Commuter bus Columbia Mall to DC? (Silver Spring: garages, train, office)

[jro77]

I'm new to Maryland and the Columbia area, I work in DC. I understand there is a bus service, Dillon's, that goes from Columbia Mall to DC. That's great, but anyone know anything about where the actual bus stop is in Columbia Mall, the map is not very clear and where I can park my car? Is it ok to park at Columbia Mall or will they tow my car?

I'm doing the BWI Marc train thing and coming from NY - I hate driving!!

Any info is greatly appreciated.

[7th Direction]

The Dillon's Commuter Bus from Columbia Mall to DC stops on the outer loop of the Mall parking lot in front of SEARS (near the Merchandise Pick-up Door on the 1st floor).

You can park in the parking lot near SEARS (closer to the road, of course). There are also several office buildings with parking garages, but I never tried parking there (you may need a permit to park there).

Here's a map with the bus stop marked on it. You will see two benches and a trash can along with the sign for Commuter Bus lines 915, 929, 310 and 311 (as well as the Howard Transit stop, as I recall).

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=...=16&iwloc=addr

[chesapeake83]

Also check out the mta maryland website for the commuter bus info. The commuter bus stops in several places in Columbia, and makes several stops in DC. A daily round trip is $7, and it runs frequently during morning and evening rush hour.

[7th Direction]

Originally Posted by chesapeake83

Also check out the mta maryland website for the commuter bus info. The commuter bus stops in several places in Columbia, and makes several stops in DC. A daily round trip is $7, and it runs frequently during morning and evening rush hour.

Actually, the fare differs depending on the destination:

$8.50 round trip ($4.25 a trip) from Columbia to Washington DC (Zone 3)
$7.00 round trip ($3.50 a trip) from Columbia to Silver Spring (Zone 2)