Union Station is about what you would expect for a large metropolitan train station…read more It is relatively similar to an airport, only smaller and more run-down. There are plenty of small shops and cafes or restaurants that you can stop by and grab something to eat or drink before you begin your trip. Overall, this station is good, it serves its purpose.

I heart old architecture, so I made it a priority to visit Central Station that opened in 1907. I…read morewas amazed at how grand Union station is when we exited our Uber ride. I felt safe here since there were national guardsmen strolling the station. There are 30 eateries here and we ended up having lunch at Shake Shack, indulging in ice cream at Van Leeuwen, chocolates from Laderach and coffee at Blue Bottle Coffee. I like how the station also has 30 retail shops. Happy I visited Union Station and I recommend seeing this architectural marvel.

First time on a long-distance Amtrak ride, from Chicago to NYC, when my flight was canceled. This…read morewas on regular coach seats; roomettes were sold out. The trip was quite reasonable: it got the job done and the comfort level was better than expected, despite a full train. Most passengers were considerate (except for one family that played a TV show loudly on a cellphone; an annoyance that reflected more poorly on them than bothered people sitting more than two rows away). I also liked it that my car at least had a faucet for dispensing drinking water, and a good supply of cups. On a long trip, staying hydrated is important. (I am not sure if all cars had water dispensers though.) My only complaint is the bathrooms -- they got increasingly dirty over the trip. Towards the last quarter of the trip, one of the bathrooms became unusable because it looked like someone peed on the floor. I don't think he (or they, if it was cumulative) did it on purpose; the toilets are very small, and on a rolling train, it's easy to miss. Fortunately they were other bathrooms that remained, not clean, but at least usable (for gents). Oh, even though the ride is called "Lakeview", you only saw a lake (Lake Erie) for about 1 minute. The rest of the trip was land on both sides, except for crossing rivers. No big deal; most of trip was night anyway.

Acela was completely filthy on both legs of our roundtrip. On the way back, the toilet didn't even…read moreflush. It was worse than you regular train. The bathrooms were filthy, the windows were filthy, and the train compartments were filthy. Why do have someone collecting trash during the trip when it would be better to have someone regular clean the train compartments?

Union Station is an architectural delight, and it has so many entrances! The one thing is that it's…read moretricky to get to H St from there -- the secret is going up the escalator in the back and walking that path along the bus lot. The stores have changed multiple times over the years, and I'd say what I visit the most is probably the Uniqlo. Can't wait to see how this place continues to develop as time goes on. As for the interior of the metro itself, it's straightforward and has all the necessary signage.

I parked my car here and kind at the pret a manger inside…read more It really is beautiful architecture. It's wonderful for a nice stroll. There are so many wonderful shops and boutiques !!! It's a wonderful place to take photos too, and I highly recommend it and I look forward to coming back again !

This place gets a FIVE star because it is one-of-a-kind. I'm not even into model trains but I…read morefound this place so interesting. You can tell the proprietor has been in the business for a LONG time (the old man is older than dirt) and his shop seems to be a hobby more than an occupation. The store is more like a museum than a store...they have so many antique model trains and if you want supplies, they have 'em! I believe he also used to own the gun store that used to be downstairs (Engage Armament) but the gun store moved to Gude Dr. If you are not into model trains but have some free time to burn, I suggest you check out this place...its a great diversion worth 15-30 (maybe even 45-60 if you are a museum go-er) minutes at a minimum. HOWEVER, if you ARE into hobby model trains, then you will be a kid in a candy store.

On of the most convenient stops on the metro line, and its on the red line…read more If you wanna is the museums or venture around DC near the museums, this stop is it. A few walking distance from Air Space Muesum and Art Gallery, you get a lovely view of the US Capitol. I suggest wear sneakers. Don't wear sandals or Crocs. Your feet will hurt! This station is very clean, well maintained and operated. Station managers are always present and friendly! However the prices are insane unlike other major cities MTA. The so called peak time ends after 9pm on weekdays , holidays and weekends the prices are very reasonable.

