Travel Information for Visiting Congress

Washington, D.C. welcomes millions of visitors every year. It’s compact and relatively easy to navigate once you know a few basics.

If you're participating in the Day of Action, you’ll spend most of your time on or near Capitol Hill and downtown, so staying near a Metrorail station and planning extra time for traffic and security will make your trip much smoother.

Travel at a Glance

• Best airport: Reagan National (DCA) – closest to downtown and Capitol Hill, with direct Metrorail service.
• Alternatives: Dulles (IAD) via Silver Line Metrorail; Baltimore/Washington (BWI) via shuttle + MARC/Amtrak trains or bus + Metro.
• Best areas to stay: Downtown/White House, Foggy Bottom/George Washington University, Dupont Circle/Embassy Row, Capitol Hill, or near Metrorail in Arlington or Alexandria.
• Getting around: Walk + Metrorail for most trips; supplement with rideshares or taxis as needed.

Getting There

There are three major airports serving the region, plus frequent train service from the Northeast. They all work, but some are more convenient than others if your destination is Capitol Hill.

Reagan National Airport (DCA)

Fly here if you can. It’s the closest airport to downtown D.C. and Capitol Hill. In light traffic, it’s about a 15–20 minute cab or rideshare ride to the city center. DCA is directly served by Metrorail, and you can usually take the train straight into downtown or to stations near the Capitol.

Dulles Airport (IAD)

Dulles is a major international airport with many flight options. It is farther from downtown — roughly an hour by car depending on traffic. You can also take Metrorail into the city via the Silver Line, which typically takes about 45–55 minutes to reach the Rosslyn or downtown stations.

Baltimore/Washington Airport (BWI)

BWI often offers cheaper flights, but it is also about an hour from downtown D.C. by car. From the airport, you can take a shuttle to the BWI Rail Station and then use Amtrak or Maryland’s MARC commuter trains to reach Union Station in D.C. There are also bus services that connect BWI to Metrorail.

Amtrak

Along the Northeast Corridor (Boston–New York–Philadelphia–Washington), Amtrak is frequent, fast, and comfortable. The higher-speed Acela service also runs this route. Trains arrive at Union Station, which connects to Metrorail and is about a 10–15 minute walk from the Capitol complex and congressional office buildings. The area around Union Station is busy during the day but can feel quieter and less comfortable late at night, so if you arrive after dark it’s a good idea to use a taxi or rideshare directly to your hotel.

Where to Stay

The Planetary Society secures a block of rooms at a downtown hotel for participants in the Day of Action. Space is limited. Details are provided after registration. 

For those who would like to secure their own lodging, note that Congress is on the east side of downtown, and you’ll spend much of your day near Capitol Hill and central D.C. Our training location is on the east side of the city center as well. Staying in any central neighborhood can work well if you are near a Metrorail station or give yourself ample time to commute.

Washington, D.C. can be expensive, so we recommend booking your stay early. Sites like hotwire.com and priceline.com can offer good deals if you are flexible about hotel brands. When searching, focus on neighborhoods with straightforward access to Capitol Hill and downtown, such as:

• Downtown / White House: Central, good Metro access, easy to reach both training locations and the Hill.
• Foggy Bottom / George Washington University: Near the Orange/Blue/Silver lines and walkable to many downtown areas.
• Dupont Circle / Embassy Row: A bit farther from the Hill but lively, with good Metro connections.
• Capitol Hill / Eastern Market / Union Station: Closest to congressional offices; often quieter in the evenings. Note Union Station area can get a bit sketchy in the evenings.
• Arlington and Alexandria (Virginia): Often more affordable; look for hotels near Metrorail stations to avoid heavy rush-hour traffic into the city.

Short-term rentals can be an option as well, but quality and experience can vary. If you use services like Airbnb, carefully review past guest feedback and pay close attention to location and access to Metrorail.

Getting Around

Traffic in D.C. can range from busy to very congested, especially during weekday rush hours and around major events. Avoid driving during peak times if you can. Within the city, taxis are available and Lyft and Uber rideshare services are plentiful. Always build in extra time for traffic, construction, or unexpected road closures.

Metrorail (Metro)

In many cases, the easiest way to get around is to take the Metro. It’s generally faster than driving to and from Capitol Hill during the day and avoids the hassle of parking.

• Fares are distance- and time-based and typically start at just a few dollars per ride. Check the WMATA website or trip planner for current prices and service hours.
• You can pay with a SmarTrip card or compatible contactless credit/debit card at the faregates.
• Metro can be very crowded during weekday rush hours (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–6:30 p.m.), so allow extra time and expect full trains.
• Google Maps and other mapping apps provide reliable transit directions using Metro.

Parking

Parking near downtown and Capitol Hill is limited and expensive. If you must drive, we recommend you plan in advance to find a garage near the Capitol complex. The Washington, D.C. tourism office maintains a helpful overview of parking options; you can start with their parking guide.

