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Post by kellybelly77 on Jul 13, 2016 15:02:01 GMT
I am going to DC here in 2 months for work and will be staying at National Harbor for my conference. My aunt lives in Fairfax, VA and wants me to come visit her since I haven't seen her in a couple years. My problems: I can fly a non stop flight from my home airport to Reagan a gagillion times a day. But she lives closer to Dulles and can't come all the way to Reagan to pick me up. But there are only 3 flights a day to Dulles and none are non stop. Flying in to Dulles adds about $75 more dollars and several hours.
So I want to go on a Friday, fly in to Reagan and then take the Metro from the airport to the Vienna, VA metro station and have her pick me up there. I will get to the airport mid afternoon. She will then take me to my hotel a few days later and once my conference is over I can take the shuttle from the hotel back to Reagan on my return flight.
Is this feasible? I will have a large suitcase and my purse. Can I lug all this through the Metro? Also, I have never ridden a subway in my life!! Is it easy to navigate for a tourist with all her luggage? Is there any easier way to get from Reagan to Fairfax? |
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jannrasp
Shy Member
Posts: 18 
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Post by jannrasp on Jul 13, 2016 15:11:58 GMT
Hi Kellybelly,
I live south of DC but go into the city a lot for events and stuff. I think your idea is totally feasible. You can definitely trek a suitcase around the metro--it's not fun, but I've done it. There are escalators and elevators at all the stops, so it should be fine. The only issue I see, and who knows what it will be like in 2 months, is that our metro is undergoing serious safety upgrades that are literally shutting down entire stations and rail lines. I've been hearing that the blue and yellow lines are going to be shut down (or already are) at Reagan and shuttle buses are running between stations. Ugh! That won't last 2 months, but by then, they'll be working on some other station/track. So you'll have to keep abreast of that before you come.
When riding the metro, you will just want to know the final stop of your train, even if you're not going all the way to the end. The final stop is what you'll see on the front of the train as it approaches, and knowing that will keep you moving in the right direction.
Hope this helps,
Janice
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Post by rebelyelle on Jul 13, 2016 15:15:33 GMT
The metro is extremely easy to use/understand. I think this plan is totally feasible as long as you're not getting onto the metro during rush hour - what is "mid-afternoon" for you? I wouldn't try to get aboard the metro with substantial luggage after 4 or so to be safe. I've taken the metro from NoVA to Reagan many times with luggage and I've never had problems. However, keep in mind that we are just starting "Safetrack" and portions of the metro will be shut down for long stretches of time over the next year. I've no idea when the Blue/Orange lines are shutting down, but you should check before committing to the metro. You may also just want to consider an Uber, which will probably cost you $25-$35 to get from Reagan to Vienna. The metro ride is probably an hour I would guess. An uber is probably 30-40 minutes depending on traffic.
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Post by kellybelly77 on Jul 13, 2016 15:25:06 GMT
Hi Kellybelly, I live south of DC but go into the city a lot for events and stuff. I think your idea is totally feasible. You can definitely trek a suitcase around the metro--it's not fun, but I've done it. There are escalators and elevators at all the stops, so it should be fine. The only issue I see, and who knows what it will be like in 2 months, is that our metro is undergoing serious safety upgrades that are literally shutting down entire stations and rail lines. I've been hearing that the blue and yellow lines are going to be shut down (or already are) at Reagan and shuttle buses are running between stations. Ugh! That won't last 2 months, but by then, they'll be working on some other station/track. So you'll have to keep abreast of that before you come. When riding the metro, you will just want to know the final stop of your train, even if you're not going all the way to the end. The final stop is what you'll see on the front of the train as it approaches, and knowing that will keep you moving in the right direction. Hope this helps, Janice Thanks for the final stop tip! Good to know!!! |
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Post by kellybelly77 on Jul 13, 2016 15:27:53 GMT
The metro is extremely easy to use/understand. I think this plan is totally feasible as long as you're not getting onto the metro during rush hour - what is "mid-afternoon" for you? I wouldn't try to get aboard the metro with substantial luggage after 4 or so to be safe. I've taken the metro from NoVA to Reagan many times with luggage and I've never had problems. However, keep in mind that we are just starting "Safetrack" and portions of the metro will be shut down for long stretches of time over the next year. I've no idea when the Blue/Orange lines are shutting down, but you should check before committing to the metro. You may also just want to consider an Uber, which will probably cost you $25-$35 to get from Reagan to Vienna. The metro ride is probably an hour I would guess. An uber is probably 30-40 minutes depending on traffic. Dang it! The flight I was looking at lands at 3:30 so by the time I wait for luggage and make it out to the metro stop it will be after 4 I am betting.
