Washington DC hotel on a budget

Question

Hello! I am helping my 22 year old son & his friend plan a trip to Washington DC. They are both broke college students so hoping to keep hotel costs low. They are very familiar with budget accommodations and don’t care if the hotel is run down, smelly, etc - their main criteria is (a) easy to get to tourist attractions and (b) safe area… okay, that one is mine lol. They will be in DC April 7-15th. I’ve done a prelim search and there’s nothing in downtown DC for under $175. My question - if they stay outside of DC, which area would you recommend as easiest to get downtown (Arlington,Bethesda, other?) And, if they stayed in one of these areas, roughly how much should they plan to spend taking the train in/out of DC every day? They don’t have a set budget, but are hoping to keep hotel as cheap as possible. Thank you in advance for any guidance!

Answer

For budget-conscious travelers visiting Washington DC, staying outside of the city can offer significant savings while still providing convenient access to downtown attractions. Areas just across the Potomac River in Virginia or nearby Maryland are popular options, as they are safe, connected by Metro, and often cheaper than hotels in central DC.

Some recommended areas for staying outside of DC include:

Arlington, VA: Particularly neighborhoods near Rosslyn, Clarendon, or Crystal City. These areas are a short Metro ride from downtown DC (Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines), safe, and have affordable hotels and hostels.
Alexandria, VA: Old Town Alexandria has charm but can be pricier. Staying slightly further from the waterfront area can lower costs. Easy Metro access via the King Street station.
Bethesda, MD: Accessible via the Red Line. Hotels here are generally more affordable than downtown DC, and the neighborhood is safe with shops and restaurants nearby.
Silver Spring, MD: Also on the Red Line, north of DC. Offers budget hotels and easy access downtown in about 15–20 minutes by Metro.

For budget hotels, look for chains like Motel 6, Red Roof Inn, or extended-stay options, which often run under $150 per night if booked in advance. Hostels and Airbnb options may also offer savings.

Regarding daily transportation costs, the Washington DC Metro uses a distance-based fare system. As of 2024, the fares for typical trips from these suburbs to downtown are approximately:

Arlington (Rosslyn/Clarendon/Crystal City to Smithsonian/Foggy Bottom/Metro Center): $2.00–$2.75 one way, $4–$5.50 round trip per person.
Bethesda/Silver Spring (Red Line to downtown DC stations): $2.25–$3.50 one way, $4.50–$7 round trip per person.
Alexandria (King Street to downtown DC): $2–$2.75 one way, $4–$5.50 round trip per person.

Assuming two trips per day (into DC and back), your son and his friend can budget roughly $10–$15 per day per person for Metro fares. A SmarTrip card is recommended for convenience and a small daily discount on fares. This makes staying outside of DC financially feasible while still enjoying easy access to tourist attractions, monuments, museums, and other central sites.

In summary, Arlington and Alexandria in Virginia, as well as Bethesda and Silver Spring in Maryland, are ideal choices for budget-conscious travelers. They are safe, well-connected by Metro, and offer more affordable accommodations than central DC. Factoring in daily Metro costs, the overall savings can be substantial, allowing them to allocate more funds to experiences, food, and entertainment while in Washington DC.

Washington DC hotel on a budget

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