Metro or drive with group

Question

Hello,

We’re taking our multi generation family (13 adults and 6 children) for a DC trip in July. Staying in a house in Vienna. We’ll have 4 rent cars and can’t decide if we should just drive and pay for a parking garage or try to corral the whole group onto the metro. Know we’d have to drive to a metro station and pay to park there plus metro fare. Advice? I appreciate it!

Answer

With a group as large as yours (19 people, including children), both driving and taking Metro are possible—each option has clear advantages and drawbacks. Because you’ll be based in Vienna, you’re very close to the Orange Line, which makes public transit simple. But four rental cars also give you flexibility. Below is a detailed breakdown to help you decide.

First, the most important thing to know is that *driving into central DC in July can be slow, crowded, and expensive*, while *Metro from Vienna is extremely straightforward*. The best option often depends on the energy level of your group that day and how many separate activities you plan.

Here are the key pros and cons of each approach:

Driving into DC
- Fast at off-peak times (especially weekends), but traffic can be heavy weekdays.
- Parking garages near the National Mall usually cost $20–$35 per day per car.
- With 4 cars, you’ll pay for parking 4 times, which adds up quickly.
- Harder to keep the group together if cars separate or get delayed.
- Easier for older adults, small children, strollers, or anyone with mobility issues—no transfers or walking from Metro stations.
Taking Metro from Vienna (Orange Line)
- Vienna station has a large parking garage with predictable daily rates.
- No traffic stress, no DC navigation, no need to find a garage.
- Metro fare roughly $2–$6 per person each way depending on time of day.
- For 19 people, fares add up—but still likely cheaper than 4 garages.
- Much easier to move together as a group once on board.
- Direct Orange Line ride to Smithsonian, Federal Triangle, Metro Center—short walks to major sights.
- Kids often LOVE riding Metro (it becomes part of the experience).

For most families visiting DC from Vienna, Metro is usually the better choice. However, there are specific situations where driving might be easier. You can even mix both depending on the day.

Here are some recommended scenarios for when to choose each option:

Choose Metro if:
- You’re visiting the National Mall, Smithsonian museums, monuments, or government buildings.
- You want the least stressful option for navigation and parking.
- Your group is okay with some walking.
- You don’t want to deal with driving four cars through downtown DC.
Choose to drive if:
- You’re planning an evening activity that ends late when Metro is less frequent.
- You need to haul strollers, coolers, or supplies for younger kids.
- You plan to visit off-Mall locations like the Zoo, Georgetown, or the Wharf.
- Some adults can drop off others close to the entrance before parking.

If you decide to use Metro, Vienna and nearby Dunn Loring are your best stations, with large parking garages and easy access. If you decide to drive, use a parking app like SpotHero to reserve ahead—this will save you money and guarantee availability.

Final recommendation: With a group your size, Metro from Vienna will be simpler, more predictable, and often cheaper overall. You can always choose to drive on days when mobility or timing makes it more convenient. Mixing both approaches during your trip works well for many families.