DC Metro Question

[Goofy6294]

For any WDWMagic members with Washington, DC touring experience...We're currently in National Harbor and I'm wondering if anyone may have tips about using the Metro. Are there any stations or areas that are not kid-safe. The hotel employees talked me out of a public bus that connects the hotel with the Branch St. station, but I'm wondering if they're just trying to throw business to all of the cabbies and car companies lined up outside.

TIA!

 

[RandomPrincess]

All the tourist areas are safe. During the day the bus should be fine if you are used to city buses. That National Harbor is surrounded by some questionable areas depending on what you are used to. Nothing to dangerous IMO. Personally I would take a cab since I hate buses - even nice Disney ones.

 

[Calvin Coolidge]

Most of the Metro stations in places in the District itself I'd imagine you'd want to go are fairly safe. I can't speak too much to Maryland stations, but in general that whole section of the Green Line can be a bit sketchy. And DC Metro buses are a nightmare. I can't confirm their story, but it's plausible.

 

[rsoxguy]

I have used the DC Metro system many times over several years. It is generally clean, easy to maneuver, and safe. The best advice that I could offer would apply to your own neighborhood; use common sense, always be aware of your surroundings, and don't allow others to cloud your judgement. Any station within the "tourist" areas are generally safe. I have only ridden a bus twice in DC, and I did not have a negative experience either time.

 

[englanddg]

I would steer clear of the busses, and the Branch Ave area isn't the best area (in fact, most of SE DC is a place to avoid, in fact, there was a shooting there today, about a block from the Anacostia station). That being said, as rsoxguy mentioned, just keep your head down and you'll be fine, just like most mass transit in any city.

The stations / cars of the Metro, in terms of cleanliness and comfort, are a crap shoot. One time I rode it and the A/C in half the cars were broken. Add to that record setting heat waves that trip and it was unbearable.

Coming from National Harbor, you are already going to have quite a haul to get to Branch Ave. If I were you, I'd hop over the 95 bridge and get off on Richmond Hwy Southbound, then it's an easy right turn onto Huntington Ave. From there you can take the Yellow Line into the city (which is nicer / safer than the Green Line, which can get a bit sketchy in places.). Anyhow, Huntingon Station is much closer to where you are than Branch Ave.

 

[Goofy6294]

Thanks!

 

[Figgy1]

I have used the DC Metro system many times over several years. It is generally clean, easy to maneuver, and safe. The best advice that I could offer would apply to your own neighborhood; use common sense, always be aware of your surroundings, and don't allow others to cloud your judgement. Any station within the "tourist" areas are generally safe. I have only ridden a bus twice in DC, and I did not have a negative experience either time.

^^^^^^^ This. The Metro itself is quite safe. Lots of police and unseen monitoring. I'd avoid the busses. I've even toured the monuments late at night and never had a problem. Just be aware and have fun!

 

[Goofy6294]

An update...we haven't used the Metro. We feel like from National Harbor, it's just easier to grab a taxi to get downtown walk to where we want to go from there. But thanks again for the advice. I knew I could count on ya'll for help!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Awwww...Chandler loved riding the Metro when he was 3. He'd stand by the platform light and stare at it. When the flashing started he'd dance around "It's coming!" When the train appeared he'd squeal and clap. Such a funny kid.