I have also considered Uber as a coworker who stayed at this same hotel for a conference recently said that it was fantastic in getting back and forth from the hotel.
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Post by annabella on Jul 13, 2016 15:33:42 GMT
The airport metro shutdown is happening right now, so it should be fine when you come. Depending on traffic you could spend almost $75 to go from one airport to the other by taxi, I would check if the airport has a transfer between airports. To go from the National to Vienna requires changing trains, personally it's too far I couldn't be bothered with luggage. To drive from Vienna to National Harbor is a long drive passing National Airport.
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Post by LilyRose on Jul 13, 2016 15:34:43 GMT
When riding the metro, you will just want to know the final stop of your train, even if you're not going all the way to the end. The final stop is what you'll see on the front of the train as it approaches, and knowing that will keep you moving in the right direction. Hope this helps, Janice And one end is "Foggy Bottom" which cracks me up for some reason. (It siunds like what you might have after having the flu). My friend and I travelled to the DC area a few years ago, and even now, if one of us us having a bad day, the other just texts "foggy bottom" for a guaranteed smile. |
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Post by secondlife on Jul 13, 2016 15:40:35 GMT
Metro from National to Vienna is easy enough. The transfer isn't a huge undertaking. You'll leave one train, go up or down an escalator, and get on another. Tons of people are on the metro with luggage. This is fine. If you miss one train another will be right behind it, so don't rush and you'll be fine.
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Post by Basket1lady on Jul 13, 2016 15:50:01 GMT
When riding the metro, you will just want to know the final stop of your train, even if you're not going all the way to the end. The final stop is what you'll see on the front of the train as it approaches, and knowing that will keep you moving in the right direction. Hope this helps, Janice And one end is "Foggy Bottom" which cracks me up for some reason. (It siunds like what you might have after having the flu). My friend and I travelled to the DC area a few years ago, and even now, if one of us us having a bad day, the other just texts "foggy bottom" for a guaranteed smile. LOL. Foggy Bottom isn't the end of any of the lines, but it's still worth a chuckle! They are indeed doing track work this summer and it's a bit of a PITA. But it is doable. A shuttle bus just takes you from one station to the next where the track work is being done. Assuming your suitcase is on wheels, it is very doable and you will see a lot of people doing the same thing you are. Is it a bit of a pain? Yes, especially at 4 pm. But it can be done. There isn't a gap like the London Underground and there are lots of escalators and elevators. As your trip gets close, you can check to see if there is track work being done and if it affects you. You can also check for elevators/escalators out of order. If any are, or the lines you need are affected, I'd take a shuttle. Only because a hot humid day and schlepping a big suitcase around would require a shower! I believe the shuttles are about $75 a person and I'm sure some other Peas can recommend a company--we haven't used one in years, as we just park or get dropped off. One thing to note is that the Metro is well lit, clean and safe. And because of the track work, there are TONS of employees at those stations. I tried to use the Blue Line last week and was told I needed to take a bus for part of the trip. I just made my DH pick us up closer in, rather than the last station like we had intended. |
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 20, 2024 16:20:55 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 13, 2016 15:58:38 GMT
Last weekend, we saw quite a few people going towards Reagan with luggage on the Metro. I think it was on the line that goes to Arlington Nat'l Cemetery (that goes on to Reagan) that was closed and had a bus transfer, but they tell you as you are on the Metro how to navigate the closure. I would probably allow ample time, but yes generally the next trains come within a few minutes.
I agree with knowing the ends of the lines -- the metro map is actually very easy to understand once you get the "end of the line" principle! And my DD says switching is easy.
