DC Advice

[N4843W]

I have a dinner and next day meeting in DC, downtown, in a couple of weeks. I could just go commercial into National but if I fly myself I have other stops I can make. Have flown into Leesburg, once into Dulles, into Montgomery County, Tipton, Freeway, but never to the two closer in ones to the south. Rental cars are over-the-top expensive these days because they sold the fleets during COVID. So ... I would like to fly into where I can catch the train into the city ... or uber to the train, or maybe just Uber from one of the closer-in strips. I'd appreciate any suggestions from the more local to DC folks on where to land, or NOT to land, and strategy for getting downtown. (I am very familiar with the ADIZ)

 

[gaepps]

Gaithersburg (GAI) for the convenience. You can Uber to the Shady Grove metro station quickly for the trip downtown. Getting out IFR isn't much of a hassle and VFR is easy with the two gates to hit depending on direction. Gas is a little pricy but not outrages.

 

[FS]

I'd appreciate any suggestions from the more local to DC folks ...

I've been reluctant to respond since I'm not a DC local. However, since it seems almost everyone has been silent ...

I flew into Leesburg in early April and really had a good experience with Projet Aviation. I just called them, minutes ago, and they are saying Enterprise is still showing $49/day for a rental. Which, in my little mind, isn't so terrible at all. In April they gave me a Chevy Spark for that price (compact car), but you might want something larger. Like they say, it doesn't hurt to call and ask.

I don't think Manassas (HEF) or Maryland (2W5) on the south side provide any advantage, and neither is near a train station. The only option for a train ride is Gaithersburg, as indicated by Anonymous, above. However, the Uber to the train station and then the train ride into DC made it a poor choice for me. It'll take twice as long as the drive in from KJYO. I don't recall asking GAI about rental car availability back in April, and I'm not going to do that homework for you (I already checked KJYO for you).

 

[neald]

I haven't been DC local in nearly 30 years. But since no one has mentioned it: If you are willing to go through the process to land there (https://collegeparkairport.aero/md3.html), College Park Airport is walking distance from a Metro station that will take you anywhere in DC efficiently. The process used to be a huge hassle involving a trip to DCA for fingerprinting, but that can now be done anywhere (and is only a moderate hassle). It is the oldest airport in the nation, so a neat plane to land to boot.

Regards,
Neal

 

[N4843W]

Thanks to all for the input. Found out it takes 3-4 weeks for processing after you get your login, then your fingerprints! Not enough time for this trip. Good points about Uber and Metro combined ... I did that from GAI about 5 years ago, took a long time, hoping for something better. Will check out rentals at Leesburg.

 

[plight]

Hi Scott,

I flew into Dulles, MANY years ago, to visit the Smithsonian Museums. Our hotel was near Dulles, so no issues getting to the hotel. The next day, the FBO gave us a crew car for the day. Hope this helps.