Safety Tips

Washington, D.C. is a major city with the attendant safety and public order  challenges. Most visitors have a smooth, trouble-free trip, but it’s still wise to take the same basic precautions you would in any large urban area.

• Stay aware of your surroundings: Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places like Metro stations, trains, and busy sidewalks.
• Use well-lit, busy routes at night: Stick to main streets and avoid poorly lit or isolated areas after dark. Around large transit hubs like Union Station, it’s often more comfortable to use a taxi or rideshare at night rather than walking alone.
• Travel in groups when possible: If you’re out late, especially after an evening event, walk with fellow participants or take a rideshare together.
• Secure your valuables: Keep wallets, phones, and passports in zipped interior pockets or bags that you can keep in front of you in crowded spaces.
• On Metro: Stand back from platform edges, avoid very empty train cars late at night if you can, and keep bags close to you.
• Know who to contact: In an emergency, call 911. For non-emergency situations, local jurisdictions also maintain non-emergency lines. Around the Capitol complex, you will see U.S. Capitol Police on duty; they are there to help keep the area secure.

Trust your instincts: if a situation or route doesn’t feel right, choose a different path, step into a busy public place, or use a taxi or rideshare instead.

Visiting Congress & Security Basics

When you visit congressional offices or other buildings in the Capitol complex, you will go through airport-style security screening at building entrances. Plan ahead so these steps don’t cause you to be late for your meetings.

• Arrive early: Plan to reach each congressional office building at least 15–20 minutes before your scheduled meeting time to allow for security screening and navigating the building.
• Bring identification: Carry a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license or passport). If you’re flying, make sure your ID is accepted for U.S. domestic air travel.
• Travel light: Security moves faster if you avoid large bags and extra items. A small bag or briefcase is ideal.
• Prohibited items: As in airports, weapons, sharp objects, and other restricted items are not allowed. Check official Capitol Visitor Center or congressional guidelines if you are unsure about a specific item.
• Expect visible security: It is normal to see law enforcement and security personnel around the Capitol complex. This is a routine part of daily operations and not a cause for concern.

Accessibility & Mobility

The Capitol complex and most federal buildings provide elevators, ramps, and other accessibility features, but there is still a fair amount of walking and standing during a typical advocacy day.

• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking and standing on hard surfaces.
• If you use a mobility device or have specific accessibility needs, please let event organizers know in advance. We can usually adjust routes and schedules to make your day easier.
• Many Metro stations include elevators, but some routes may involve stairs; allow extra time if you need accessible paths.

What to Wear & What to Bring

When meeting with members of Congress or their staff, a professional appearance helps convey seriousness and respect — but you also need to be comfortable enough to move around all day.

What to wear

• Business or business-casual attire is appropriate: collared shirts, blouses, slacks, skirts, dresses, and closed-toe shoes.
• A blazer or jacket is optional but can be useful for layering.
• Bring layers; indoor temperatures can be cool even when it’s warm outside.
• The. most important item? Comfortable shoes!

What to bring

• Government-issued photo ID for building access and air travel.
• A small bag or backpack with room for notes, handouts, and a water bottle.
• A printed or digital copy of your meeting schedule and locations.
• A fully charged phone and, ideally, a portable charger.
• Any printed materials or leave-behinds provided by The Planetary Society.

What to avoid

• Large bags and extra items that will slow down security screening.
• Weapons, sharp objects, tools, or anything that might raise questions at security.
• Open food or drink at the security checkpoint (check local rules; an empty bottle you can refill later is usually safest).

Weather & Seasons

Weather in Washington, D.C. can change quickly, and conditions vary by season:

• Spring (including our typical Day of Action timeframe in April): Often mild, with cool mornings and evenings and comfortable afternoons. Rain is common, so consider packing a small umbrella or rain jacket.
• Summer: Hot and humid, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Lightweight, breathable clothing is essential.
• Fall: Generally pleasant, with cooler temperatures and lower humidity.
• Winter: Can be cold and occasionally snowy; bring a warm coat, hat, and gloves if visiting then.

Check the forecast shortly before you travel and adjust your packing list accordingly.

Extra Time? Space & Science Stops

If you plan to arrive early or stay an extra day or two, Washington, D.C. and the surrounding area offer several excellent space and science destinations:

• National Air and Space Museum (National Mall): Iconic aircraft and spacecraft exhibits in the heart of the city.
• Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center (near Dulles): A companion facility to the Air and Space Museum with large hangars housing space shuttles, rockets, and aircraft (best reached by car or rideshare).
• National Museum of Natural History: Meteorites, planetary science exhibits, and more Earth and space science content.

These stops can be a rewarding way to round out your visit before or after a day of advocacy on Capitol Hill.