Agreed. For coming into DC, DCA is hands down the best option and by far the closest and most convenient (whether private or public transportation). The advantage to IAD is that there are non-stops from SFO/OAK/SJC. I don't believe there are any SFO-DCA non-stops, so you'll have to connect. But if you factor in the time it takes to get from IAD->DC, the connecting journey to get to DCA is maybe only an hour longer than the transcon non-stop.

If you choose a suburban hotel location, Bethesda is much closer to the Zoo than the Northern Virginia suburbs of Alexandria/Crystal City/Arlington are. From downtown DC, Bethesda and the NoVA suburbs are equidistant.

BTW, do you already have tickets to see Tai Shan?

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/desti...5-pandas_x.htm

I was just at the zoo this morning to see the panda cub and when I got there around 1030 there were a few spaces left in the closest parking lot. I would guess the further/larger parking lot was pretty empty. It may be different around Xmas though.

I suggest you NS to IAD. Weather can be problematic if you Xfer in ORD or DEN at this time of year. I avoid these Xfers in winter if at all possible.

Once at IAD, since you're not in a hurry:

(A) either do the 5A bus http://www.wmata.com/timetables/dc/5a.pdf - the buses do depart on time and arrive pretty much on time, the cost is $3. One of the last remaining bargains in DC. The bus lets you off at the Rosslyn Metro stop. From there grab either 1) the Orange or Blue line (they run on the same track for the trip you will take) to Metro Center and transfer to the Red line to Bethesda or 2) take the Blue line to King St. Be sure to check you're heading in the right direction since the Blue line you will take in both options will be heading in different directions.

or (B) take the Washington Flyer bus http://www.washfly.com/metro.htm from IAD (this bus leaves from the upper level not the street level, you'll need a ticket from the ticket booth near the outside door (I think it's door 4, but not sure, click on "Location Map" here: http://www.washfly.com/). This will deposit you at West Falls Church (here's a system map: http://www.wmata.com/metrorail/systemmap.cfm. This will cost $8 plus the metro fare from West Falls Church. If you're going to Bethesda stay on the Orange line (that's the only line at WFC) to Metro Center and change to the Red line to Bethesda. If you're going to King St. change at Rosslyn for the Blue line to King St. as with the 5A bus.

Bethesda and King St both have the advantage of many good restaurants in the neighborhoods. As to the zoo, I usually recommend arriving via the Cleveland Park station then walking downhill to the zoo and then continuing the walk downhill to the Woodley Park station. If you want to eat near the zoo, most of the better restaurants are around the Cleveland Park station, but there are a few good ones near the Woodley Park station as well. Depends on your tastes and pocketbook.

Bon voyage and happy pandaing. Say nin how to the mini-panda for me.

As others have already said ... DCA. Metro stop right at the station and you can be anywhere downtown in no time. The suggestion for a Bethesda hotel is also a good one.

Don't even think about IAD or BWI ... you will regret it as traffic can and will be a nightmare.

There is a metro stop at King street in Alexandria. http://www.wmata.com

A lot of hotels in DC are running specials right now -- so you may actually get a better deal in DC. Look at some of the smaller hotels - a lot of them run specials that throw in Metro tickets.