Directions to DC's Waterfront

Pedal to the Waterfront

Ride your bike along the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail or see the sights and monuments of the National Mall before making your way to The Wharf. Once you arrive here, you’ll find plenty of places to secure your bike to explore this neighborhood further on foot.

Is Capital Bikeshare more your speed? With two stations along Maine Ave SW (one at 7th Street SW, the other at 9th Street SW) and hundreds throughout the city, you can pick up a bike and park it at your convenience. Explore the bike trails from Alexandria, VA, to Washington, DC—and discover your favorite new place at The Wharf.

Dock at The Wharf

From the Potomac River, travel north on the Washington Channel to arrive at The Wharf’s marinas and piers. Please check with the marinas for availability and docking fees.

Wharf Coordinates: N 38° 52.600’ / W 077° 01.334’

Driving Directions to The Wharf 

Whether you’re driving in from far away or coming from downtown DC, getting to The Wharf is easy—we’re just off I-395/I-695 and 7th Street SW. And parking is now even more convenient with our new garage off Maine Avenue SW, open 24 hours every day. Upon entering the garage, scan your ticket with ParkMobile (Zone 326) to make exiting a breeze!

Convenient for All

Washington, DC, has an extensive network of public transportation for our residents, guests, employees, and tourists. Whichever mode you prefer, you’re only a few blocks from two Metro stations, a VRE station, as well as several bus stations to connect you to wherever you want to go.

Hop on Our Free Neighborhood Shuttle

The Wharf offers a SW Neighborhood Shuttle that is free and open to the public. With daily service and 10-minute headways, it’s easy and convenient to take the shuttle between The Wharf to the National Mall, with stops at L’Enfant Plaza and the International Spy Museum.

Roundtrip Shuttle Route

• The Wharf, at 800 Maine Ave SW (near CVS)
• L’Enfant Plaza Metro/VRE Station, on 7th St at Maryland Ave SW
• National Mall, on Idependence Ave at 7th St SW (near Hirshhorn)
• International Spy Museum and L'Enfant Plaza Retail, on 10th St. SW

Hours of Operation

Monday–Thursday: 6:30am–11:30pm
Friday: 6:30am–1:00am
Saturday: 9:00am–1:00am
Sunday: 9:00am–11:00pm

The low-emission CNG buses are sponsored by The Wharf, SWBID, JBG, and the International Spy Museum.

Take a Stroll Through the Neighborhood

From the scenic views off the wooden piers to window-shopping along cobblestone streets, The Wharf offers plenty of places to explore. So saunter down the promenade. Meander through the parks. Browse the stores. Or march right up to your favorite restaurants for a leisurely sit-down meal. At The Wharf, you’ll never run out of things to do and see.

Walking Distance to Nearby Attractions

10-minute walk to National Mall
15-minute walk to Jefferson Memorial
20-minute walk to Washington Monument
20-minute walk to Nationals Park

Get to The Wharf on the Water

If you’re checking out the region’s waterfront destinations, there’s no better way to travel than by water taxi. Come to The Wharf’s Transit Pier to catch a ride to Georgetown in DC, Old Town Alexandria in Virginia, or National Harbor in Maryland—and enjoy the scenic views of the nation’s capital from the Potomac.

Commute by Water Taxi

The Potomac Riverboat Company is pleased to offer early-morning commuter water taxi routes, beginning Memorial Day 2019. Enjoy a 25-minute traffic-free commute by water from Alexandria to The Wharf and L’Enfant Plaza. Service starts at 6:40 AM and runs until 9:20 PM giving you plenty of flexibility for your workday.

Fares to Georgetown, Alexandria, and National Harbor

One-Way: Adults starting at $10 | Children (Ages 2–11) starting at $7
Roundtrip: Adults starting at $18 | Children (Ages 2–11) starting at $12.60
Season Pass: $199

During the Metro Shutdown in Summer 2019, people who live and work in Alexandria are eligible for commuter reimbursement, bringing cost of a Round Trip Ticket down to $2, and the cost of a 2019 Commuter Pass down to $99.  Learn more at the Alexandria, VA Metro Platform Project webpage.

Due to water conditions, the Water Taxi operates March-December each year.

Ferry Over the Washington Channel

Take the Wharf Jitney from Recreation Pier to East Potomac Park and Hains Point. Explore this 400-acre man-made island’s numerous amenities, including a public golf course, driving range, miniature golf course, public swimming pool, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, picnic area, and several athletic fields. It is also a popular destination for fishermen, cyclists, walkers, inline skaters, and runners.

Hours of Operation

The Wharf Jitney's operation is subject to weather conditions.
Check the Wharf Jitney's current operating status

Monday–Thursday: 12:00 pm until 30 minutes before sunset
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays: 9:00 am until 30 minutes before sunset

April–November: Daily service
March and December: Weekends and holidays only