It can be hard to figure out how to get around in a city with a wheel-and-spoke pattern. It isn't that difficult to navigate the US capital.

Traveling around Washington, DC, using a mix of taxis, bikes and public transportation is a great solution. We have a guide to get around the capital.

Take the Metro to hop around DC

In addition to DC, the Metro runs into Virginia and Maryland. The cost is calculated using a tap-on-tap-off system. The cost of a one-way ride is shown on maps at the entrance of each station.

If you want to ride the Metro, you need a SmarTrip card, which you can buy at the station, download to your phone, or order before you leave home. It's a good idea to plan for a cost-effective trip when traveling at peak times.

The trains arrive about every 10 minutes. The Metro does not have a 24 hour service.

A bright red and yellow DC Circulator bus drives past a tan and orange brick building in Washington, DC
For just $1, the DC Circulator will take you all around Washington, DC © Barry Winiker / Getty Images

Take a cheap tour of the capital on the bus

The region's bus service is called the Metrobus. SmarTrip cards can be used to ride the Metrobus or pay with actual change. The cost is either $1.35 or $1.25 You can signal the driver to stop by tapping the yellow bar at the top.

The DC Circulator is great for tourists because it connects major cultural hubs with six different routes. You can get a one-way ticket for $1 and the bus will run every 10 minutes. Georgetown, Adams Morgan, U Street, the National Mall and L'Enfant Plaza are some of the locations where the Circulator runs. You can use an app to check arrival times. The bus stops have a logo on them.

A group of people on bikes take a break while biking around the National Mall in Washington, DC. In the background you can see the Washington monument
Renting bikes to tour DC is becoming more popular © DavidNNP / Shutterstock

Explore DC at your own pace on a bicycle

Washington, DC is a great place to ride a bike. The best way to avoid traffic is to get out on two wheels. There are hundreds of bike paths in DC that make it easy to see and do more in the city.

You can either pay $1 to unlocked a bike or 15 cents per minute for an ebike at Capital Bikeshare.

Rent a car if you're planning day trips from DC

If you're thinking about renting a car to go to Washington, DC, don't take the keys. If you're going out of town on a day trip, renting a car may be the best option. At the airports, major rental car companies have offices.

Accessible transportation in Washington, DC

One of the most accessible places in the country is Washington DC. The public transportation in DC has low ramps for easier boarding in a wheelchair. Visitors with disabilities can enter the museums.

The Office of Disability Rights is a good place to start learning about accessible travel online.

The article was last updated about 9 hours ago.