Visitor FAQ
- Is the Washington, DC Metro area accessible?
- How will I get around the area?
- Are Metrorail and Metrobus wheelchair accessible?
- Can WMATA get me where I want to go?
- How about accessible hotels?
- Are all hotels accessible?
- Can I get a list of accessible hotels?
- Are there Visitor Centers, or something similar, for localities in the Washington, DC Metro Area?
- Is there a guide to the Washington, DC area that is specific for people with disabilities?
Updated February 2011
Q. Is the Washington, DC Metro area accessible?
A. Much of Washington, DC and its surrounding suburbs is known for accessibility to individuals with disabilities. However you should research the specific area you are interested in traveling to; and as always, when traveling with a disability, it always helps to be prepared and to expect the unexpected.
Numerous tourist attractions are located in Washington, DC however there are a number of interesting sites in Northern Virginia and suburban Maryland as well. Many museums in DC are physically accessible. The homes of historical figures often are less accessible (usually because they were constructed before the ADA) but may offer accommodations. Some, but not all, tourist attractions in Washington have free admission.
[ top ]
Q. How will I get around the area?
A. The Washington, DC Metro region has an excellent public transportation system. Metrorail and Metrobus are the primary modes of public transportation in the area and there are many options specific to certain localities (see our Transportation FAQ for more information and details).
[ top ]
Q. Are Metrorail and Metrobus wheelchair accessible?
A. Generally speaking, yes, they are. ECNV encourages you to consult our Transportation FAQ for more information on accessible transportation in Northern Virginia. You can also check out the website for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (WMATA, www.wmata.com).
Be aware though that because most stations are underground, they will require use of an elevator to get wheelchairs and scooters to the street. WMATA maintains a listing of elevator outages and it is updated 24/7. You can check this listing on the WMATA website (www.wmata.com) or by calling (202) 962-1212 (V), (202) 638-3780 (TTY).
[ top ]
Q. Can WMATA get me where I want to go?
A. Generally speaking, yes. The Metrorail subway system is a convenient, low cost, accessible, and (for the most part) underground transit system. There are many subway stops in Washington DC close to tourist sites and when used in conjunction with the Metrobus or other local bus system, you can get even closer. Metrorail serves Washington, DC, Arlington, Alexandria, and parts of Fairfax County, as well as into suburban Maryland.
[ top ]
Q. How about accessible hotels?
A. You can find a number of accessible hotels throughout the Washington DC Metro area. When planning a stay at a hotel/motel or a visit to an attraction, you are advised to talk directly to the people in charge of your reservations to verify accessibility features. Don't rely on the wheelchair access symbol seen in guides. Inquire directly about accessibility specifics such as size of entrances, rooms and bathrooms.
[ top ]
Q. Are all hotels accessible?
A. No, not all, but many of them are. ECNV encourages you to ask about your individual accessibility needs when you speak with representatives of the hotel you wish to stay at.
[ top ]
Q. Can I get a list of accessible hotels?
A. Not exactly. Accessibility needs vary so much from person to person that such a list would rarely be accurate. However, the city or county where you wish to stay may provide an ‘accommodations locator’ or list of hotels on its website and you can contact the hotel directly about its accessibility.
Arlington County: www.arlingtonvirginiausa.com/index.cfm/7144
Fairfax County: www.fxva.com/sleepeatshop/fairfax-virginia-hotels/
Loudoun County: www.visitloudoun.org/Plan-Your-Visit/
City of Alexandria: visitalexandriava.com/hotels/
City of Fairfax: www.visitfairfax.com/accommodations.php
Washington, DC: washington.org/visiting/browse-dc/accommodations
[ top ]
Q. Are there Visitor Centers, or something similar, for localities in the Washington, DC Metro Area?
A. Yes, there are for most localities. Below are listed websites for Washington, DC and for the localities in Virginia that ECNV serves.
Arlington County: www.stayarlington.com/index.cfm/1537
Fairfax County: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/visitors/
Loudoun County: www.visitloudoun.org
City of Alexandria: visitalexandriava.com
City of Fairfax: www.visitfairfax.com
City of Falls Church: www.fallschurchva.gov/Content/CultureRecreation/Visitors.aspx
Washington, DC: washington.org/visiting/browse-dc/accommodations
Please be aware that the sites listed above may not be “Official” pages.
[ top ]
Q. Is there a guide to the Washington, DC area that is specific for people with disabilities?
A. Yes. It’s Disability Guide and it is available for purchase at www.DisabilityGuide.org. It features an accessible dining and nightlife guide for the Washington, DC area; Detailed accessibility information for all area attractions; New museums, memorials, restaurants & attractions and more!
Disability Guide
www.disabilityguide.org
21618 Slidell Road
Boyds, MD 20841
(301) 528-8664 (V/Relay)
There is also a Travel Guide for the Commonwealth of Virginia (please note that includes all of Virginia not just Northern Virginia).
The Virginia Travel Guide for the Disabled
www.accessiblevirginia.org
The Opening Door, Inc.
8049 Oremsby Lane
Woodford, VA 22580
(804) 633-6752 (TTY/V)
contactus@accessiblevirginia.org
[ top ]