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HOW DO I GET TO WASHINGTON DC FOR SEPTEMBER 23?
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION FOR THOSE COMING TO DC
HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED
BUSES, VANS AND CAR CARAVANS GOING TO DC
Buses, vans, and car caravans are coming to Washington, DC from a number of cities, including the ones below.
If you are organizing from your city and it is not listed, email the information to us at freethefive@freethefive.org, or call 202-544-3389.
- Washington, DC: 202-544-3389, info@internationalanswer.org
- New York City: For bus tickets: 212-694-8720, 9.23nycbus@gmail.com
- Baltimore: 410-366-8818, frankp@charm.net
- Philadelphia: 215-849-2793, freethe5@verizon.net
- Richmond: 804-677-6204
- Boston: 617-566-2861, info@july26.org
- Chicago: 773-463-0311, answer@chicagoanswer.net
- Ft. Lauderdale: 954-707-0155, answerflorida@gmail.com
- Miami: 305-757-3113, areitodigital@bellsouth.net
- Atlanta: 404-788-3205
- New Haven: 203-404-9965, Connecticut@answercoalition.org
- Montreal: 514-728-7222, info@tcsqc.ca
- San Francisco : 415-821-6545, freethefive@freethefive.org
- Los Angeles: 323-464-1636, freethefivela@yahoo.com
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DRIVING DIRECTIONS
For detailed driving directions to Washington, DC, click here. Enter "Pennsylvania Ave. & 10 St. NW" in (city) Washington (state) DC as your "end" location. (See the map below for details.)
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PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN DC
For an online DC metro map, click on one of the options below:
Below are PDFs of an 8.5x11 map of the DC metro system. You can print these and give them to the bus driver and bus riders, or just use them to get around the city.
On the weekends, the metro is open from 7:00 am until 3:00 am.
The closest metro stop to the Justice Department, from where the march will start, is the Federal Triangle stop on the Blue and Orange lines, located on 12th between Pennsylvania and Constitution.
The closest metro stop to the forum, which is located at 2201 G St. NW between 21st and 22nd St., is the Foggy Bottom/GWU stop on the Blue and Orange lines.
A metro ride will cost $1.35 minimum per rider each way (if you are traveling from farther away, such as from Maryland or Virginia, it will be more). Fare cards must be purchased from machines (not from a person) located in the metro stations. The maximum change the machines give is $4.95, so please have small bills if you're paying with cash. You can also pay with a debit or credit card (minimum charge $1.35, maximum charge $3.90).
Buses in DC
DC/MD/VA bus maps are available online. Click on the links below for maps:
DC bus map
Maryland bus map
Virginia bus map
Bus timetables are available:
DC
Maryland
Virginia
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AIRPORTS, BUS AND TRAIN STATION IN DC
AIRPORTS
There are three airports in the Washington DC area (click on the name of each airport below for transportation information):
Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)
703-417-8000
located in Virginia very close to DC
Metro connects directly to the terminals
Washington-Dulles International (IAD)
703-572-2700
located in Virginia about 30 min. from DC
Baltimore-Washington Airport (BWI)
1-800-435-9294
located in Maryland halfway between DC and Baltimore, about 30-40 min. drive from DC
BUS STATION
The Greyhound bus station is located at 1005 1st St NE. This is walking distance from Union Station (the train station), which is also the located of a red line metro stop (Click here for metro information). The phone number is (202) 289-5154 and the website is http://www.greyhound.com/.
TRAIN STATION
Amtrak, MTA/MARC, Metrorail and Virginia Rail Express run to Union Station. Union Station is located at 50 Massachusetts Ave. NE. The red line stop "Union Station" is located inside the building (Click here for metro information). Click here for the Union Station website, which offers directions.
- AMTRAK 1-800-USA-RAIL
- MTA/MARC 1-800-325-7245
- Metrorail 202-637-700
- Virginia Rail Express 1-800-743-3873
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WHAT IS THE PLAN FOR SEPT. 23?
