Washington, DC

Washington DC Useful Facts

Flights and Transfers

Direct flights take around 8 hours – direct and indirect flights are available, and regional departures can be arranged. If you have pre-booked transfer arrangements or tours with us, you will be met on arrival by our Tropical Sky representative who will guide you to your transfer vehicle.  If you have pre-booked car hire, follow the instructions given on your booking itinerary.

To get to D.C. from the airport, take either the Metrobus (details from the desk in the terminal) or a taxi. A taxi trip downtown costs around $60-80 and takes about 40-60 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the SuperShuttle which operates a popular door-to-door shared ride service to anywhere in the D.C. area. Around $40 for 2 people $50 for 3. Shuttles leave when full or 20 minutes after the first passenger bought a ticket.

Visa Requirements

Passports must be valid for a minimum of six months from your return date to the UK, and all travellers should check full entry requirements prior to travel by visiting the FCO website or by contacting the relevant embassy.

USA entry procedures have changed and UK travellers to the USA under the Visa Waiver Scheme must now complete the I-94W form online, using the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) system - for more details, look at the US Embassy site.  Any other nationalities must seek the advice of their embassy.

Language

English is the primary language spoken – however, much like the rest of the US, Washington D.C. is a multi-cultural destination and people from all over the world live and travel here.

Transportation

On foot: Washington D.C. was made for walking and it’s a great way to see more of the city. If you’re just sightseeing, this is by far the easiest and most cost-effective way to do it.

Bus: If you get tired of walking, the D.C. Circulator bus runs between the main attractions and is ideal for visitors. The metrobus tends to run mainly for commuters and isn’t as useful for tourists.

Car: Driving here is not advised. In fact, one insurance company suggests that it’s 95.5% more likely you’ll have a car accident in DC than in any other US city! Even the local residents rarely both because of the difficulties involved – we don’t recommend it.

Taxi: Taxis are readily available if you don’t want to take the bus.

Subway: The metro is an underground/overground system which you can easily navigate and buy tickets for.

Currency

The US Dollar – credit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, shops and restaurants.

Electricity

120V/60 Hz - all plugs are a flat blade 2 pin. Converters are readily available in the UK for the USA.

Vaccinations and Health

You don’t currently require vaccinations to travel here. However, as health requirements change, please consult with your GP or specialist travel clinic well in advance of your holiday for specific information related to your travel and medical history. Additional information can be found by visiting NaTHNaC or MASTA Travel health.

Dialling Code

001-202

Time Difference

EST -8

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Holly Reid
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01342 331798 Call us 9am-7pm Mon-Fri / 9am-5pm Sat-Sun