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Travel Guide to Washington, DC, USA

Arrive at the Conference Venue

Washington, DC, is a well-connected city with multiple options for travel and transit. Here is detailed information for attendees on reaching the Convention Center from various entry points, along with guidance for navigating the city.

By Air:

Washington, DC, is served by three major airports, each offering convenient transportation options to the city:

Airports around DC	Distance to venue
Washington National Airport(DCA)	5 miles
Washington Dulles International Airport(IAD)	31.9 miles
Baltimore/Washington International(BWI)	43.6 miles

• From Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA): Located closest to the city, DCA is just 5 miles from the Convention Center. The quickest option is to take a ride-share service like Uber or Lyft directly to your destination. Alternatively, you may opt for the Metro's Blue Line. From the airport's Track 1 platform, board the Blue Line train toward LARGO and disembark at the Federal Triangle station, which is a short 10-minute walk to the Convention Center. For more transit options, please consult here.
• From Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD): Approximately 31.9 miles from downtown DC, IAD offers both subway and bus options. To take the Metro, board the Silver Line from the airport's center platform toward LARGO and alight at the Federal Triangle station, approximately one mile from the Convention Center. For bus service, Megabus provides a convenient route to Washington Union Station, a major transit hub located a 7-minute walk from the venue. Note that Megabus operates on a limited schedule, with only one daily trip, so please check availability in advance. [For more transportation choices, refer here .]
• From Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI): Located about 43.6 miles from DC, BWI provides bus services connecting to the MARC and Amtrak train systems. Take the BWI Airport Shuttle or Maryland Transit Route 75 to the BWI MARC station. From there, you may board either MARC or Amtrak trains heading to Washington's Union Station, which is just an 8-minute walk from the Convention Center. [For more details on transit options, see here .]

Alternate Entry via New York City: If entering the U.S. via New York City, attendees can reach Washington, DC, by train. New York's three primary airports- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) —are all within proximity to rail services that connect to Amtrak and other routes to DC.

By Train:

Amtrak provides frequent daily service to Washington, DC, from cities across the Northeast and Southeast, as well as from the Midwest. Union Station, located in the heart of DC, is the primary rail hub, offering easy access to the city's Metro system, taxis, and rideshare services, making it a convenient entry point for conference attendees.

By Bus:

Numerous bus companies provide direct routes to Washington, DC. Options include Megabus.com, Battle's Transportation, and Vamoose. Most buses arrive at central locations with Metro and other transportation options readily available to connect you to the Convention Center. More information on additional options:
Getting to Washington DC

Navigating Washington, DC:

Once in DC, attendees will find a variety of transportation options:

• Metro (subway) and Bus Services: The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) operates an extensive network of subway and bus routes that provide efficient travel throughout the city.
• Scooters and Bikes: Dockless scooters, bikes, and bicycle-sharing programs are available for convenient short-distance travel.
• Water Taxi and Ferry Services: For those staying near the waterfront, water taxis provide a scenic travel option along the Potomac River.
• Taxi and Rideshare Services: Popular rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft operate throughout the city, offering another convenient travel method. Taxis are also readily available at major transit points.

For Additional Information:

For further travel and transit information, including schedules, fares, and city maps, please consult the official DC visitor guide or visit local transit websites.

We look forward to welcoming you to Washington, DC, and hope you enjoy the conference and your time in our nation's capital.

Attractions near the Conference Site

The conference hotel is located right by the National Mall in Washington, D.C., offering a remarkable set of attractions:

Museums

The National Mall is home to many renowned national museums, most of which are freely open to the public. The impressive list includes but is not limited to: The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, National Gallery of Art, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, and National Museum of the American Indian, where the banquet will be held on Tuesday night.

Monuments and Memorials

The Mall's iconic memorials honor historical figures and significant events in American history, including the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and many more.

Outdoor Spaces and Food

Beyond its cultural institutions, the National Mall offers expansive lawns and scenic spots for relaxation and recreation. The Tidal Basin is also a serene place for a walk. There are a wide variety of restaurants nearby for both casual and upscale dining, and the conference venue is also close to Chinatown with numerous options of Asian food.

Special Event

The National Christmas Tree will be on display, located on the Ellipse, a large open park area to the north of the National Mall.