Getting around

Question

We will be visiting for the first time in a couple weeks. It’ll be five of us, two adults and three kids (8 & 6 yrs old and 11 month old) what is the easiest way to get around that does not include needing to bring car seats? Thank you so much in advance for your help!

Answer

Traveling in Washington DC with young children, including an infant, is very doable without a car, as the city has excellent public transportation and family-friendly transit options. Since you prefer not to bring car seats, here are the best ways to get around:

1. Metro

The DC Metro is a fast and convenient way to travel longer distances across the city, including major attractions like the National Mall, museums, and monuments.

Strollers are allowed, but you’ll need to fold them on crowded trains.
Elevators are available at most stations, though some may require a bit of walking to access.
Tickets are purchased via SmarTrip cards, which can be reused for multiple trips.
For your infant, you can carry them in a baby carrier, as car seats are not required.

2. Metrobus & Circulator Bus

Metrobus and the DC Circulator are reliable, affordable options for shorter trips or to areas not easily accessible by Metro.

Buses are stroller-friendly, and some have kneeling features for easier boarding.
Circulator routes connect popular destinations like the National Mall, Georgetown, and Union Station.
Fares are low (Circulator $1 per ride), which is great for a family of five.

3. Rideshare / Taxis

Uber and Lyft are widely used in DC and can be a convenient choice if you don’t want to navigate public transit with small children, especially the infant.

Most drivers do not provide car seats, but for very short distances in the city, using a baby carrier or holding the infant in a secure manner is sometimes common. However, if you prefer legal compliance, you may need a portable travel car seat for taxis or rideshare.
Request an XL or SUV ride to comfortably fit a stroller and all passengers.

4. Walking

Many of DC’s main attractions are clustered along the National Mall, making walking a convenient option.

With a stroller, sidewalks are generally wide and accessible.
You can combine walking with Metro or Circulator for longer trips.

5. Tips for Families

Bring a lightweight, foldable stroller for the infant and convenience when using public transport.
Plan trips around Metro stops to minimize walking with the baby and strollers.
Consider staying near the National Mall or downtown area to maximize walkability and reduce transportation needs.

In summary, a combination of Metro, Circulator buses, and walking will allow you to explore DC efficiently without a car. For specific trips with the infant, a baby carrier or travel car seat may be needed if you use rideshare. Staying centrally makes it easier to avoid long commutes and enjoy the city with kids.

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