Being home to the US Department of Defense it is fitting that the city layout is planned with a military precision.
Based on a grid system, north south are numbered streets, east west are letters. At the centre is The Capitol and beyond are four quadrants, northwest, northeast, southwest and southeast. As the streets are numerically identified it is important to know which quadrant you are heading for. Whilst most sights are located within walking distance of Mandarin Oriental, should your business take you further the transport system is extremely efficient.
Around Town
By Foot
Take a tour of America’s most prestigious memorials, all within an easy circuit of the hotel. Begin at the Lincoln Memorial with its famous reflecting pool, and then continue on to the imposing obelisk of the Washington Monument. Then walk around the Tidal Basin to the Jefferson Memorial, completing the tour with the riverside Franklin D Roosevelt, (FDR) memorial.
By Taxi
Taxis are plentiful and economical in Washington, DC. Taxis operate on a zone, rather than meter, system. Fares are charged according to how many zones you cross, other variables are number of passengers and time of travel, with higher rates charged during peak travel periods. Rates are approximately USD 1.50 for each additional passenger. Refer to the fare table on the right for more details.
By Underground
Metrorail provides the safest, cleanest and most efficient way of getting around the city. Route maps are posted at each station and inside each subway car. Operating hours begin at 5:30a.m. weekdays and 7a.m. on weekends. It closes at midnight Sunday to Thursday. On Friday and Saturday nights, it stays open until 3a.m. Base subway fare is USD 1.35 and increases during rush hour and for longer trips. Rail fare cards can be purchased at vending machines located inside the stations. The closest station to the hotel is Smithsonian which is just 3 blocks north of the hotel at the corner of 12th Street SW and Independence Avenue SW. Click here to view a PDF of the metrorail route maps.
By Bus
There are a number of bus stops near the hotel which take riders to the Waterfront area and around DC. USD 1.25
By Our Limousine services
Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC operates a house card for local travel, subject to availability. Please call +1 (202) 787-6170 or email mowas-ConciergeDepartment@mohg.com for more information.
By Train
Union Station is part of Amtrak, American’s national railroad passenger system and is located 6 minutes from the hotel. Metrorail connects directly into Union Station. Trains run between Washington DC and New York City every two to three hours. The journey takes approximately three hours and costs USD 109.
To and From the Airports
There are three different Washington DC airports. Reagan Airport, Washington’s National is the nearest, it is across the river from DC; Baltimore Washington International, is 35 miles to the north and Dulles is 26 miles to the west.
By Our Limousine
Our Concierge desk is always available to assist with car and limousine arrangements, when booking online you can directly
book your transfer, or for fares click here, alternatively please call +1 (202) 787-6170 for more information.
By Taxi
Taxis are readily available at all three regional airports. During busy arrival times, the lines may be long. For approximate fares click here.
By Rental Car
Driving in Washington DC is not necessarily recommended. The grid system is superb for pedestrian orientation but takes some mastering as a new driver. The usual parking hazards present problems too. However if you have plans to travel out of Washington DC and would like to rent a car our concierge will be delighted to make arrangements. Please contact us on +1 (202) 787-6170 or email mowas-ConciergeDepartment@mohg.com for more information. Alternatively car rental agencies are represented at the airport. Please note that most national agencies will not rent to anyone under 25. Rental Rates vary by car selection.
By Shuttle
For larger parties Super Shuttle International is available to and from all three regional airports. It is suggested that a reservation be made in advance. Our concierge will be happy to make arrangements. For approximate fares click here.
By Metro
The metro system only has a stop at Ronald Reagan National Airport. The stop is adjacent to terminals B&C and upon exiting the metro stop, there is a pedestrian walkway which will take passengers into the airport terminal’s concourse where the jet gates are located.
Baltimore Washington International Airport has a train station located just a few minutes away with free shuttle service provided from the airport terminal to the train station. From there, passengers can board the MARC trains which transport passengers to Union Station in Washington DC.
The nearest Metrorail station to Dulles International Airport is the West Falls Church Station on the Orange Line. Direct transportation to this station is available from the Washington Flyer Coach Service.
The closest station to the hotel is Smithsonian, take the Independence Avenue Exit then head south for 2 ½ block to 12th Street.
Underground Metro
Taxi Fares
Single Passenger Zone Fares
Zone 1—USD 6.50
Zone 2—USD 8.80
Zone 3—USD 11
Zone 4—USD 12.60
Zone 5—USD 14
Zone 6—USD 15.50
Zone 7—USD 17.80
Zone 8—USD 18.90
Group Rates
• USD 1.50 extra for each
additional passenger after
first passenger in group