We have a major political statement to make on September 23 and a full schedule is planned: a rally at the Justice Department, a picket at the White House and a forum at the George Washington University. Timing of the event is tight, and we need to keep to the schedule. The event starts with a rally at the Justice Department on Pennsylvania Ave., between 9th and 10th Street, N.W. We urge you to arrive by 10:30 a.m. or earlier for an 11:00 start, if at all possible. We will rally there for an hour and then start the march to the White House.
The march will take the demonstration directly in front of the White House on Pennsylvania Ave, where we will hold a picket line. It will be a strong and disciplined picket with large banners, demanding immediate freedom for the Cuban Five. Following the picket, we will continue marching to the forum at George Washington University (GWU). You won’t want to miss the forum program. It will be educational and motivating for us to continue the struggle for Gerardo, Ramón, Antonio, Fernando and René. We are asking everyone to remain with the program through the day so we can have the biggest impact possible.
Click on the map above to view the various march locations in detail
BUS DROP OFF AT THE RALLY SITE
Buses can drop off passengers on Pennsylvania Ave. between 9th and 10th Sts., N.W. We have an agreement with the Metropolitan Police Department for the buses to drop off at this location.
We strongly recommend that all buses utilize this drop off point. This will ensure that everyone arrives on time and does not miss the rally and the start of the march.
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BUS PARKING & PICK UP AFTER THE RALLY
After buses drop off passengers, they should proceed to the designated parking locations for the buses. Bus organizers should designate a bus pick up location at George Washington University, 2201 G St., N.W. between 21 and 22 Streets. You should give slips of paper to each of the bus riders with the GWU address, so they remember when and where to pick your delegation at the end of the day.
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VAN/CAR PARKING
There are many, many parking lots in the White House area, easily accessible on Saturday. There is also a lot of street parking at meters. Most meters do not have to be paid on Saturdays! Below are just a portion of the parking lots All listed below are open on Saturday - addresses, hours and cost is listed below. Those lots that accept vans are noted. If you arrive early, you may find street parking. Please check first to make sure the space has not been designated as "no parking" for the day.
Central Parking System
1773 I St NW (btwn 17 & 18th St)
Open 10am -3am. cost is $7. Only cars Central Parking System
1609 I St NW (btwn 16 & 17th St)
Open 24 hours. Cost is $16. Only cars MCM Parking
1618 I St NW (btwn 16 & 17th St)
Open 8am 5pm. Cost is $8. Only cars Colonial Parking
607 14th St. NW.
Open 8am 1am. Cost is $10.
Only Cars max height 6’8” PMI
1220 E St NW (btwn 12 & 13th St)
Open 7am 12 midnight. Cost is $11.
Only cars max height 6’2” Central Parking System
1530 L St NW
Open 8am -10pm.
Cars $15 / Vans $20 Monument Parking
1828 L St NW
Open 7am-7pm
Cars & Vans |
Intern Parking
1455 F St NW (btwn 14 & 15th St)
Open 12 noon 12 midnight. Cost is $15 all day.
Only cars max height 6’8” QuikPark
504 13th St NW (btwn E & F St)
Open 10am midnight. Cost is $9.
Only cars max height 5’6” National Place Parking
580 13th St NW (btwn E & F St)
Open all day. Cost is $9 flat rate. Cars only Inter Park
730 13th St NW (btwn G & H St)
Open 10am 8pm. Cost is $7.
Cars only max height 6’8” PMI
1401 H St NW (btwn 14 & 15th St)
Open 7am 10pm. Cost is $6.
Only Cars max height 6’7” PMI
1820 L St NW
Open 7am-6pm. Cars $4 MidTown Parking
1750 K St NW (btwn 18 & Conn.)
Open 8am-4pm. Cost is $5. Only Cars |
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HOUSING IN DC: HOTELS, HOSTELS AND CAMPSITES
PLEASE NOTE: All listings of prices and availability are as of early August 2006 and may no longer be valid. Listings are in no particular order. All accommodations are in the Washington DC area (please note that some locations in Northern Virginia may be closer to the rally site, which is in downtown DC, than some of the DC locations).
Hotels for bus drivers: The hotels that accept buses for parking are noted.
