- In DC, the taxi cabs operate on an arcane fare system - your final charge is based upon how many taxi zones you traverse, how many people are in the cab, the time of the day, the weather conditions, and how much luggage you are carrying - no Joke.   Originally designed as a way to get congressmen to any point in the city as cheaply as possible, a visitor to the city has little chance of actually being charged the correct amount, intentionally or not. 

DC cabs also used to be cheap, but after the last series of adjustments and the rip-offs, you are best taking other forms of transportation when available.  But sometimes a cab is the only way to get where you need to go, so follow these simple rules:

1. Ask your guesthouse host or use this calculator to determine the cost of a cab trip.  Your host can also arrange for a scheduled cab pick up (or they can usually be flagged down on 9th or 11th Street.)

2. As you enter the cab, confirm the price of your trip with the driver. 

3. Make sure there is a DC Cab license displayed.  Otherwise, get out now.

The Circulator - One of Washington's best bargains, for $1.00, you can take a special bus that picks you up 1 block from the guesthouse and can take you to the National Mall (where the Capitol & Museums are), the Southwest Waterfront, Chinatown, or with an easy transfer can take you to Union Station and Georgetown. The Circulator operates between the houses of 7am and 9pm and can picks up every 5 - 10 minutes. 

Click here for more information on the Circulator.

Walking Distance: 1 Blocks East - Pick up is on the Northeast corner of 9th & "O" Streets NW.

The Metro

Walking Distance: 3 Blocks SouthEast - Walk South on Tenth Street to "N" Street then two blocks east by the Convention Center.  The metro entrance is 1/2 block down on your right.                  

Super Shuttle - Convenient, reliable, and relatively cheap, the Super Shuttle is a good option for trips to the airport, especially Dulles or BWI Airports, as cab fares to these locations are quite high.  Your guesthouse host can help you arrange shuttle transport.

Zip Car - If you are a member of Zip Car, there are usually available cars within the neighborhood.  Please check their website for more information.