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I've been looking at the Union Station website and have a couple questions. How far is it from Union Station parking area to the actual train station? My husband has trouble walking long distances.
And is it safe in the parking garage? We'll be driving up from Virginia, and arriving early for a morning train to New England.
And do you need to do anything to prove that you're using Amtrak? Will I need to go back to the car and put a decal on the dash or something?
As I favor to you, I have posted your question on the District of Columbia Forum of http://www.tripadvisor/ForumHome . Several extremely knowledgeable people respond to question like yours on that forum, daily. I suggest you log onto that site daily, for the next few days, to check for answers.
Offhand, I think the parking garage is open to any of the public, and it is not required that you ride Amtrak - as long as you pay the daily garage fee. You are probably aware that the metropolitan D.C. region (on weekdays, at least) has among the worst traffic in the nation.
It's not that far a walk, particularly if you can get a space near the elevator. Which usually you can (although there's some construction in the garage at the moment that makes it a little harder to get close in). You don't have to prove you're using the train.
I've parked there several times, and never felt unsafe.
It's not that far a walk, particularly if you can get a space near the elevator. Which usually you can (although there's some construction in the garage at the moment that makes it a little harder to get close in). You don't have to prove you're using the train.
I've parked there several times, and never felt unsafe.
Thanks so much for the replies! I surely do appreciate it!
I am a little bit nervous about traveling anyway, and I like having all my "ducks in a row"!
The parking garage is immediately behind the Amtrak part of Union Station. If your husband requires a wheelchair, pull around the front of the station first and an Amtrak Red Cap can assist with one. However, if he's okay with walking a few hundred feet, you should park against the wall furthest from the auto entrance (from H St. NE). That will put you practically right above the Amtrak concourse.
Several of Amtrak's daily Northeast Regional trains to Boston go to Newport News, and some even go to downtown Norfolk. You might find it cheaper and easier to park down there and take the train through Washington.
Everyone pays the same $22/day to park there, regardless of reason. (Local shoppers can get two hours validated.)
The station sees 40 million visitors a year, and is very well patrolled as a result.
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