Hotel Harrington
436 11th St., NW
(11th and E Sts.) Washington, DC 20004
Tel: 1-800-424-8532 or 202-628-8140
Price: $115 for 2 double beds.
Located 1.5 blocks from metro station, 5 blocks from White House.
Metro station: Metro Center (blue/orange/red lines)
Holiday Inn on the Hill
415 New Jersey Ave., NW
Washington, DC20001
Tel: 1-800-638-1116 or 202-638-1616
Located 2 blocks from Capitol.
www.hionthehilldc.com
Washington Norwich House
College Park, MD 20741
Reservations are required
Free internet access
Hometown.aol.com/dclodging
American Guesthouse
1700 Sherwood Hall Lane
Alexandria, VA22306
Tel: 703-768-0335
Rates vary, approximately: $140 to $180; 2 night minimum
For more info go to website: www.americanguesthouse.com
American Guesthouse
739 22nd St. South
Arlington, VA22202
Tel: 703-768-0335
Rates: call or go to website: www.americanguesthouse.com
American Guesthouse
2005 Columbia Rd., NW
Washington, DC20009
Tel: 703-768-0335
Rates: call or go to website: www.americanguesthouse.com
Adams Inn
1746 Lanier Place, NW
Washington >DC
Tel: 202-745-3600
toll free: 1-800-578-6807
www.adamsinn.com
$90.-$120. per room, includes continental breakfast, 2 night minimum for Saturday night reservations.
Located 7 blocks from metro (Woodley Park, Red Line).
Best Western Beltway
5910 Princess Garden Parkway
Lanham, MD
(301) 459-1000
www.bestwestern.com
Price: $119. Includes breakfast.
One mile to metro. 25 minutes from downtown.
*Bus parking available for guests.
Motel 6
6711 Georgia Ave. NW
Washington, DC
(202)722-1600
www.motel6.com
Price: $89.99.
25 double bed rooms, 20 king size bed rooms left
Located 1 mile from metro
Braxton Hotel
1440 Rhode Island Ave. NW
Washington, DC20005
Tel: 1-800-350-5759 or 202-232-7800
Fax: 202-265-3725
www.braxtonhotel.com
Email: reservation@braxtonhotel.com
Price: $70 and up (Economy Twin, 1 person); Double (2 persons): $80 and up
Located 5 blocks from Dupont Circle metro (red line)
Kalorama Guest House
1854 Mintwood Place, NW
Washington, DC 20009
Tel: 202-667-6369
www.kaloramaguesthouse.com
Price: $100. with shared bath.
Located in Adams Morgan neighborhood with 12 minute walk to metro.
Brickskeller
1523 22nd Street, NW
Washington, DC
Tel: 202-293-1885
Price: $68 for one person, with shared bath
Located between P & O Sts., 2 blocks from DuPont Circle metro (red line).
Bragg Towers
99 S. Bragg St.
Alexandria, VA
(703) 354-6300
Price: Single: $80; Double: $85
www.innsofvirginia.com
Located 15-20 minutes from downtown/1.5 miles from Van Dorn metro (blue line)
*Can accomodate buses.
Windsor Inn
1842 16th Street, NW (at T. St.)
Washington, DC20009
Tel: 1-800-423-9111 or 202-667-0300
www.windsorembassyinns.com
Price: $129. single bed. for 2 twins, $159. Breakfast included.
Located 6 blocks from Dupont Circle metro (red line).
Embassy Inn
1627 16th Street, NW
Washington, DC20009
Tel: 1-800-423-9111 or 202-234-7800/202-667-0300
www.windsorembassyinns.com
Price: $129 for one, $159.00 for double, includes breakfast
For Group Rates call: 202-667-0300
Located 5 blocks from Dupont Circle metro (red line).
Americana Motel
1400 Jefferson Davis Highway
Arlington, VA22202
Tel: 703-979-3772
Fax: 703-979-0547
Price: $89 for single, $109 for double.
includes continental breakfast
1.5 blocks from metro
Metro station: Crystal City (blue line)
Holiday Inn
5520 Wisconsin Ave.
Chevy Chase, MD
Tel: 301-656-1500
Located 1 to 2 blocks from Friendship Heights metro (red line).
