City Information         Boka flygstol - Biljett - Resebyrå -       Queensway Travel
Airport
Washington Dulles International Airport is 41 km west of the city. Flight time from London is 8 hrs 5 mins. Baltimore/Washington International Airport is 48 km north of DC, 13 km south of Baltimore. Flight time from London is 7 hrs 20 mins. WDI’s immense renovation continues apace, aiming for completion by 2007. Expansion projects include adding a fourth runway, replacing the current midfield concourse with a larger three-level structure and replacing the current mobile lounges with an underground train system that will transport travellers from the concourses to the main terminal. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is 6 km south-west of the city. It handles domestic flights only. 
Airport to City Centre
From WDI: Cabs are ranked outside the terminal. The journey downtown takes 30-40 mins and costs about $35-47. The Washington Flyer Bus Service no longer travels to downtown DC, although it still travels from Dulles to Reagan National Airport. 
From BWI: Cabs are situated outside the terminal buildings. The trip into the city takes 45 mins. Supershuttle operates an ‘on-demand’ service between the airport and downtown locations, which costs $26-32. For each additional passenger in your party, there is a charge of $8. BWI also operates a courtesy shuttle every 10 mins between the airport and its railway station, where commuter and Amtrak trains pick up passengers for the 30-min trip to Washington’s Union Station. 
From WNA: Your best bet is to catch a cab outside the terminal. The 20 min journey into downtown costs about $15. Supershuttle provides transportation downtown from WNA, charging a fare of about $10 one way. For each additional person in your party, there is a charge of $8. The airport also connects to a Metrorail station, whose blue and yellow lines travel to downtown and other locations throughout the city; base fare is $1.10 one way. 
Orientation
The District of Columbia (DC) is a planned, defined area containing government buildings and residential areas. It is not a state, although Greater Washington combines large suburban areas of Virginia and Maryland. DC is dominated by the US Capitol building on Capitol Hill. The 3 km Mall leads to the 555ft Washington Monument and on to the Lincoln Memorial. All roads lead to the Capitol, the central pivot both figuratively and geographically, and the streets are laid out in direct relation to it. Those going north-south are named by numbers which rise in direct relation to the street’s proximity to the Capitol. East-west streets are named alphabetically, those nearest the end of the alphabet being furthest from Capitol Hill. There are no B, J, X, Y or Z streets; when the alphabet has been exhausted, the series continues, still in alphabetical order, with two-syllable names (Bryant, Benton), then three-syllable names (Buchanan, Allison). Avenues named after US states (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania) cut diagonally through the city and are major thoroughfares, intersecting both numbered and lettered streets at traffic circles. 
The city of Washington, with a population of 572,000, is diamond-shaped and divided into four quadrants: NE, SE, NW and SW. Every address needs one of these suffixes otherwise you could end up miles from where you want to be – so remember to check when taking down an address. Naturally, the middle point of these four quadrants is Capitol Hill. Although the city’s suburbs make up one of the world’s largest conurbations, DC is richly blessed with parks and gardens. Potomac Park and the 612-acre Arlington National Cemetery lie south-west of the Capitol. Rock Creek Park is a 1,750-acre park extending from the Potomac River, near the Kennedy Center, to the District’s border with Maryland, 19 km north. The National Zoological Park is adjacent to Rock Creek Park, but not actually part of it. Other parks include the CandO Canal towpath, Montrose Park and Dumbarton Oaks garden in the Georgetown area. 
Getting Around
The public transit system is efficient, be it metro, bus or taxi. Metrorail and Metrobus are the cheapest and most efficient ways of travelling around the District. The subway is a model of cleanliness, efficiency and safety, although after 26 years of operation, the system requires expansion and improved service. 
