist sites. You simply cannot do much in a few hours, but you did use your time wisely and didn't kill yourself.
Yes, Metro is very easy to use and often much faster than a taxi.
Yes, Metro is very easy to use and often much faster than a taxi.
