Getting There & Away: Georgetown

Air Travel

Major Airports

Washington D.C. Has three main airports:

Airport Locations & Access

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA): Closest to Georgetown (5 miles), mainly domestic. Metro accessible.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD): 26 miles west, major international. Metro Silver Line access.
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI): 33 miles northeast, often budget-friendly. MARC train/Amtrak access.

Airlines & Routes

Airlines and their typical route focus:

Airline Presence

DCA: American Airlines hub; other airlines include Delta, United, Southwest, JetBlue (East Coast focus).
IAD: United Airlines major hub; extensive international and domestic network.
BWI: Southwest Airlines major hub; popular for low-cost domestic travel.

Seasonal Flight Pricing

Expect higher prices during peak season (Spring, especially Cherry Blossom, and Summer). Book several months in advance for better rates.

Shoulder & Low Season

Flight prices tend to be moderate during Fall. Winter (excluding holidays) generally sees the lowest prices.

Airport Facilities

All three airports offer full services: dining, shopping, car rental, currency exchange, lounges, and free Wi-Fi.

Airport Transfers to Georgetown

DCA & IAD Transfers

From DCA: Taxi/Ride-Share ($20-$30, 15-25 mins). Metro (Blue/Yellow Line to Rosslyn/Foggy Bottom, then bus/walk, $5-$10, 30-45 mins).
From IAD: Taxi/Ride-Share ($60-$80, 45-75 mins). Metro (Silver Line to Rosslyn/Foggy Bottom, then bus/walk, $15-$20, 60-90 mins).
Direct flights from major global hubs mainly come to IAD.
Check Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner for flight deals.

BWI Transfers

MARC Train/Amtrak from BWI Rail Station to Union Station D.C. ($25-$40 total, 60-90+ mins).
From Union Station, Metro (Red Line to Metro Center, then Blue/Orange/Silver to Foggy Bottom) or taxi/ride-share to Georgetown.
Shared-ride shuttles (check availability) offer direct service but can be slower.
Consider DiscoverCars.com for car rental bookings.

Airline Resources

IVisa

Consumer visa application service.

VisaHQ

Direct visa and passport service website.

AirHelp

Passengers receive up to €600 for delayed or canceled flights.

Land Transportation

Train Services

Various land transportation options connect Georgetown to other cities and regions.

Major Rail Connections

Amtrak: Union Station D.C. Is a major hub, connections along Northeast Corridor (NYC, Philly, Boston) and throughout the U.S.
MARC Train: Commuter rail to suburban Maryland and Baltimore, including BWI Airport.
MARC trains present an economical way to travel within the greater D.C. Metro area.

Bus Services

Union Station's Bus Deck serves various intercity bus companies.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Companies include Greyhound, Megabus, Peter Pan Bus Lines, and others.
Connections from D.C. To major cities throughout the East Coast and beyond.
Often a more budget-friendly alternative to train travel.

Self-Driving Considerations

You need a valid driver's license. An International Driving Permit is good for foreign licenses not in English.

Driving in D.C.

Driving in Georgetown and downtown D.C. Can be challenging.
Expect heavy traffic, numerous one-way streets, limited and expensive parking.
Public transportation is highly considered for getting around D.C.

Road Conditions & Safety

Roads are generally well-maintained. However, traffic congestion is severe during peak hours, specifically during weekday commuter rushes.

Safety Notes

Pedestrians and cyclists should remain aware of traffic.
In winter, snow and ice make driving hazardous.
A car is beneficial mainly for day trips outside the immediate D.C. Area.

Border Crossing Info Not Applicable

This information does not apply for domestic travel within the U.S.
No land borders directly for Georgetown visitors.
For international arrivals by land (e.g., Canada), standard U.S. Entry requirements apply.

These include a valid passport.
A visa or ESTA is needed depending on nationality.
Consult official U.S. Customs and Border Protection for details.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry & Cruise Ports N/A

While D.C. Sits on the Potomac River, major sea or river arrivals are not a main mode of transportation for tourists to Georgetown.

No Major Seaports

Major cruise ship ports do not exist in Washington D.C. Or Georgetown.
These services do not apply for main arrival or departure.
Immigration procedures at seaports are not relevant for Georgetown visitors.

River Transportation Options

Public river transport is limited. Some Potomac River boat tours or water taxis operate from the Georgetown Waterfront Park.

Scenic Connections

These services connect to destinations like National Harbor or Old Town Alexandria.
They hold scenic perspectives of the waterfront and monuments.
Not a main means of arriving in or departing from the city itself.

River Tours

Enjoy sightseeing boat tours from Georgetown Waterfront Park for an unique perspective.

Water Taxis

Connect to waterfront locations like Alexandria and National Harbor.

Land Connections

Water taxi stops usually link to public transport, ride-shares, or walking paths.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Timing

The U.S. Does not impose a specific departure tax or exit fee for travelers leaving by air, land, or sea. Airline tickets typically include various federal fees and taxes as part of the total fare.

Departure Recommendations

International Flights: Arrive at airport at least 3 hours prior to departure.
Domestic Flights: Arrive at least 2 hours prior to departure.
Security: Allow ample time for TSA screening; lines can be long.

Airport/Station Facilities

All major airports (DCA, IAD, BWI) offer comprehensive facilities for departing travelers.

Services Available

Check-in counters, baggage drop, security checkpoints.
Wide range of dining options and retail shops.
Duty-free stores (for international flights) and airline lounges.

Online Check-in & Station Amenities

Online Check-in

Check in online if possible before arriving at the airport to save time.

Union Station Facilities

Union Station, for train and bus departures, also presents dining, shops, and waiting areas.

TSA Programs

Utilize programs like TSA PreCheck or CLEAR if eligible, they can speed up the process.

Departure Readiness

Planning airport arrival times and utilizing online check-in saves stress for a smooth departure.

Getting There & Away