Appropriate Summer Wear for Arlington area? (storage, buses, airport)

[choff5]

If you are renting a car for DC and to drive to Williamsburg, then I would look into flying in and out of Dulles. I know United has nonstops between Denver and Dulles. Not sure if they do for National or what the price differential is. Once you are at your hotel in Arlington you will have little use for the car while in DC as you can use metro for many spots. Enjoy!

[apexgds]

If you comfortable taking Metro, you could really do DC (assuming you're going to be partaking of the museums and monuments) without a rental car. You might consider flying into DCA, using Metro for your stay, and then renting a car when you're ready to leave DC.

Parking in the District can be a real hassle. And expensive.

[choff5]

Using MetroRail is the way to go for visiting. It can seem intimidating at first to a tourist, but once you've figured out the fare cards you are good. Here's a link for info, Metro - Rail

Oh, as a tourist, one big but unwritten "rule" to using the metrorail escalators ..... Stand right, move left!!!

[katharsis]

Originally Posted by choff5

Using MetroRail is the way to go for visiting. It can seem intimidating at first to a tourist, but once you've figured out the fare cards you are good. Here's a link for info, Metro - Rail

Oh, as a tourist, one big but unwritten "rule" to using the metrorail escalators ..... Stand right, move left!!!

Thanks for the link!

We do plan on using public transportation to get to the Hyatt and to get around the DC area, but then we will be renting a car from the airport on the fourth day before continuing on to Williamsburg, and then returning the car before flying out. We thought we would just take a taxi to the Hyatt (unless they have airport transportation), but I noticed on your link that it might be possible to take a bus from the airport to the Metrolink. However, that seems a bit complicated -- is it?

Thanks again, EVERYONE! You have all been SUPER helpful!

[apexgds]

Originally Posted by whocares811

We thought we would just take a taxi to the Hyatt (unless they have airport transportation), but I noticed on your link that it might be possible to take a bus from the airport to the Metrolink. However, that seems a bit complicated -- is it?

Don't take a bus. It looks like the Hyatt is right across the street from the Rossalyn Metro station. You can take the Metro rail from the Airport to Rossalyn Metro.

Depending on which terminal you arrive at, you either take a pedestrian bridge to the Metro station, or an airport shuttle.

The hotel website says: "Take the Metro Blue Line in the direction towards Addison Road, exit at the Rosslyn stop. After exiting, go up to the top level of the station, exit by the stairway to the right and our hotel is directly across the street."

[Vectorhead]

Originally Posted by whocares811

Thanks for the link!

We do plan on using public transportation to get to the Hyatt and to get around the DC area, but then we will be renting a car from the airport on the fourth day before continuing on to Williamsburg, and then returning the car before flying out. We thought we would just take a taxi to the Hyatt (unless they have airport transportation), but I noticed on your link that it might be possible to take a bus from the airport to the Metrolink. However, that seems a bit complicated -- is it?

Thanks again, EVERYONE! You have all been SUPER helpful!

The metro stops at the airport, and it looks like your hotel is directly across the street from the Rosslyn station. Hop on the blue line and it's a 10-minute trip. Very easy to do. No buses.

[Middlin]

Not necessarily complicated but if it were me with a couple of people and luggage (also depending on the time of day) I would find it worth the $20-25 to catch a cab.



TaxiFareFinder - Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to Arlington using United States taxi rates

[choff5]

Given what you're doing, I'll backtrack and say the National may be the better airport for you. Definitely can get metro there to your hotel..If you do end up coming into Dulles instead do NOT take a taxi to Arlington. It will cost you a fortune. There's, I think, a Super Shuttle or Washington Flyer that will go in but research it first. I've heard of people unwillingly ending up with a huge taxi fare thinking it's the only way to get in from Dulles.

[LynchburgLover]

I'll jump in to agree -- capris, flats and gauzy shirts. Also lightweight dresses are great. You can always pack a light sweather for going into airconditioned buildings. Look into Tommy Bahama or Travelsmith. They're easy, lightweight and packable.

The DC area and Williamsburg can get very steamy/humid. Also, drink lots of water.

Hope you have a wonderful trip.

[gomason]

I'd wager that your hotel in Arlington has a free shuttle to the Airport as most in Arlington do but it would probably just be easier to take the Blue Line.