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Getting around Washington DC is relatively easy as most attractions are within walking distance of one another. The city is laid out in a circle around the White House, with 'spokes' radiating out from it. Washington DC has an excellent public transport system that includes buses and the Metrorail subway, which has stations at or near almost every tourist attraction. The system operates until midnight during the week, and Metrorail stations stay open until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays. The efficient Metrorail subway system provides services throughout the city, and to the Virginia and Maryland suburbs, and is used by means of a computerised fare card. The extensive Metrobus network fills in the gaps, but is more complex to use and is slower due to heavy traffic; bus transfers are free and valid for two hours from boarding. Bus, train or combined one-day passes are available. Although most visitors to Washington DC arrive by car, it is often easier to use public transport as traffic is heavy, and parking in the city is difficult and expensive. Taxis are a good way of getting around for short distances and they are cheaper than most other major city in the US.
GMT -5 (GMT -4 from March to November).
Electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. Plugs are mainly the type with two flat pins, though three-pin plugs are also widely used. European appliances without dual-voltage capabilities will require an adapter.
The official currency is the US Dollar (USD), which is divided into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are widespread and credit cards are widely accepted. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.
The international country dialling code for the United States is +1. Mobile networks cover most of the country, including all urban areas, however unless you have a tri-band phone it is likely your cellular phone from home will not work in the United States. Internet cafes are prevalent in most towns and cities.
Emergencies: 911
2016 | 2017 | |
New Years Day | 1 Jan | 1 Jan |
Martin Luther King Day | 18 Jan | 16 Jan |
Presidents Day | 15 Feb | 20 Feb |
Memorial Day | 30 May | 29 May |
Independence Day | 4 Jul | 4 Jul |
Labour Day | 5 Sep | 4 Sep |
Columbus Day | 10 Oct | 9 Oct |
Veterans Day | 11 Nov | 10 Nov |
Thanksgiving Day | 24 Nov | 23 Nov |
Christmas Day | 26 Dec | 25 Dec |
While the city of Washington DC's humid subtropical climate has distinct seasons, with extreme variations between summer and winter, the weather is also known to be unpredictable. Summers (June to August) tend to be very hot and humid with average highs of 88°F (31°C); the conditions exacerbated in the heart of the city by all the concrete and steel. Autumn and spring are the best seasons to visit, when days are chilly but bright and clear; sudden rain or snowfalls are possible though. In winter (December to February) the city is subject to heavy snowfalls, averaging 17 inches (43cm) a year, and sudden arctic blasts or frozen rainstorms, with average low temperatures in winter around 27°F (-3°C).
The Washington Flyer Silver Line provides a direct link to the airport, operating every 20 minutes to the Metro Silver Line station, with a fare of around $5. The coach service tickets can be bought at arrivals door 4 in the main terminal. A public bus service is available at the station for transport to areas not serviced by Metrorail. SuperShuttle operates a door-to-door shared van service.
Car rental companies include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz and National.
Taxis are also available all day and night from the lower level of the main terminal. The only taxi service authorised to serve the airport is Washington Flyer. Taxis charge around $68 for the 30 to 60 minute drive into the city; you may pay by credit card.
There are ATMs and foreign exchange services available. Other facilities include restaurants, bars, shops and duty-free shopping, business services, tourist information and hotel reservations.
Hourly parking at Washington Dulles International Airport is available in the parking garage adjacent to the terminal building and starts at $6 per hour, going up to $35 per day. Daily parking garages 1 and 2 are cheaper and are connected to the terminal by shuttle buses.
Laptop and tablet users can access wifi throughout the terminal, free of charge. There are also a number of internet kiosks after security in the terminal.