Water Taxi to Alexandria

Question

We will be in Washington Dc for 3 nights and thought it might be nice to use the water taxi one night to go to Alexandria for dinner and then return to Georgetown or maybe even start a trip in Georgetown. The water taxi seem to have very limited departure times even in summer. Only 3 from Georgetown all day?? I also looked at just going to go to Alexandria for dinner. We will be there on a Tuesday Wednesday or Thursday night late July. Tuesday and Thursday had a 9pm water taxi from Alexandria back to the Wharf but both are sold out already. The latest water taxi back that seems available is 7.30pm - too early to have dinner. Am I missing something? Is there another ferry service?? We are staying near Foggy Bottom Metro so the metro is an option but thought being on the water might be nice. It is our 2nd trip to Washington DC and we wanted to do something away from sightseeing in the Mall for at least half a day. The times for the water taxi seem to make it hard to coordinate a trip and the site says trips must be booked. I thought I would ask here for suggestions before I put this into the too hard basket! How long would we need at Alexandria if we went through the day instead of trying to get home after dinner?

Answer

Taking the water taxi from Washington DC to Alexandria is a charming way to enjoy the Potomac River and escape the usual National Mall sightseeing. However, as you noticed, the schedule can be restrictive, especially if you’re trying to coordinate a dinner outing in the evening. Most services have limited departures, and some of the popular evening slots often sell out quickly, particularly in the summer months.

Here are some detailed suggestions and considerations for your trip:

Check All Water Taxi Operators: There are a few companies that operate on the Potomac. The primary service is the DC Water Taxi, but there is also a seasonal service by the Potomac Water Taxi and private charter options. Sometimes smaller operators offer more flexible or later departures, so it’s worth checking their websites or calling ahead.
Consider Starting in Old Town Alexandria: If the evening departure from DC is sold out or too early, you could take a later train or rideshare to Alexandria and then return by water taxi earlier the next day, or even enjoy a daytime water trip. This allows more flexibility in dinner timing.
Using Metro or Rideshare: Since you’re near Foggy Bottom, the Metro is a convenient alternative. Take the Blue or Yellow Line south to the King Street – Old Town Station in Alexandria. This trip is about 30–40 minutes and allows you to arrive at a convenient dinner time without worrying about fixed water taxi departures.

If you decide to visit Alexandria during the day rather than an evening water taxi, here’s a rough outline of timing:

Plan at least 3–4 hours to explore Old Town, stroll the waterfront, visit boutiques or historic sites, and enjoy a meal. If you want a more relaxed pace, 5 hours is ideal.
The waterfront and King Street area have plenty of shops, cafes, and historic buildings, making daytime visits enjoyable and flexible.
Dining options are plentiful, from casual spots to more upscale restaurants, so you can schedule lunch or an early dinner depending on your timing.

Additional tips:

Book water taxi tickets as early as possible if you want to secure specific times, especially for weekend or evening trips.
Consider a hybrid approach: use the Metro or rideshare to reach Alexandria at your preferred dinner time, then take the water taxi back the next day for a scenic daytime trip.
Check weather conditions; water taxis are weather-dependent, and summer afternoons can be hot, so bring water and sun protection.

In summary, while the water taxi schedule can limit evening dinner plans, you have several flexible options: check all water taxi operators, consider Metro or rideshare for evening dinner arrivals, or plan a daytime trip to fully enjoy Alexandria’s historic charm. For a truly relaxed experience, aim for a minimum of 3–4 hours in Old Town, more if you want to shop or explore thoroughly.

Water Taxi to Alexandria

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