Directions to DC's Waterfront

Due to the expansive MPD road closures for the Something in the Water festival, SW Shuttle service has been suspended from Friday, June 17-Sunday, June 19. Regular service hours restart at 6:30am on Monday, June 20. We apologize for the inconvenience.

The free Southwest Neighborhood Shuttle carries visitors between The Wharf, L'Enfant Plaza Metro, and the National Mall. The shuttle is easy and convenient to ride—making a continuous circuit throughout the neighborhood all day long.

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.

Pedal 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? Rent one from Unlimited Biking or try Capital Bikeshare (two stations at The Wharf: Maine and 7th St SW, and Maine and 9th St SW). If you're staying at Canopy by Hilton Washington DC-The Wharf, use one of the free bicycles in the lobby.

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.

The Wharf Jitney began 2022 operations on Thursday, May 26, 2022.

The Wharf Jitney is a free boat service operated by The Wharf that ferries passengers from Recreation Pier to East Potomac Park. 

The Wharf Jitney operates Thursday to Sunday, 1:30pm - 7:30pm

Jitney operations are subject to weather conditions.

Check the Wharf Jitney's current operating status

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

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.

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’