Directions to DC's Waterfront

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.

In the interest of health and safety, Water Taxi service is currently suspended until further notice.  View the Potomac Riverboat Company website for updates.

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 starting at 6 AM. Enjoy a 25-minute traffic-free commute by water from Alexandria to The Wharf and L’Enfant Plaza. Routes operate frequently from 6:05 AM until 9:45 PM giving you plenty of flexibility for your workday.

Fares to Georgetown, Alexandria, and National Harbor

One-Way: Adults starting at $13 | Children (Ages 2–11) starting at $9
Roundtrip: Adults starting at $21 | Children (Ages 2–11) starting at $15
One Day Pass: Adults $30 | Children (Ages 2-11) $17
Two Day Pass: Adults $39 | Children (Ages 2-11) $22
Season Pass: $225

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

In the interest of health and safety, Southwest Shuttle service is currently suspended.  Service returns May 1, 2020.

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 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

• The Wharf, at 804 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.

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? 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.

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’

In the interest of health and safety, Wharf Jitney service is currently suspended.  Service returns May 15, 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