Ansett767 From Australia, joined May 1999, 1021 posts, RR: 2 Posted (5 years 2 months 2 weeks 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 12108 times:
Hi All,
Sorry if this sounds naive but I have never been to Washington DC
My questions are as follows:
1. From JFK I can connect onto a flight either at DCA or IAD. On looking at both websites it appears DCA is only 5 km from downtown whereas IAD is 40km. Is there any downside into flying from JFK into DCA or should I book this rather than IAD?
2. Ill be coming off a Virgin atlantic flight from London- Arriving at 12.30. Im guessing 3.5 hours is enough to clear customs, claim baggage and change terminals? How does one change terminals at JFK?
3. If you've been to DC as a tourist, how long would you recommend I stay?
IAHFLYER From United States of America, joined Dec 2006, 311 posts, RR: 0 Reply 1, posted (5 years 2 months 2 weeks 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 12097 times:
Quoting Ansett767 (Thread starter): Is there any downside into flying from JFK into DCA or should I book this rather than IAD?
I recomend flying into DCA due to the subway and not having to rent a car.
Quoting Ansett767 (Thread starter): 2. Ill be coming off a Virgin atlantic flight from London- Arriving at 12.30. Im guessing 3.5 hours is enough to clear customs, claim baggage and change terminals? How does one change terminals at JFK?
When changing use the AIRTRAIN and 3.5 hours should be enough.
Quoting Ansett767 (Thread starter): 3. If you've been to DC as a tourist, how long would you recommend I stay?
A week should be plenty, if you stick to the smithsonian exhibits it is all FREE (excluding food and specialties). Take the free bus to the U.F. Hazy Center at Dulles to see the Concorde from the Mall Air and Space Museum!!!
Little airports with the big jets are the best!! Floyd
Chase From United States of America, joined Nov 2005, 1054 posts, RR: 0 Reply 2, posted (5 years 2 months 2 weeks 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 12084 times:
I'm no expert, but:
1. Fly into DCA. It's closer, and on the Metro. Traffic downtown-IAD is heavy and it's a toll road. But FYI there is a shuttlebus that will go from IAD to the nearest Metro station (it's called "Falls Church" or "East Falls Church" or "West Falls Church" - I forget which, but I know it's one of those) although this shuttle bus isn't cheap. Also one of the approaches into DCA is pretty, flying over the Potomac, especially in Spring.
2. I've only transitted JFK once intl to domestic, but it took me well under 3.5 hours. However, that was around 8pm and I don't think there was a terminal change.
3. That all depends on how interested you are in the various things they have there If you have 48 hours between flights you can see a good bit of monuments, Smithsonian, Capitol, White House, etc. but double that time would be better if you're looking for more than a semi-hurried survey of things. Of course that's just my opinion...I'm the type who reads every wall card at a museum. If you have kids and it's warm out, check out the new-ish Roosevelt monument.
MRA From United States of America, joined Mar 2005, 37 posts, RR: 0 Reply 3, posted (5 years 2 months 2 weeks 1 day 13 hours ago) and read 12081 times:
I can answer 1 & 3 fairly well, I'll leave 2 to someone who is more familiar with JFK.
1. DCA is by far the better choice. Although flights into DCA may be more expensive than IAD, a taxi ride into DC from IAD may end up costing $45-50. So, round trip, $90-100. There are buses, too, at IAD, but they will take more time, obviously. In addition, DCA is connected to the local Metro (ie, underground / subway network), whereas IAD is not. A Metro fare into DC from DCA will cost less than $2. I travel in and out of both airports regularly and by far my preference is DCA; in addition to what I already mentioned, the security lines seem to be quicker, there are more shops / bars / restaurants (when comparing the two airport's main terminal areas), and there are no People Movers (ie, decades old buses that take passengers from terminal to terminal / plane).
3. Three full days should do it, but it is possible to get a good sense of the city in two days. The Smithsonian museums alone could keep you occupied for a lot longer, but I have found that splitting up your preferred museums over two or three days may avoid museum overload. There are other galleries that are not affiliated with the Smithsonian so don't overlook them, either - National Museum of Women in the Arts and the Spy Museum are popular. The various monuments and war memorials are also a must see. A tour of the Capitol and possibly the Supreme Court could take up an afternoon. Depending on when you arrive, you may be in time to see the Cherry Blossoms in bloom (late March / early April). One thing - it's not a particularly lively town at night, save for some spots in Dupont, Georgetown or Adams Morgan.
"Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man." - The Dude
RJpieces From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 4, posted (5 years 2 months 2 weeks 1 day 13 hours ago) and read 12063 times:
DEFINITELY fly into DCA! And get a seat on the left side of the airplane, so that you could possibly get an amazing view depending on what direction planes are landing in that day....
Drop me a PM--I live very close to DCA and would be happy to show you around some evening.
AA777 From United States of America, joined May 1999, 2471 posts, RR: 31 Reply 5, posted (5 years 2 months 2 weeks 1 day 13 hours ago) and read 12042 times:
Definitely fly to DCA if you are coming from JFK and planning to stay IN Washington DC. Its very close to the city, and if you sit on the left side of the plane, you'll get a great view of Washington from the air if they are landing planes on Runway 19.
In any event, its much faster and cheaper to get into the downtown area of DC if you go into DCA. Hop on the Metro (train) and it will take you right into the city for just a few dollars. On the other hand a cab from IAD would be a lot more costly (40-60 dollars). There is plenty to do in DC, and if you are coming soon, you'll be here at the best time of year...(spring time).
Feel free to send me a message if you have any questions about DC- I'm a native! I can let you know where all the fun spots are, or help figure out what you want to see, depending on your interests.
-AA777
PS, I'd say 3-4 days is good to explore the city. Weekends are definitely good as people are out and about, and there is lots of nightlife...
PanAm747 From United States of America, joined Feb 2004, 4242 posts, RR: 10 Reply 6, posted (5 years 2 months 2 weeks 1 day 13 hours ago) and read 12030 times:
Dulles is VERY far from the metro DC area, whereas National is on the banks of the Potomac. Both the blue line and yellow line Metro trains (one of the most impressive mass transit systems around!!) have a stop at DCA and will take you into Washington DC itself in just a couple of minutes.
There are many tours and sights to see in the city, but without a doubt, you MUST make your way over to the Smithsonian Air & Space museum!! For an a.netter, this is sacred ground - seeing the actual Wright Brothers plane...seeing the actual Spirit Of St. Louis...seeing the actual Glamorous Glynnis, the first plane to break the sound barrier...seeing an actual space capsule...touching a moon rock....as you can tell, I was absolutely overwhelmed seeing these items - not reproductions, but the actual objects themselves!! I can't do it justice in mere words.
Nor, to me, can mere words describe the beauty of the capital city. As cynical as I am (and we all are!) about politics, Washington DC and its monuments to great Americans and their accomplishments reminds us that people are capable, once in a while, of reaching beyond their petty self-interests and doing incredible things for the benefit of all people. Walk the steps of the Lincoln Memorial...stand in the spot where Martin Luther King gave his "I Have A Dream" speech...visit the National Archives and see Thomas Jefferson's handwriting on The Declaration Of Indepence...see the White House, Capitol Building and the Supreme Court...
You will have a wonderful time - it is a magnificent city, symbolic of what we as a nation can and should become, not what we sometimes appear to be.
Pan Am:The World's Most Experienced Airline - P(oor) S(ailor's) A(irline): San Diego's Hometown Airline-Catch Our Smile!
DesertJets From United States of America, joined Feb 2000, 7673 posts, RR: 18 Reply 7, posted (5 years 2 months 2 weeks 1 day 13 hours ago) and read 12005 times:
Depending on how much luggage you have I may want to avoid the Metro, especially if you are going to be on it at any time remotely near rush hour. While it is nice to have it may be more of a hassle than it is worth. Especially if your hotel is not within 3-5 blocks of a Metro station. That said for the budget conscious Super Shuttle from either IAD or DCA into the District will run less than a cab. Should be about $30 from Dulles, $15 from National.
Quoting Chase (Reply 2): 1. Fly into DCA. It's closer, and on the Metro. Traffic downtown-IAD is heavy and it's a toll road. But FYI there is a shuttlebus that will go from IAD to the nearest Metro station (it's called "Falls Church" or "East Falls Church" or "West Falls Church" - I forget which, but I know it's one of those) although this shuttle bus isn't cheap. Also one of the approaches into DCA is pretty, flying over the Potomac, especially in Spring.