Train lines are colour-coded: red, yellow, orange, blue and green. Station entrances are identified by brown pylons capped by the letter ‘M’. A series of coloured lines next to the pylons reveals which lines pass through the station. Route maps are posted inside each carriage and next to the ticket machines in the stations. The Metrorail train system operates from 0530 Mon-Fri and from 0800 Sat-Sun, ending service at midnight Sun-Thurs and at 0200 Fri-Sat. Each train’s destination is posted above the driver’s cab and above the side windows. The basic fare is $1.10 rising to a maximum of $3.25 for trips to outer zones during rush hour. One-day passes, offering unlimited rides, can be purchased at most stations. The passes can be used after 0930 weekdays and all day at the weekend. To enter and exit the station, insert the fare card into the turnstile slots and walk through, grabbing your fare card as you pass. When you exit the turnstile, if your card has no value because of exact fare, your fare card will not be returned. Transfers to the Metrobus are free, but a slip must be obtained at the turnstile and handed to the driver on entering, together with 25c. Buses travel to Georgetown and other areas not serviced by Metrorail. For information about the metro system, contact the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. If travelling as part of a large group, bulk sales on fare cards can be obtained. Private cars can be rented at the airports or at various outlets downtown. However, unless you need to travel out of DC, don’t hire one. Washington DC area traffic is the second most congested in the nation (after Los Angeles) and the road system is maddeningly complex. Far better to spend the money on taxis, which are quite reasonable, or stick to the metro. Besides, much of DC can be covered on foot.
What to see
Supreme Court: Designed by Cass Gilbert and completed in 1935. The inscription ‘Equal Justice Under Law’ is at the heart of the US Constitution. The building’s Corinthian architectural style extends from the white marble, columned exterior to the majestic courtroom inside. Court is in session from Oct until Jun and seats in the visitors’ gallery are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 
Library of Congress: The world’s biggest public library containing 121m items in 460 languages. Apart from being a public library, the halls display some of the most important documents in American history, including the first draft of Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence and Lincoln’s early versions of the Gettysburg Address. The Library has three buildings, including the 1897 Thomas Jefferson building that recently re-opened after a decade of restoration. It houses one of the world’s three perfect vellum copies of the Gutenberg bible. The library celebrated its bicentennial in 2000. Guided tours take place at 1030, 1130, 1330, 1430 and 1530. Open Mon to Sat, 1000-1730. No admission charge. 10 First St SE, between E Capitol St and Independence Ave. Metro: Capitol South. 
Lincoln Memorial: One of the most evocative sights in American history, this white marble structure was inspired by a Greek temple. Inside is a 19ft seated statue of Abraham Lincoln – the 16th President, who played such a crucial role in the American Civil War – flanked by inscriptions from his Gettysburg address and second inaugural address. 
The Phillips Collection: The centrepiece of America’s first museum of modern art is Renoir’s wonderful Luncheon of The Boating Party. This masterpiece is underpinned by a sturdy collection of 19c and 20c paintings. There are concerts on Sunday evenings Sept-May. Open daily. Admission free, except on weekends. Donations requested. 1600 21st St NW (Tel: 387 2151). Metro: Dupont Circle. 
Washington Monument: This monument to the nation’s first president opened to the public in 1888. A major renovation, completed in 2001 repaired the masonry, replaced the elevator and rejuvenated the appearance of the 555ft 5½ inch tall obelisk. The 360-degree views from the top are breathtaking. 
Washington National Cathedral: Set in 57 acres, this spectacular 14c-style Gothic cathedral was first conceptualised by George Washington and completed in 1990. The Cathedral and gardens are open for tours. The unique gift shops are also worth looking at. An observation gallery offers a magnificent view of Washington DC. 
The Smithsonian Institution: Named after English scientist James Smithson, whose bequest created the institution in the mid-1800s, The Smithsonian comprises 14 major museums and the National Zoological Park, as well as two museums in New York City. Nine of its properties lie on the National Mall, including the National Air and Space Museum (the world’s most visited museum), the immense National Museum of Natural History and the Freer Gallery of Art, devoted primarily to ancient Asian art. In all, the Smithsonian’s collection holds nearly 141m objects. The National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum are currently closed for renovation. Admission is free at all Smithsonian museums. 
