Six Transit Tips for Washington DC

Ok, guys we need to get off NOW.... it's the Smithsonian stop and these doors might just close in on us and eat us alive. Run!!! Grab the children and run. The rest of the train sits unphased, motionless and glassy-eyed, much like the zombies above. These are the real DC metro riders, the commuters; and a tourist is their worst nightmare. They don't know the rules, they get in the way, and they're all too cheery about riding around the city when the rest of the train just wants to get to work. I was that zombie for six years when I lived and worked in Washington, DC. And over the course of it all, I learned a few lessons that make the ride just a bit smoother. So, the next time you head into the nation's capital, keep these tips in mind. Please, don't be that guy.

1. Driving to the Metro Station

If you're driving into the city to park at an outlying metro station and it's a workday, good luck. Those parking lots fill up by 7am, unless it's a government holiday. A good rule of thumb, go one station in and don't even bother with the last station. When I lived in Maryland I always skipped New Carrollton and headed straight to Landover.

2. Stand on the Right

A sure sign of a tourist, standing on the left side of metro escalators. I don't know who made up this rule or why it exists, but it's common courtesy. If you're going to stand still, do so on the right. This lets the hurried commuter fly by you on the left. Don't worry, if you forget this rule, an aggravated commuter will let you know.

3. Waiting at the Station

Don't be a lemming and give yourself some space from all the clumps of tourists. Walk down the platform and away from the people who are too lazy to walk past the base of the escalator. You will definitely not get a seat if you start off entering a car with thirty extra people. If trains are delayed, or a dreaded four-car train appears, just wait. Usually there's a spacious train directly behind it, unlike that can of sardines you just passed up.

4. Dealing Without A Seat

Head to the front or back of the train, where there are often pocket seats that keep you away from the crowds. If they're full, you'll often have a good nook to stand in and a wall to lean against, making for a much more comfortable ride. If you do get stuck with the middle of the car, just go all the way in. Staying by the doors is nothing but trouble, you'll be constantly getting in and out and losing space as the train gets more crowded. Just get in the middle and push your way out when you need to get off.

5. Where to Get Off

Don't always go for the obvious stop, especially if it's a holiday or crowded time. The Smithsonian stop is notoriously bad, and not always the most convenient to what it is your headed to see. Take some time and study the maps beforehand. If you're at an event, take the time to walk to the next station. Those crowds outside just get more compacted when you enter the station.

6. Don't Forget the Bus

The bus can be slow, but it allows you more freedom than the metro. Freedom from crowds and the ability to get off the beaten path and into parts of the city tourists forget. It's also cheaper than the metro, and free if you're transferring from the train.

More resources:
WMATA Homepage
Washington Post's Inaugural Transit Guide
While this guide is geared towards Obama's inauguration, it has a ton of useful tips regardless of when you visit.