Airport traffic uses the inner lanes of the Dulles Toll Road, which is toll free. The Washington Flyer Bus goes to West Falls Church. That said if you need to use public transit then use DCA.
A week should be more than enough time to see the sights. A little planning in advance might help. One thing that I always wanted to do was go up the Washington Monument, but unfortunately you need timed entry tickets. And you need to get there early to get them. With me not being much of a morning person I've never gotten in. Otherwise plenty to do, to see, and to eat. If you are there when the Nationals are playing go and catch a game at the new stadium.
Quoting PanAm747 (Reply 6): There are many tours and sights to see in the city, but without a doubt, you MUST make your way over to the Smithsonian Air & Space museum!! For an a.netter, this is sacred ground
This maybe sacreligous but I am not a huge fan of Air and Space. Maybe I've just been there too many times. But not much has changed in the past 10-15 years there. I'd spend maybe 2-3 hours there tops, to be honest. The Udvar-Hazy Center is really nice. I was there a couple of years back and it was worth the trip. Unfortunately the bus between the downtown mall and the center no longer operates.
As an aviation enthusiast I would spend an hour or two down at Gravelly Point. Even if you didn't think planes are cool it is a nice spot to enjoy a warm afternoon.
Stop drop and roll will not save you in hell. --- seen on a church marque in rural Virginia
Pnwtraveler From Canada, joined Jun 2007, 2046 posts, RR: 12 Reply 8, posted (5 years 2 months 2 weeks 1 day 12 hours ago) and read 11965 times:
Getting around DC is very easy especially by subway. DC has amazing restaurants and great sites. Most of the subway platforms have elevators and escalators so if your luggage is reasonable don't worry. The airport has some good places to eat as well. On weekends the strip of hotels by the airport often have great rates as do some of the downtown hotels.
Secure your valuables though. On the Metro is the only time in my life I have been pick pocketed between the Smithsonian and L'enfant Plaza stops. My cell phone was lifted out of my pocket. I can even remember being jostled when it happened. I had my one hand on my rolling suitcase with my laptop on top and one holding on. I was lazy and just slipped my phone into my pocket rather than put it in its holder.
PanAm747 From United States of America, joined Feb 2004, 4242 posts, RR: 10 Reply 9, posted (5 years 2 months 2 weeks 1 day 12 hours ago) and read 11964 times:
Quote: As an aviation enthusiast I would spend an hour or two down at Gravelly Point. Even if you didn't think planes are cool it is a nice spot to enjoy a warm afternoon.
Didn't Gravelly Point used to be called "Idiots' Park"? Based on the concept that only idiots would go down to the waters edge and watch planes landing on runway 35 (now 36)?
And no, you're being sacreligious - everyone is entitled to their level of enthusiasm. Everybody has their favorite places!!
Pan Am:The World's Most Experienced Airline - P(oor) S(ailor's) A(irline): San Diego's Hometown Airline-Catch Our Smile!
MRA From United States of America, joined Mar 2005, 37 posts, RR: 0 Reply 10, posted (5 years 2 months 2 weeks 1 day 12 hours ago) and read 11953 times:
Quoting DesertJets (Reply 7): This maybe sacreligous but I am not a huge fan of Air and Space. Maybe I've just been there too many times. But not much has changed in the past 10-15 years there. I'd spend maybe 2-3 hours there tops, to be honest. The Udvar-Hazy Center is really nice. I was there a couple of years back and it was worth the trip.
I have to agree with this somewhat - the Air and Space museum seemed much more impressive when I first went as a kid, but successive visits as an adult (over the past 20 years) have been somewhat of a let down. The Udvar-Hazy Center, on the other hand, is great. The exhibits (ie, actual aircraft and spacecraft) blow the original A&S museum away. I loved the views from the observation deck and the ATC demo is a bit touristy and hokey, but fun nonetheless.
"Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man." - The Dude
UltimateDelta From United States of America, joined Sep 2007, 1994 posts, RR: 6 Reply 11, posted (5 years 2 months 2 weeks 1 day 9 hours ago) and read 11893 times:
Yeah, you should fly to DCA. It is a much easier airport to navigate. When in DC, you should stay at least a week, but even that's short. The Air Force Memorial and A & S Museum (Mall and Udvar-Hazy Center) are defiinitely worth a visit, as well as the Hirschorn.
Viscount724 From Switzerland, joined Oct 2006, 21498 posts, RR: 24 Reply 12, posted (5 years 2 months 2 weeks 6 hours ago) and read 11869 times:
Quoting Ansett767 (Thread starter): 2. Ill be coming off a Virgin atlantic flight from London- Arriving at 12.30. Im guessing 3.5 hours is enough to clear customs, claim baggage and change terminals? How does one change terminals at JFK?
Although DCA is definitely the most convenient airport if you are staying in Washington itself, if it means a 3.5 hour connection at JFK to get to DCA, I would much prefer to fly nonstop to IAD.That would probably be at least 3 hours faster including ground transportation into Washington from IAD.
If you don't want the expense of a taxi ($50 to $60 or so), you have two other options apart from renting a car. You can take the Washington Flyer nonstop bus (every 30 minutes) to West Falls Church metro station (about 25 minutes) and then the Metro the rest of the way downtown (another 25 minutes or so). Or there are "Super Shuttle" shared vans that will take you anywhere. I'm not sure what they cost now but definitely less than a taxi. The bus/metro combination could well be faster than the other two options during rush hour periods.
JFK isn't the most user-friendly airport for connections with so many separate terminals. I would personally find any of the options involving a nonstop to IAD much less stressful, not to mention a few hours faster if you can avoid that 3.5 hr. connection at JFK.
FlyMIA From United States of America, joined Jun 2001, 6298 posts, RR: 6 Reply 13, posted (5 years 2 months 1 week 6 days 23 hours ago) and read 11858 times:
I think DCA is just about one of the best airports in the world. Lines are always short, the views are great, it is very close to the city and a very easy subway ride, great airport with lots of shops and restaurants for just being an almost only domestic airport. Its great I love flying there about once a month and I could never imagine using any other airport it really is the best airport in the US and I think one of the top in the world! (as long as your not flying US Air Express)
"It was just four of us on the flight deck, trying to do our job" (Captain Al Haynes)
Ansett767 From Australia, joined May 1999, 1021 posts, RR: 2 Reply 14, posted (5 years 2 months 1 week 6 days 21 hours ago) and read 11855 times:
Quoting Viscount724 (Reply 12):
Although DCA is definitely the most convenient airport if you are staying in Washington itself, if it means a 3.5 hour connection at JFK to get to DCA, I would much prefer to fly nonstop to IAD.That would probably be at least 3 hours faster including ground transportation into Washington from IAD.
Thanks for the suggestion but im booking their J class sale fares and either need to fly in AND out of JFK or in and out of IAD. Seeing as im visiting both those cities and others I need to unfort make a connection but thanks anyway !
Thanks everyone else for your input. I will book flights shortly and let you know, but im pretty sure I'm gonna use DCA for the inbound and the outbound flight to Chicago!
Cubsrule From United States of America, joined May 2004, 21245 posts, RR: 19 Reply 16, posted (5 years 2 months 1 week 2 days 10 hours ago) and read 11813 times:
Quoting Ansett767 (Reply 15): I think I will either take Air Tran from DCA to MDW via ATL or maybe Southwest IAD to MDW - any recommendations?
WN BWI-MDW is probably a better bet than IAD-MDW... you can get to BWI via public transportation much more easily than you can get to IAD... there are even some trip reports about it.
I can't decide whether I miss the tulip or the bowling shoe more
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From Australia, joined May 1999, 1021 posts, 
From United States of America, joined Dec 2006, 311 posts, 
If you have 48 hours between flights you can see a good bit of monuments, Smithsonian, Capitol, White House, etc. but double that time would be better if you're looking for more than a semi-hurried survey of things. Of course that's just my opinion...I'm the type who reads every wall card at a museum. If you have kids and it's warm out, check out the new-ish Roosevelt monument.
From Canada, joined Jun 2007, 2046 posts, 
Everybody has their favorite places!!
From Switzerland, joined Oct 2006, 21498 posts, 
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