Getting There, Getting Around

By Airplane:

You have three airport options.

Washington, DC/Dulles - IAD    Hotel direction: 25 mile(s) NE

Ronald Reagan Washington National - DCA    Hotel direction: 23 mile(s) NW

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport - BWI    Hotel direction: 36 mile(s) SW

Reagan is the most convenient to fly into (because of direct DC Metro access), but it has fewer flights per day and thus the ticket prices are usually the most expensive. All three will get you there.

Airport Transfer:

The easiest way to get from the airports to the hotel is via the Super Shuttle shared van shuttle. Click here to book: http://www.supershuttle.com/

The Super Shuttle does transfers from all 3 major airports.  The approximate (one way, based on round trip) cost is:

Dulles - $31

Baltimore Washington - $42

Reagan - $30

From Reagan airport, however, I would recommend taking the DC Metro instead.  At peak time, it will not cost more than $5.20, and will take approximately the same amout of time.

(Take the Yellow line toward Fort Totten or Mt. Vernon Sq. 7th St. - Convention Center, get off at Gallery Place - Chinatown, then take the Red line toward Shady Grove and exit at the White Flint Station.)

A Taxi will cost $55-$70 (each way), depending on the airport.

By Train:

Go to Washington, D.C.'s Union Station, and exit to the DC Metro Station, and take the Metro to the hotel. Take the Red Line toward Shady Grove, exit at the White Flint Station (no train changes required).

By Car:

Use the convenient tool here for driving directions: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/maps/travel/wasbn-bethesda-north-marriott-hotel-and-conference-center/

Parking at the hotel is $5 per hour, or $15 per day. HOWEVER our conference attendees can park at the hotel for the discounted rate of $6 per day (whether you're staying at the hotel or not).

You can also park at the White Flint Metro Station (if you prefer).  The overnight fee, for non-commuters, is $8.50. http://www.wmata.com/rail/parking/parking_detail.cfm?station=15

You must pay for parking at the White Flint Metro Station with a "SmarTrip Card" (no exceptions). You can purchase this rechargable card online or at any DC Metro station. (The card costs $5.)

How to Use the DC Metro (Subway):

It's extremely convenient and easy to use. Trying to drive and park within DC is not recommended if you can help it.

1. Purchase a fare card at a machine in the Metro Station. (If you need assistance there is an attendant on duty in most stations during the day.  Fewer have a staff person available in the evenings to assist you.). You need at least enough money on your card to make the shortest trip possible. ($1.95 or $1.60 depending on the time of day; Yes, fares do vary a bit depending on the time of day.)

2. Put your fare card into the gate (at hip level) and retrive it when it comes out the top of the gate, and step through. KEEP YOUR FARE CARD! (you need it to exit).

3. Take the correct colored Metro line (if multiple train lines come through the station you're at) going in the right direction.  For example, if you're at our conference hotel, and get on at the White Flint station, the trains that say Shady Grove on the front are going away from DC. Trains to Glenmont are going toward DC. Check out the maps to see what I mean.

4. Transfer as many times as you like. Do not go through a gate/turnstile until you've reached your final destination.

5. When you've reached your destination, and are ready to exit the Metro system completely, you need to put your fare card into the exit gate (just like you did when entering the Metro). If you do not have enough money on your card, the gate will not open and your card will be given back.  Don't worry, in each Metro Station, before the exit gate, there is a machine where you can add money to your card.  You will be informed about how much money you need to add to your card in order to exit.

Each person needs his/her own farecard or pass to ride Metrorail. A pass or farecard cannot be shared with another person (during the same trip). Farecards hold between $1.60 and $45 and are available at fare vending machines in Metrorail stations. These papercards are rechargeable as long as they remain undamaged. Unused fare credit is non-refundable.

Putting your farecard into any Metro Passes/ Farecards machine will tell you how much money is left on the card.

Customers can also purchase a SmarTrip® card, which is a permanent, rechargeable farecard. (This card is probably not necessary for a week long visit, unless you need to park at a Metro station.)

$9 One Day Pass (Unlimited Trips) - With a One Day Pass, you can ride Metrorail as much as you want in a day. It's good after 9:30 a.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends and federal holidays. Buy online or at any Metro station from a Passes/Farecards machine.

Children 4 years old and under ride free.  5 years old, and up, pay adult fares.

Local Attractions and Dining:

Interested in the sights, foods, and activities near the conference? There is plenty to see and do! Read more here.