Originally Posted by
The Ric
Hello. I'm looking to come down for a meeting in Herndon VA. I plan to take the Acela Amtrak into Union Station. Question is how can I rent a car from there? I'll be in the DC area for 2 days, Herndon VA then Fairfax... Is there a way to get to Dulles via rail and rent a car from the airport, or should I take a taxi outside DC and rent a car? Thanks for any advice. If possible, Avis or Hertz rental facilities. thanks.
Rather than go to Dulles to rent a car, I'd head to or around DCA (National Airport) and pick up a car thereabouts since the meto rail goes there but does not go to IAD). Taxis from Union Station to National Airport are pretty reasonable if you are short on time or want to avoid the DC Metro rail (which is a nice system IMO). (To go to IAD, you can go to West Falls Church and grab the Washington Flyer bus which may require a wait as long as 30 minutes.) To avoid the airport facility fee, there's an Avis in Clarendon area of Arlington, Virginia (10th Street in zip code 22201) and that's what I'd suggest if avoiding the confusion of DC roads is desired. The cab ride wouldn't be much more than DC National and may even be the same cost depending on how the cabbie takes you.
Personally, I'd pick up a car in downtown DC itself and drive out, but I don't always suggest that, particularly to those not comfortable with city driving, especially because DC's roads are not a simple grid pattern. If driving from downtown is fine by you, there's a Hertz on 11th and K NW (DC proper if unfamiliar with the area) and that's not a bad cab ride either from Union Station.