US Capitol: Probably America’s most important landmark, since this is where elected representatives create, debate and legislate US policies and principles. Capped by a 180ft dome, the building looks down on the Mall from its commanding perch on Capitol Hill, as it has since the first wing was completed in 1800. The Rotunda, Statuary Hall, the original Supreme Court chamber and the House and Senate galleries are among the areas open to visitors. 
The White House: Home of every US president except Washington and just 5 km from the office on Capitol Hill. Visitors can view the Gold and White East Room where Nixon resigned, the Oval Room where Grover Cleveland got married and the Green Room, where Thomas Jefferson dined and entertained guests. 
National Gallery of Art: Spectacular marble shrine, built to introduce Americans to the wonders of European art. On permanent display is a fabulous collection of Italian, Dutch, Spanish and French masterpieces. The East Building is a stunning structure of interlocking triangles conceived by the famous architect I M Pei.
Shopping       Boka hyrbilar hela världen online-                 Queensway Travel
If pressed for time, make a beeline for Georgetown Park, at 3222 M St NW, the focus of Georgetown shopping. This imposing red-brick building contains about 100 shops and galleries, including many of America’s best-loved names. Stores lining Wisconsin Ave and M St offer every sort of shopping opportunity, from books and music to trendy fashions, beauty treatments and antiques, as well as cafés and bars for refreshment. The city’s trendy Dupont Circle region is home to 21 fine art galleries. Accessible by Metro and within walking distance of many hotels, the district features original works for sale at galleries, including Burton Marinkovich Fine Art, Troyer Gallery and Geoffrey Diner. Elsewhere, Connecticut Ave, south of Dupont Circle, holds many clothes stores, like Brooks Brothers for traditional or The Gap for casual. Big spenders will enjoy the shops at the Watergate Complex on Virginia Ave NW, which include high-fashion boutiques such as Vera Wang and Yves Saint Laurent. The centrally located National Place mall, at 1331 Pennsylvania Ave NW, has more than 100 speciality shops and eateries. 
Where to walk
From the Washington Monument, head east along Constitution Ave towards Capitol Hill. This brings you past the American History and Natural History Museums on the right. Continue on Constitution until it intersects with Pennsylvania Ave. Turn right on Pennsylvania Ave and follow the path as it leads up the hill and around the Capitol building, until you reach First St, where you turn right. You are now standing in front of the US Supreme Court with the Senate Office buildings at your back. Pause to admire the view of the Capitol and its attendant buildings before turning right and heading south on 1st St. This brings you past the east wing of the Capitol and the Library of Congress. A little further on, at Independence Avenue, turn right and follow the south side of the Capitol past the House Office buildings and the Botanic Gardens to Fourth St. On Fourth St you should find yourself back on the Mall by the Air and Space Museum. Turn right onto 4th and follow to Jefferson Ave. At this point look back at the Capitol for a classic view. On Jefferson Ave turn left and walk past the Gothic-style Smithsonian Castle and other museums. 
At 14th St go left again and follow the road to Independence Ave. Cross Independence Ave and 14th St, and walk one block to Raoul Wallenberg Place. Turn left and walk down past the US Holocaust Memorial Museum and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing until you see the paddle-boats moored in the Tidal Basin. Cross at the stoplight to reach the Tidal Basin path. Walking along the Basin path you pass the Jefferson Memorial, set within a landscape of cherry trees. You are now in Potomac Park East; simply follow the path along the Basin to reach the FDR Memorial in West Potomac Park. After stopping here, continue on the walkway and follow the signs to the Lincoln Memorial, which you must cross Independence Ave again to reach. 
From here you have a wonderful view right up the Mall, across the reflecting pool to the Washington Monument, and further on to the shining white dome of the Capitol. It is a stunning sight. From the Lincoln Memorial cross Constitution Gardens onto Constitution Ave by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and head east along Constitution to the Ellipse (near your starting point). Take a left at 17th St, pass by Constitution Hall with the Ellipse on your right. On E St turn right and cross the park, pausing to admire the White House. Then regain 15th St, head up past the Treasury to the metro at McPherson Square. This walk should take about four hours.
City Map