BWI to DCA via train

[TangoJuliet]

I have to be in DC later on this month and I am debating on how to get there.

I can fly direct from LGA to DCA but the flights are $330+ right now. Alternatively I can fly from ISP to BWI for $50. I spoke to someone and they said there is a train that connects the two cities. I googled it and found Amtrack and MARC both offer service to DC but was wondering if anyone on AT have done this and what the best method would be.

Thanks!

PS - no I am NOT driving!

 

[MikeMike]

OMG via LOL

 

[poncherelli2]

Depending on where you are in NY, you might want tol take the train from NYP to WAS. If you're on LI, near Islip, fly to BWI and transfer to BWI train station for Amtrak or MARC.

 

[TangoJuliet]

Depending on where you are in NY, you might want tol take the train from NYP to WAS. If you're on LI, near Islip, fly to BWI and transfer to BWI train station for Amtrak or MARC.

I work at LGA but live 10 mins from ISP. Which train is better and are they easy to use?

The hotel I am staying at it is the Hyatt Capitol Hill which is a couple blocks from Union Station.

 

[cronos]

Just take the bus from BWI to the closest Metro station first (I can't remember which line it is on the farthest East side) and then continue to DCA with Metro. The bus ride takes like 25 minutes.

At least this is what I did a couple of years back. I was going to DC and flights to BWI are much cheaper than to DCA.

 

[rcpratt]

Bus B30 to Greenbelt. Take the metro green line to downtown.

Switch to blue line at the plaza if you actually have to get to Reagan.

 

[SP33Demon]

Bus B30 to Greenbelt. Take the metro green line to downtown.

Switch to blue line at the plaza if you actually have to get to Reagan.

Yup, this is the way to go.

 

[HardcoreRobot]

When I have done this I have taken the MARC train from BWI to Union Station in DC, then you can get to DCA on the Metro.

 

[preslove]

Bus B30 to Greenbelt. Take the metro green line to downtown.

Yup. I flew into BWI for a conference in DC. The Bus to the station is ~45 minutes long, and then the metro ride takes a while, too.

The bus fare is expensive. $6 or $7, if I recall correctly.

 

[vshah]

don't want to take megabus for $25? including all the extra time at the airport/transfers etc, the direct bus from downtown nyc may be faster.

http://us.megabus.com/

edit: seeing as low as $9 each way for some times later in may.

 

[cerebusPu]

what i gather you have a few choices,

1. take train from LI to NYC penn station, and then amtrak to DC union station. amtrak from penn station to union station should be about $140-$170. i dont recall exactly.

2. take plane from islip to BWI, take bus to greenbelt. take subway to union station.
3. take plane from islip to BWI , take marc train or amtrak to union station. marc train is like $5 versus $35 for amtrak. however it only runs on weekdays.

check schedules no matter what you do.