Centrally situated in the Greater Washington Metropolitan Area, The Wharf neighborhood is located near two Metro stations—and our free Southwest Shuttle makes getting here easier and faster than driving. Of course, you can always ride your bike or even take the Water Taxi to get here.
Find your way to The Wharf on our transportation map.
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, several bus stations, as well as our free SW Shuttle to connect you to wherever you want to go.
Learn MoreHop 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 Metro and the International Spy Museum. The shuttle is wheelchair accessible. Like on Metro, pets may be transported on the Shuttle, provided they are carried in a secure container from which they cannot escape
Roundtrip Shuttle Route
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.
Learn MorePedal to the Waterfront
Bicycle is one of the best ways to travel around Washington, DC and to The Wharf. It's easy to ride along the National Mall to the monuments and museums. Local trails like the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, Mount Vernon Trail, and Maine Avenue Cycletrack will bring you right into the neighborhood. Once you arrive here, you’ll find plenty of places to secure your bike and explore on foot.
Don't have a bike? Try Capital Bikeshare (two stations at The Wharf: Maine and 7th St SW, and Maine and 9th St SW), rent from District Hardware and Bike at The Wharf, or if you're staying at Canopy by Hilton Washington DC-The Wharf, use one of the free bicycles in the lobby.
Learn MoreTake 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
Driving Directions to The Wharf
The Wharf is conveniently located just off I-395/I-695 and 7th Street SW. However, driving to The Wharf may not be the fastest way to get here due to frequent special events, traffic congestion, and limited parking. We highly recommend taking Metro and our free SW Shuttle instead. If you can’t avoid driving, check out our additional off-site parking locations for easy access.
Learn More
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’
*Due to water conditions, the Water Taxi is out of service in January and February. Service returns March 2020.*
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.
Learn More*Due to water conditions, the Wharf Jitney is out of service in January and February. Service returns March 2020.*
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
Fresh seafood is a given at DC’s Southwest Waterfront. But The Wharf offers more, including a wide selection of distinctive choices for food, drinks, and entertainment while you eat. Watch the chefs prepare your meal. Listen to live music. Or just people-watch while you savor the flavors of The Wharf.
Explore RestaurantsWhether you’re looking for something specific or simply like to spend a few hours in our unique collection of stores, chances are you’ll find just what you’re looking for at our shops at The Wharf. And, of course, you can always treat yourself to a delicious dessert—or celebrate your shopping finds with a drink at one of our restaurants.
Explore Retailers