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Washington, D.C.: A City Designed for Walking and Public Transportation
Washington, D.C., originally designed for horses and foot traffic, has evolved into a city that is well-suited for walking and public transportation. Despite the traffic congestion that plagues many parts of the city, particularly during peak hours, the city's transit infrastructure is a testament to its commitment to efficiency and accessibility.
A Transit System to Be Proud Of
In 2025, Washington, D.C. ranks among the top U.S. cities for public transportation, just behind New York, San Francisco, and Boston. The city's transit system, operated by WMATA, includes the Metrorail (with 98 stations on six train lines covering 130 miles) and one of the nation's largest bus networks.
In 2024-2025, WMATA reported a significant rebound in ridership with 241 million trips made in FY2024 and average weekday ridership on Metrorail of about 508,000 in March 2025. This indicates strong transit usage that reduces dependence on driving.
Efforts to improve transit viability include bus network redesigns, fare modernization, expansion of the DC Circulator, suburban commuter rails, growth in active transportation options, and a strong safety and emergency system.
Walking in Washington, D.C.
Walking is encouraged and practical in many parts of D.C., especially downtown and near transit hubs. The city's grid layout and pedestrian infrastructure make walking a viable alternative to driving, particularly when factoring in D.C.’s typical traffic congestion and gridlock, which can significantly increase driving times and frustration.
A City of Attractions
Many famous D.C. landmarks, such as the White House, the Capitol building, the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial, and most of the Smithsonian, are located within easy strolls of each other. Five tourist attractions in Washington, D.C. are better to visit at night, adding to the city's charm and allure.
Navigating Washington, D.C.
The city's street system consists of quadrants, numbers, and lettered streets, which can be confusing to navigate. However, Washington, D.C. was designed as a planned city in the early 1790s by French engineer Pierre L'Enfant. The city contains avenues that cut diagonally through town and are named after random U.S. states.
Parking and Traffic in Washington, D.C.
Street parking in Washington, D.C. costs as little as $2.50 per hour, but finding available spaces and meters can be difficult. Garage rates in Washington, D.C. surge from at least $10 as you approach the city center. According to a 2025 report in Consumer Affairs, Washington, D.C. has the worst road congestion of any city in the U.S., surpassing cities like New York, Atlanta, and Los Angeles.
Biking in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. is a hub for several major bike tour routes, including the 185-mile C&A Canal towpath and the 3,000-mile East Coast Greenway. There are 24 miles of separated bicycle lanes in the city, and the Capital Bikeshare network allows users to quickly borrow a bike in Washington, D.C.
A City that Stands the Test of Time
More than 230 years after its design, Washington, D.C. remains a city that is well-suited for walking, despite the traffic. The city contains more than 30 traffic circles, which can be challenging to navigate and may lead to wrong turns. However, the city's wide sidewalks, level topography, and vast parks, including the National Mall, make walking a pleasure.
In conclusion, Washington, D.C. is a city that offers a variety of transportation options, from walking and public transportation to biking and ride-shares. Despite the challenges posed by traffic congestion, the city's commitment to improving its transit infrastructure and encouraging active transportation options makes it a city that is well-suited for residents and visitors alike.