We drove out to Dulles from our hotel and it was not close to town! About a 30-45 minute drive with no traffic. But honestly Uber in DC was great! DD has taken it to Mount Vernon from the Capital area and back. That was $26. I'd probably be more tempted to Uber if you have to change trains or shuttle buses. (If you get out to Dulles, the Udvar-Hazy National Air and Space Hangar is amazing (especially since it houses the Discovery space shuttle along with a Concorde and lots of other cool planes!)
eta: our Metro stop for the hotel was Foggy Bottom! It's near George Washington University  |
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eleezybeth
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,784
Jun 28, 2014 20:42:01 GMT
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Post by eleezybeth on Jul 13, 2016 17:52:21 GMT
Very doable.
If you google "Metro Safetrack" you will see a schedule of the maintenance. Just see that week of scheduled maintenance lines up with your trip. You'll know if you need to be prepared for closures. While the schedule is obviously able to change, it will be helpful for you. If your line will be under Safetrack, research where the bus transfers are. Not fun with luggage, but still doable. Considering Reagan's stop has been under Safetrack for the last two weeks, my gut is that won't be a concern for you when you come in 2 months. But, check it out!
You can also download the metro app.
Colors, your station and the end station are really all you need to know. If you have to transfer colors (Blue/Yellow to Orange for example), then you also need to look at your transfer station.
I've ridden metro's all over the world. DC's is easy and clean!!
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Post by kellybelly77 on Jul 13, 2016 18:19:42 GMT
Very doable. If you google "Metro Safetrack" you will see a schedule of the maintenance. Just see that week of scheduled maintenance lines up with your trip. You'll know if you need to be prepared for closures. While the schedule is obviously able to change, it will be helpful for you. If your line will be under Safetrack, research where the bus transfers are. Not fun with luggage, but still doable. Considering Reagan's stop has been under Safetrack for the last two weeks, my gut is that won't be a concern for you when you come in 2 months. But, check it out! You can also download the metro app. Colors, your station and the end station are really all you need to know. If you have to transfer colors (Blue/Yellow to Orange for example), then you also need to look at your transfer station. I've ridden metro's all over the world. DC's is easy and clean!! SO I got on the metro page and looked at the SafeTrack info. It looks like the Reagan stop will be open in Sept but part of the orange line to Vienna will have a reduced schedule. it said instead of every 6 min the trains will come every 18. So expect delays. I should be able to handle that! While on their website I used the plan my trip feature and I just get on the blue line and make a transfer to the orange line and ride it to Vienna. Seems easy enough!
I think I may also download the Uber app and have that as a back up in case there are long lines or issues at the Reagan stop.
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Post by annabella on Jul 13, 2016 18:28:59 GMT
I think I may also download the Uber app and have that as a back up in case there are long lines or issues at the Reagan stop. My experience with uber at National is that 2 drivers in a row cancelled on me because I wasn't near them. Yes the app tells them which airline I'm at, but since cars are backed up, they would call me and ask where I am then just cancel my ride to get someone closer. If there's traffic and you're going long distance, uber can be pricey. Lately they have been having deals so prices for some routes have been ridiculously low during rush hour for people whose metro stations are closed. It doesn't mean anything if you see someone say their ride was cheap, you don't know if they got in on a special deal. Sometimes Lyft has weekend deals, it just all depends. |
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peppermintpatty
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea #1345
Posts: 3,843
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Post by peppermintpatty on Jul 13, 2016 18:39:02 GMT
The planned safetrack shutdowns will last for the year so it is very possible that it will affect you. Trackwork scheduleWhat you are thinking is totally doable. Just be aware that at rush hour, it is nuts on the metro and lugging around a suitcase may prove problematic especially since the escalators are not always working. Be prepared to have to carry it up and down. In all likelihood it would be fine but just be prepared. With the surge in place, a lot of the public transportation has gone wonky. That includes Uber and other things like parking garages. They know they can get the business so guaranteed rides are kind of out the window. I wouldn't rely on Uber. Worse comes to worse, you can rent a car. I think the metro is your best bet. Also, you have to have a Smart Trip card for the metro. They don't do paper farecards anymore. You have to buy the Smart Trip card and then load money on it at the station. A royal PITA. |
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eleezybeth
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,784
Jun 28, 2014 20:42:01 GMT
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Post by eleezybeth on Jul 13, 2016 18:44:24 GMT
Very doable. If you google "Metro Safetrack" you will see a schedule of the maintenance. Just see that week of scheduled maintenance lines up with your trip. You'll know if you need to be prepared for closures. While the schedule is obviously able to change, it will be helpful for you. If your line will be under Safetrack, research where the bus transfers are. Not fun with luggage, but still doable. Considering Reagan's stop has been under Safetrack for the last two weeks, my gut is that won't be a concern for you when you come in 2 months. But, check it out! You can also download the metro app. Colors, your station and the end station are really all you need to know. If you have to transfer colors (Blue/Yellow to Orange for example), then you also need to look at your transfer station. I've ridden metro's all over the world. DC's is easy and clean!! SO I got on the metro page and looked at the SafeTrack info. It looks like the Reagan stop will be open in Sept but part of the orange line to Vienna will have a reduced schedule. it said instead of every 6 min the trains will come every 18. So expect delays. I should be able to handle that! While on their website I used the plan my trip feature and I just get on the blue line and make a transfer to the orange line and ride it to Vienna. Seems easy enough!