*Bus parking for guests.
Days Inn
4400 Connecticut Ave. NW
Washington, DC20008
Tel: (202) 244-5600
www.daysinn.com
Price: $159
Located 2 blocks from the Van Ness metro (red line)
Jurys Washington Inn
1500 New Hampshire Ave.
Washington, DC20036
Tel: 1-800-424-3729 or 202-483-6000
Price: $99 for double
www.jurysdoyle.com
Located at Dupont Circle metro (red line)
Jurys Normandy Inn
2118 Wyoming Ave., NW
Washington, DC20008
Tel: 1-800-424-3729 or 202-483-1350
www.jurysdoyle.com
Price: $99 (single)
Located 3 blocks from metro
Super 8 Motel
501 New York Ave. NEWashington, DC
202-543-7400
www.super8.com
0.5 miles from New York Ave. metro station on red line
Parking available
$190 for double
Best Western
South Capital and I Sts. SW
202-488-7500
www.bestwesterncapitolskyline.com
Group rates available. $109-$129 for double
Navy Yard metro on the green line
The Quincy (Formerly Lincoln Suites Downtown)
1823 L. St., NW
Washington, DC20036
Tel: 202-223-4320
www.quincysuites.com
Price: $105 (single); $125 (double)
Located 6 blocks from White House
Metro station: Farragut West (blue/orange lines) - 2 blocks from metro
Washington Plaza Hotel
10 Thomas Circle
NWWashington, DC
202-842-1300
Price: $99 (single)
Hilton Garden Inn
815 14th St., NW (between H. & I. Sts.)
Washington, DC 20005
Tel: 202-783-7800
Price: $109 (double)
Located across from Metro Center (blue/orange/red lines)
HOSTELS
For listings of hostels in the Washington area, visit www.hostelz.com/hostels/USA/Washington
Hostelling International-Washington D.C.
1009 11th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Tel: 202-737-2333
Fax: 202-737-1508
www.hiwashingtondc.org
Price: $29 members/$32. non-members. (Dormitory, with a few to each room.)
Includes continental breakfast.
No. of beds: 250
Located 3 blocks from Metro Center (blue/orange/red lines).
Click here for listings of campgrounds and RV parks in the area
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DISABILITY ACCESS
The area of the rally site will be wheelchair accessible.
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LEGAL
The National Lawyers Guild will be deploying legal observers for the Sept. 23 rally, march and forum.
Legal observers will be coordinated, trained and credentialed by the NLG Mass Defense Committee in Washington DC through the Partnership for Civil Justice and the Peoples Law Resource Center. If you are a law student, lawyer, or legal worker and are interested in being a Legal Observer, please sign up at www.plrclaw.org/nlg or contact zwolfe@plrclaw.org.
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MEDIA
For media inquiries, contact the Washington, DC office at 202-544-3389. A cell phone number will be available for use at the demonstration.
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WEATHER
See weather.com for temperature readings, etc. - but please remember that weather predictions are not always accurate. Washington, DC in September is generally warm and humid - but remember to check back closer to the march.
Here's a recent shot:
Click here for an updated view
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WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING (INCLUDING FOOD)
Bring snacks and water, and wear comfortable shoes since you'll be standing and walking for several hours.
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BATHROOMS
Public bathrooms are available in the area.
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VOLUNTEERS
To make this event a success, volunteers are needed to help out in many areas!
Whether you're arriving a week early, the evening of the 22nd, or the morning of the 23rd -- there are many ways you can help out. If you are going to be arriving early, email freethefive@freethefive.org or call the Washington office at 202-544-3389.
When you come to the rally site, look for the sign that says "Volunteers Needed."
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WORK SESSIONS
The logistics team will hold numerous work sessions to complete work in all of the above areas in preparation for Sept. 23. Work sessions will be held at the A.N.S.W.E.R. office (1247 E St. SE) during the week before the event; call 202-544-3389 for times and details. Those in Washington DC on can attend a Volunteers Meeting/Training/Orientation at the A.N.S.W.E.R. office.
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