SmarTrip vending at DCA?
Jun 26, 2009 | 6:20 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: DCA
Programs: Bonvoy Ambassador, AA Plat Pro, DL Gold, UA*S, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 634
SmarTrip vending at DCA?
Hey all -- anyone know if I can buy a SmarTrip card upon arrival in DCA in July? I've been going to the city increasingly often, so I think it's time to make the $5 investment, but I don't want to tie up $25 on the card by ordering online if I don't have to.
Jun 26, 2009 | 8:56 pm
#2
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Del Ray, Alexandria, Virginia
Programs: KE Skypass, Morning Calm
Posts: 1,655
Don't think there's a place to buy the card at DCA, but they can be purchased online and at numerous locations, including many CVSes.
Jun 26, 2009 | 10:15 pm
#3
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Washington, DC USA
Programs: UA; Amtrak
Posts: 2,002
If you're willing to take a long walk, there's a CVS at 2400 Jefferson Davis Hwy as well as a Metro Commuter Store somewhere in the CC Underground (1615-B Crystal Square Arcade). The CVS is closer to the southern/Viaduct side of the airport whereas Crystal Square Arcade is more accessible from the northern end via the Mount Vernon Trail (which has an underpass between 15th and 18th St. S).
Jun 27, 2009 | 8:15 am
#4
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: IAD
Programs: United MP
Posts: 7,856
You could order one online and get it mailed to you.
Jun 28, 2009 | 9:57 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: DCA
Programs: Bonvoy Ambassador, AA Plat Pro, DL Gold, UA*S, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 634
Thanks, everyone, for the information. I didn't get the answer I wanted, but that's an issue I'll have to take up with WMATA when I get into the city.
I did want to specifically thank Annandaler for his kindness. He PMed me offering to buy me a Smartrip card during his commute and to mail it to me before my trip. As clich as it sounds, it renewed my faith in the kindness of people (and FTers, in particular.)
I did want to specifically thank Annandaler for his kindness. He PMed me offering to buy me a Smartrip card during his commute and to mail it to me before my trip. As clich as it sounds, it renewed my faith in the kindness of people (and FTers, in particular.)
Jun 29, 2009 | 5:25 pm
#8
Join Date: May 2006
Location: IAD
Programs: UA 1MM *G (recovered GS), SPG Nothing, Hilton Nothing, AA Nothing
Posts: 931
You can buy SmarTrip cards from vending machines at any Metro station with parking: http://www.wmata.com/rail/parking/ Not DCA, though.
Jun 30, 2009 | 9:33 am
#9
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: AA EXP; 1W Emerald; HHonors Diamond; Marriott Gold; UA dirt
Posts: 8,944
Hahahaha...WMATA could care less. I agree with others - there's no point to a Smartrip card unless you're going to do a lot of bus transfers or parking at certain WMATA parking lots (the lots at the end of the lines actually do take credit card).
Jul 30, 2009 | 8:41 pm
#10
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,077
If you want a SparTrip card try buying it off craigs list or ebay. A lot of times you can get a card and pay less then the amount stored on it.
If you are still looking for one, please PM me. I think I have an extra one I can send you.
If you are still looking for one, please PM me. I think I have an extra one I can send you.
Jul 30, 2009 | 8:42 pm
#11
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,077
maybe the OP would like to be able to get the discounted rail-to-bus transfer or the free bus-to-bus transfer