Travel

Getting to Washington, D.C.

Conference location: Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill, 400 New Jersey Ave NW

✅ Easiest Route from the Airport:

Fly into Reagan National (DCA) → Take the Metro Yellow line to Gallery Place/Chinatown → Switch to the Red line → Ride 2 stops to Union Station → Walk 2 blocks to the hotel. Total cost: under $5. Total time: about 25 minutes.

✈️ Transportation from Airports: Quick Reference Guide

Airport Distance Best Option Cost
Reagan National (DCA) ⭐ Recommended 5 miles Metro (direct) Under $5
Dulles (IAD) 30 miles Metro Silver line + transfer ~$6 / Uber ~$50
Baltimore BWI 34 miles MARC Train or Uber ~$10 train / Uber ~$60+

✈️ Flying In — Reagan National Airport (Recommended)

Reagan National Airport seen from above

Reagan National (DCA) is only 5 miles from the hotel and is directly on the Metro. It’s by far the easiest and cheapest airport to use. ASGA strongly recommends flying into Reagan National if possible.

Washington Dulles (IAD) is 30 miles away. The Metro Silver line now runs directly to Dulles, but the trip is longer. Airfare is sometimes cheaper here.
Baltimore/Washington (BWI) is 34 miles away. Often the cheapest airfare, but the ground trip is the longest. Take the MARC train to Union Station, then walk 2 blocks to the hotel.

🚇 Metro: Cheapest Way to Get To the Hotel
Washington’s Metro is safe, fast, and inexpensive. From Reagan National, the step-by-step trip to the hotel:

  1. Board the Yellow line at Reagan National Airport station
  2. Ride to Gallery Place/Chinatown
  3. Switch to the Red line
  4. Ride 2 stops to Union Station
  5. Exit and walk 2 blocks to the Hyatt Regency and you’re there!

Cost: under $5 per person · Time: about 25 minutes

Metro hours: until midnight on weekdays, until 3:00 a.m. Friday & Saturday nights.

Tip: Buy a SmarTrip card then use it all weekend to sightsee, eat out, and lobby on Capitol Hill. wmata.com

Union Station: 2 Blocks Away

Union Station is just 2 blocks from the hotel and is one of the most beautiful train stations in America. It’s your arrival point whether you come by Metro, Amtrak or MARC train.

Amtrak: A great option for East Coast schools. Amtrak stops directly at Union Station. Walk 2 blocks and you’re at the hotel. amtrak.com

30+ dining options inside Union Station, perfect for a meal before or after the conference.

🚗 Uber & Lyft

Both are convenient and typically cheaper than taxis. From Reagan National expect $20–$35; from Dulles around $50–$65. Great for late-night returns when you don’t want to navigate the Metro. Uber  ·  Lyft

🚗 Driving & Parking

Parking in Washington D.C. is expensive and limited. The Hyatt charges $46/night valet-only (no self-parking). Large vans or buses cannot be accommodated at the hotel. Contact the hotel for nearby oversize parking options.

💰 Money-saving tip: Park outside D.C. at a Metro station with a parking lot (many have them), then ride the Metro in. You’ll save significantly on parking costs.

🌦️ October Weather in D.C.

Daytime highs average 50–60°F. Evening temperatures can drop to 30–50°F. Rain is possible, so bring an umbrella. Meeting rooms may be cool due to air conditioning, so bring a light layer.

📅 Check the D.C. forecast

📍 Getting Around Once You’re Here

If you stay at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill, all conference workshops and lunches are right there. You never need a car. And you can walk to incredible sights:

  • U.S. Capitol is a 5-minute walk
  • Union Station is 2 blocks (Metro + 30+ restaurants)
  • Smithsonian Museums & National Mall is a short walk or Metro
  • Washington Monument & Lincoln Memorial is a short Metro ride or long scenic walk
  • White House is a short Metro or walk

Buy a SmarTrip Metro pass and use it all weekend. It’s the easiest way to see the city.