From Tysons Corner... (Falls Church, Washington: rental car, rental, hotels)

[MadHaus]

what's the best way to get to downtown (D.C.)? Previously, all of the conferences we've attended have been at D.C. hotels so in-town travel has never been a problem but the next one will be at the Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner. I'll need to get to D.C. (near McPherson Square metro station) for a couple of weekday lunch dates with family, plus will want to do some touring over the weekend.

The hotel says it provides a shuttle to/from the West Falls Church metro station, but I'm concerned that google maps indicates drive time could be as much as 25 mins. Add the wait for the next train plus travel time (which I also need to find out), and it could turn into a pretty long trip. I have some medical issues that could make this a problem.

Are taxis from Tysons Corner to downtown D.C. terribly expensive? I looked into renting a car and, while the car rental is very reasonable, hotel parking is $30/night + the cost of parking downtown (if I can find a spot.)

Thanks for your help!

[CaliTerp07]

You can get the metro transit time from Metro - Home page It looks like WFC to McPherson Square is a 20 minute trip at lunch time.

You can estimate a taxi fare here: Taxi Fare Finder Washington, DC - Estimate Your Taxi Cab Fare, Cost and Rates

I think the estimate seems a little low--I'd expect to pay about $35-40 for the trip, and be pleasantly surprised if it's less.

[MadHaus]

Thanks! That's very helpful information.

[michgc]

Factoring in the time to pick up a rental car, drop it off, fill it with gas, driving around to get a parking spot, not to mention the cost of the car and parking, I would not take that option. 25 minutes seems awfully long to get from Tysons to West Falls Church. But whatever it takes, having someone else drive me even with the waiting sounds preferable unless you can afford the cab.