How to Get to The Wharf DC

There are so many options for getting to The DC Wharf from anywhere in the region.  We use them all; public transportation, walking, biking, car service, water taxi, and driving. 

We think the best way to get to The Wharf is the Metro, DC’s subway. The system is extensive and relatively easy to navigate.  

Driving can be dicey. There are about 500 spaces available on Wharf property, but traffic can be terrible around The Wharf, the rates are high, and DC police are quick to write parking tickets. If you feel like you must drive, and you’ll only be here during the daytime hours, the best option is to park at East Potomac Park and take the free Jitney (ferry) across the water to Recreation Pier. 

There are rideshare options.  The city has designated a rideshare area on the 800 block of Maine, Ave. SW. Also, there is a designated area on 7th Street in front of the Canopy by Hilton. 

Walking is a great option if you are anywhere near the National Mall or Navy Yard. Likewise, biking is convenient and there are even plenty of rent-a-bikes. 

The Wharf sponsors a free shuttle, which is quick, clean, and a great way to get to the waterfront. However, it is limited to a loop around the edge of the National Mall. 

The funnest option to get to The Wharf is by Water Taxi.  Ride the big yellow boats to and from Georgetown, Old Town, Va., and National Harbor.  

Below are the details for each option. 

Public Transportation

Metro

Waterfront Metro Green line

5-minute walk to Waterfront Metro: From the Wharf, head southwest on Maine Ave. SW, which will turn into M St. SW. Turn left onto 4th St. SW, and the Metro station will be on your right.

L’Enfant Plaza Metro Blue, Orange, Silver, Green, Yellow lines

8-minute walk to L’Enfant Plaza Metro: From The Wharf, head north on 7th Street SW, turn right onto D St. SW, and the Metro will be on your right.

Water Taxi

The high-speed water-taxi pulls right up to Transit Pier and gets you into the heart of the Wharf. The taxis are spacious with inside and rooftop seating allowing passengers to view many monuments and beautiful attractions.  Each water taxi has restrooms and snack bars. Due to water conditions, the Water Taxi operates March-December each year.

Fares to Georgetown, Alexandria, and National Harbor

One-Way: Adults starting at $10 | Children (Ages 2–11) starting at $7

Roundtrip: Adults starting at $18 | Children (Ages 2–11) starting at $12.60

Season Pass: $199

LEARN MORE

Circulator Bus

Metro has a free bus called the Circulator that runs through all four quadrants of the city. The busses are new, clean, and very convenient for $1.   Live interactive map 

VIEW REAL-TIME Metro and Bus SCHEDULE

Virginia Railway Express

The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) stops at L’Enfant Plaza Metro station

The Southwest Shuttle

[The Southwest Shuttle is suspended until September 2, 2021.]

The Wharf offers a SW Neighborhood Shuttle that is free and open to the public. With daily service and 10-minute headways, it’s easy and convenient to take the shuttle between The Wharf to the National Mall, with stops at L’Enfant Plaza and the International Spy Museum.

Roundtrip Shuttle Route

The Wharf, at 800 Maine Ave SW (near CVS)

L’Enfant Plaza Metro/VRE Station, on 7th St at Maryland Ave SW

National Mall, on Independence Ave at 7th St SW (near Hirshhorn)

International Spy Museum and L’Enfant Plaza Retail, on 10th St SW

• Hours of Operation
  • Monday–Thursday: 6:30am–11:30pm
  • Friday: 6:30am–1:00am
  • Saturday: 9:00am–1:00am
  • Sunday: 9:00am–11:00pm

TRACK The Wharf SHUTTLE BUS IN REAL TIME

Walking to The Wharf

Walking Distance to Nearby Attractions

10-minute walk to National Mall

15-minute walk to Jefferson Memorial

20-minute walk to Washington Monument

20-minute walk to Nationals Park

Bike to The Wharf

D.C. is fast becoming a bike friendly city with a growing number of dedicated bike lanes.  

Once you arrive at The Wharf, you’ll find plenty of places to secure your bike and check out The Wharf by foot.  Bicycle parking is located along Maine Avenue and Wharf Street, and even in the garage at the bottom of the ramps of the Blair Alley and Sutton Square entrances. 

Dockless bikes and scooters can usually be easily found around The Wharf. There are also two Capital Bikeshare stations along Maine Ave (one at 7th Street SW, the other at 9th Street) and hundreds throughout the city.  

Parking at The Wharf

There is a parking garage on Maine Ave. and open 24 hours. It can be accessed from three entrances: Blair Alley, Sutton Square, and 7th Street Park.  The garages use the ParkMobile app (Zone 326), which makes exiting a pretty easy because you are prepaid and won’t have to stop at the ticket machine.  For more information about where to park at the Wharf and the surrounding area check out Where to Park at The Wharf

Check out The Wharf’s website for more details at Wharf Parking.

Parking Rates:

Weekdays

First 30 minutes: $5

1 Hour: $10

2 Hours: $18

3 Hours: $24

4 Hours: $29

More than 4 Hours: $38

Weekends and Special Events

First 30 minutes: $5

1 Hour: $10

2 Hours: $18

3 Hours: $25

4 Hours: $35

More than 4 Hours: $45