Flying to D.C.
Reagan/National Airport (DCA) is the closest airport to downtown Washington or Baltimore Airport (BWI), approximately 1 hour northeast of Washington.
Dulles International (IAD) in Chantilly, Virginia, is approximately 1 hour west of Washington.
Consider the Super Shuttle, 1-800-BLUE-VAN, Airport Shuttles & Buses, Ride Share (Uber, Lyft, Taxi), or Metro for ground transportation.
U of M has a travel system available to students that offers excellent pricing (often better than Expedia or Travelocity). Check Wolverine Access – Travel Registry or Students using the U of M system can use personal credit cards to make travel arrangements.
Students will be advised of move-in and move-out dates during the Prep Course. Travel plans should be made as early as possible for the best rates.
Ground Transportation to D.C.
Occasionally, students will take the Amtrak to D.C. A one-way trip from Ann Arbor to Toledo and from Toledo to D.C. is over 16 hours.
As for driving to D.C., students are discouraged from having a car while in D.C., but families and friends are welcome to drive students to Washington, which takes about 10 hours from Ann Arbor in good weather.
Be forewarned that the District of Columbia is strict about issuing parking and speeding tickets, and first-time tickets for any infraction cost more than in Ann Arbor.
If you, your family, and your friends plan to see the sights, we suggest you unload your belongings in the apartment, park the car in a secure garage, and leave it there. Go around town by Metro subway or bus. The “Circulator Bus” is designed to take you from one sight to the next, so it is handy for visiting attractions.
Bicycles are for rent from Capital BikeShare.
Getting Around in DC
Rideshare (Uber, Lyft, Taxi) is one means of getting around DC, although students generally rely on Metro trains or buses for most daily transportation.
The Metro is the primary means of transportation for almost everyone in the city. The MIW Program Manager will provide Metro passes to students at orientation and work with them to ensure they have adequate transportation funds. Students are encouraged to negotiate Metro passes when accepting offers for internships.