I think I may also download the Uber app and have that as a back up in case there are long lines or issues at the Reagan stop.
Look at you! Good traveller! I'm proud of you for doing your research. You'll be just fine.  Seriously, so many people panic and think they can't without even trying to read or figure it out. Good for you! When it gets closer (day before) just check Safetrack again because if the train is few and far between that is one thing but if a station on your line is closed or if the track between ___ & ____ is closed, well... you need a different plan. |
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Post by kellybelly77 on Jul 13, 2016 20:54:06 GMT
Also, you have to have a Smart Trip card for the metro. They don't do paper farecards anymore. You have to buy the Smart Trip card and then load money on it at the station. A royal PITA. Ah boy! Can I buy that there at the stop or is it something that I need to sign up for in advance. A friend told me I could just buy my pass right there at the station with my credit card. |
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Post by annabella on Jul 13, 2016 20:55:41 GMT
Ah boy! Can I buy that there at the stop or is it something that I need to sign up for in advance. A friend told me I could just buy my pass right there at the station with my credit card. I believe the card is $5, don't know if any of that money is applied to actual travel fare? |
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Post by SAHM wannabe on Jul 13, 2016 21:22:45 GMT
My children (12 and 13) and I just returned yesterday from a week long vacation to DC. We used the metro every day, including having to take the metro shuttle bus between Reagan and the next stop (Braddock Road) for the work that is being done. Once we figured out the last stop and color associated with our destination, it was easy to jump on and off throughout the day. We were on the metro as early as 7:00 a.m. and as late as 11:30 p.m. We always felt safe as there were many metro workers around at all stops. We bought the Smart Card our first day right at the station. We saw many people with luggage going to Reagan as their final stop. It is very manageable!
If you are flying Southwest (or any carrier in Terminal A), ask for the airport shuttle bus that takes you to the metro shuttle. I didn't know there was a shuttle bus for the airport and it was a long, l o n g walk.
We had never been to Washington, DC, before and we absolutely loved it! Enjoy your visit!
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Post by pierkiss on Jul 13, 2016 21:36:44 GMT
You can for sure lug a giant suitcase onto the metro! I've done it several times. Just try not to squash anyone's toes or let it fall on other people (I've done both, I've turned I to quite the klutz!).
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AmeliaBloomer
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,842
Location: USA
Jun 26, 2014 5:01:45 GMT
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Post by AmeliaBloomer on Jul 13, 2016 22:21:20 GMT
You'll leave one train, go up or down an escalator, and get on another. OP, Just make sure you and your suitcase both STAY TO THE RIGHT on the escalators. Every time I've been to DC, I hear a native admonishing a tourist to STAY TO THE RIGHT. [Seriously, I always marvel (in an admiring way) at DC Metro Culture (people who are waiting to board a train always wait until passengers get out...nobody sits in an aisle seat and leaves the window seat empty...nobody eats on the trains...and everybody STAYS TO THE RIGHT on the escalators).] It sure ain't like that around here.  |
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Seriously, so many people panic and think they can't without even trying to read or figure it out. Good for you! When it gets closer (day before) just check Safetrack again because if the train is few and far between that is one thing but if a station on your line is closed or if the track between ___ & ____ is closed, well... you need a different plan. 
