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DC is served by three major airports Reagan-National (DCA), Dulles (IAD) and Baltimore (BWI). BWI is the most convenient since it is located on the North side of DC. DCA is also convenient since it has an adjacent metro stop. IAD and BWI are connected to the Metro system via bus lines. You can also catch a cab from any of the airports.
- DCA to the College Park Station via Metro (cost $1$3.60 50 - $2$5.55)00 : Once you arrive at the airport, follow the signs to the Metro and take the Yellow Line toward Fort Totten. Transfer to the Green Line toward Greenbelt at L'Enfant Plaza. The College Park stop is the eleventh stop after this (the second to last stop). Note that during rush hour the Yellow line Line will go all the way to College Park and you won't have to transfer. Once at the College Park metro, the taxi stand is on the east side of the parking garage. Ask your hotel for the best method to travel to them.
- BWI to the Melrose College Park Station via Bus/Metro (cost $8.25 - $10.00): Metro operates the B30 Bus route from BWI Airport to the Greenbelt Metro station. Upon reaching the Greenbelt Station you will travel on the Green Line train until you reach the L'Enfant Plaza Station. At L'Enfant Plaza you will change trains by going to the lower level. You may take either an Orange or Blue Line train. The Orange Line will be headed in the direction of Vienna and the Blue Line train will be headed in the direction of Franconia-Springfield. The sixth stop will be the Foggy Bottom - GWU. Upon exiting the station you will turn left at the top of the escalators and walk up 23rd Street to the traffic circle where you will bear to your left and continue up Pennsylvania Avenue. The Melrose is located one block ahead on the left side of the street. one stop to the College Park metro stop. Once at the College Park metro, the taxi stand is on the east side of the parking garage. Ask your hotel for the best method to travel to them.
- IAD to the College Park Station IAD to the Melrose via Bus/Metro (cost $7.10 - $7$10.4500): Metro operates the 5A Bus route from IAD to the Rosslyn L'Enfant Metro Station. Upon reaching the Rosslyn L'Enfant Station you can take either an Orange or Blue Line train. The Orange Line will be heading in the direction of New Carrollton and the Blue Line train will be headed in the direction of Largo Town Center. The first stop will be the Foggy Bottom - GWU. Upon exiting the station you will turn left at the top of the escalators and walk up 23rd Street to the traffic circle where you will bear to your left and continue up Pennsylvania Avenue. The Melrose is located one block ahead on the left side of the streettake the Yellow or Green Lines to Greenbelt. The College Park stop is the eleventh stop after this (the second to last stop). Note that during rush hour the Yellow Line will go all the way to College Park and you won't have to transfer. Once at the College Park metro, the taxi stand is on the east side of the parking garage. Ask your hotel for the best method to travel to them.
- There are numerous other ways to get from the airports to the hotel such as using a Shared Ride/SuperShuttle ($20 - $40) or Taxi Service (~$20 ~$40 for DCA, ~$80 ~$100 for IAD, and ~$100 ~$60 for BWI).
We Renting a car is also an option if you are staying in one of the local hotels. If you stay downtown, I do not recommend renting a car for your stay in DC. Parking is expensive and hard to come by and the Metro system is very convenient and reasonably priced..
By Rail
If you are traveling to DC from the east coast, taking the train is convenient and inexpensive. There are trains every hour between Boston and DC (stopping in New York, Newark, Philadelphia and other major cities). See Amtrak's website for schedules, routes and prices. The trains all stop at Union Station. Once you arrive, follow the signs for the Metro and take the Red Line toward Shady Grove. You will need to change trains at Metro Center. You may take either an Orange or Blue Line train. The Orange Line will be headed in the direction of Vienna and the Blue Line train will be headed in the direction of Franconia-Springfield. The third stop will be the Foggy Bottom - GWU. Upon exiting the station you will turn left at the top of the escalators and walk up 23rd Street to the traffic circle where you will bear to your left and continue up Pennsylvania Avenue. The Melrose is located one block ahead on the left side of the street.
By Car
Some stop at BWI.
The Melrose Hotel Website includes information if you want to drive to DC. Note that parking is not free at the hotel ($20/night) and street parking is not available for overnight parking.