The Smithsonian Metro station in Washington, D.C., is my go-to gateway to the National Mall, and…read morelet me tell you my first ride on the D.C. Metro was an absolute riot! I hopped on expecting a chill, leisurely cruise like some other cities' subways, but nope this thing hauled ass right out of the gate. It accelerated like it was late for a very important date, screeching around corners, jerking side to side like a caffeinated New York train on steroids. The cars were swaying wildly, I was gripping the pole for dear life, laughing out loud thinking, "Subway gone wild! This is a thrill ride disguised as public transit!" It was hilarious and exhilarating definitely not your grandma's slow commuter train. (They've probably smoothed things out a bit with more automation these days, but that memory still cracks me up.) If you're visiting D.C. in the winter months when it's freezing out, ducking into the Metro (especially at Smithsonian) is a lifesaver warm, quick, and drops you right in the heart of everything. Parking downtown is a nightmare and wallet-killer, so snag a cheaper hotel farther out, jump on the train, and zoom in without the hassle. It's a smart, affordable way to get around, and if you're a train nerd like me, that wild ride might just become the story you tell for the rest of your life. Highly recommend 5 stars for the nostalgia alone!

Cool little Hobby and toy store in a strip mall in Alexandria. Lots of models, puzzles,…read morefigures/figurines, model paints., and more! The person running the story was friendly and greeted me and asked if they could assist me in finding anything. #WhistleStopToyAndHobbies

Good selection of paints. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Wide selection of different hobby…read moreitems. Website does not do the shop justice. Trains aren't my thing but they have tons of them.

I've been to many Metro stations, but this one doesn't make me feel the safest at times. I happen…read moreto pass through on a Sunday morning. It was OK. I had my two children with me and I really made sure they stayed close by. The station is me of the dirtiest ones we have been in. I always have that expectation but, this was a little more than normal. While there there was at least 3 people jumping the bars to avoid paying. Again, another expectation sadly but, ugh. Just one of those stations you need to be extra cautious.

Navigating through Washington DC is so easy using the Metro. It is easy to purchase your metro…read morecard, the signage is easy to follow, and once you figure out your start and end point of the line you are traveling, you are set. The stations are always clean and the notification board always lets you know when your train is coming.

Very nice little but packed museum in Lutherville! I loved learning about the history of fire…read morerescue and all the tools, gadgets and trucks they used to use. The museum also gave insight into how the fire men used to live at the stations. Very interesting stuff. They also give you a free poster! Recommend!

WOW What an experience this has to be one of the best fire apparatus collections I've been to. You…read morecan tell they take great pride in the museum!!!

This station is the one closest to the Air and Space and Hirshhorn museums. The walk is only 2…read moreblocks making this stop very convenient. Seats on the train were ample and clean. I highly advise using the Metro, taxi or car ride to travel to the Smithsonian's . Metro is safe and easy to use. If in doubt the station agents will help you obtain a ticket. Most automobile parking is by permit. I haven't really seen parking lots down here.

This station is the largest in the DC metro, serviced by every line except the red…read more Follow the signage and you should be fine, and make sure you get on the right side of the tracks.

Overall 3.5 Stars The Metro is a convenient way to visit DC…read morefrom Bethesda. It takes about 17 minutes from the station to arrive to the main station in DC. From there, you are located near the National Mall, Smithsonian Museums, White House, Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln monuments. Also, near the WW II and the Vietnam Wall memorials. The station is equipped for ADA via elevator near the main entrance and has ramps to the platforms. The elevator may have enough room for 4-5 people or 1 ADA Wheel or electric chair and two others. The trains are nice and clean. Not like other stations in other cities. Price is comparable to other cities dreaming from $2.50 -$6.75 depending the time and stop you are heading too. Use your phone, CC, or Smartcard you can purchase from the Metro. Also, you can plan your trip, purchase and schedules from their website @ https://wmata.com I highly recommend to use the site. Epic escalators! They are about 100' -150' deep before you get to the kiosk stations. Have a fun trip!

Ok, I'm finally getting around to reviewing Metro stations. This is a deep station like many on…read morethis end of the Red Line. The platforms are pretty run of the mill Metro platforms. Normally it's pretty clean. Once you take the long-ish escalator ride up away from the tracks, you end up in a covered area where the buses are. This area has a tiny Dunkin Donuts if you need a snack or coffee. As you head to the next set of escalators, there is a water feature (not quite a waterfall) that comes down into the station area from the surface. Nice to have a natural sounds in a very urban area. Once you get up onto the surface, you're at the corner of Old Georgetown Rd and Wisconsin Ave near several hotels and a Starbucks (in case Dunks wasn't your cup of tea). Pretty central to a of businesses and restaurants. All in all, this station is convenient and central to downtown Bethesda.