Is there a train from VA to DC?

I am planning on taking the train fromRichmond VA to DC with 2 boys, 14 & 11. We plan to do some sight-seeing. Probably the zoo, Smithsonian, maybe the White House. Does anyone have any suggestions on where I should get off the train at in DC, recommend any hotels that are near the sites so that we could either walk, take a cab or the metro. Does anyone know how difficult it is to figure out which metro to get on from or near the train station. Also I'm not looking for a 5-star hotel, just something that is clean & in a safe location. I'm just concerned with not having a vehicle & being somewhere I'm not familiar & having to rely on others for transporation while having 2 kids in tow. Just thought it would be neat for the kids to experience the train ride but don't know if it would be easier for me to drive my own vehicle. Any suggestions would be most appreciated.

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Darrell6t

Washington DC...

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1. Re: Taking the train from Richmond VA to Wash DC to sight-see

11 years ago

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Acar is just a hindrance for a visitor to DC. But there are a few places in close-by Virginia suburbs where you could park the car if you were to drive. But if part of the point is for your children to experience a train ride, taking the train will work just fine.

There is only one Amtrak stop in DC: Union Station. But if you were to get a hotel in Alexandria you could get off the train there. You need to read this forum a bit to get some ideas about what sorts of hotels are available. And you will see that if you want specific recommendations you need to give your exact dates and an idea of exactly how much you would like to spend for the hotel. If you start reading you will also learn that Metro is pretty easy and can get you a lot of places.

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longhorn74

Arlington, Virginia

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for Arlington, Washington DC

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2. Re: Taking the train from Richmond VA to Wash DC to sight-see

11 years ago

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Just take the train fromRichmond to Union Station In D.C. There is a Metro station (Red Line) right at Union Station as well as plenty of taxis. I would just choose a hotel that you like in D.C. (or even in Arlington or Alexandria if you find a great deal) that is near a Metro station--you don't need one near Union Station.

For more info on using Metro, see their website: http://www.wmata.com The Trip Planner feature will tell you exactly how to get from Point A to Point B.

Your kids are old enough so that it won't be any problem riding Metro with them and I'm sure they will enjoy the experience.

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Yorkiemom19

Wyoming

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3. Re: Taking the train from Richmond VA to Wash DC to sight-see

11 years ago

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I would strongly suggest you avoid metro during rush hours. It's not worth the added stress on you or your kids. There are plenty of lower priced hotels away from downtown DC andUnion Station. Rosslyn, Crystal City to name a couple with metro stations very conveniently located.

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