Blog | Arlington Transportation Partners

Game Day Transit Tips: Getting to Sports Games Like a Pro

Written by Chloe Wade - Business Development Manager | September 9, 2024

At Arlington Transportation Partners (ATP), we know that navigating local stadiums can be confusing, time-consuming, and costly. Whether you are heading to a Washington Commanders game at the Northwest Stadium or planning to spend the evening at Capital One Arena to enjoy a Washington Wizards or Capitals game, there are various transportation options to simplify your travel, avoid the hassle of parking, and save money. Below are some tips to enhance your game-day experience by using the many regional transportation options available. 


 

Popular Sports Venues and How to Get There:

Northwest Stadium: Washington Commanders 

Football fans can cheer on the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium (formerly FedEx Field), located in Landover, Maryland.  

Via Metro: Take the Blue or Silver Lines to the Morgan Boulevard Metro Station. Exit to Garrett Morgan Boulevard and follow the sidewalk for approximately one mile to the stadium.  

Tip: The Metro may close before the game ends, so make sure to check the schedule when planning. 

Metrobus (with transfers): If you want to get as close as you can to the stadium using public transit, you can use both the Metrobus and Metrorail. Take the Silver Line toward Largo and get off at Downtown Largo Metro Station. Walk 0.1 miles to Bus Bay F and board Bus 21 toward New Carrollton. Exit the bus at Brightseat Road at Landover Crossing and walk the 0.6 miles to the stadium. 

For more information, visit the Commanders website. 

Capital One Arena: Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards 

Hockey and basketball fans can enjoy watching these two teams at the Capital One Arena, located in Northwest Washington, DC.  

Via Metro (no transfers): Arlington residents can take the Silver, Orange, or Blue Lines to Metro Center Station and exit to 12th and G Streets. Walk 0.3 miles to get to the arena.  

If you live in Pentagon City or Crystal City, then here’s some good news! You can take the Yellow Line toward Mount Vernon Square and get off at Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro Station. From there it is a 0.1 mile walk to the arena.  

Via Metro (with transfers): Arlington residents can take the Silver, Orange, or Blue Lines to Metro Center Station and then board the Red Line toward Takoma. Get off at the Gallery Place-Chinatown Station and exit to 7th and F streets. Walk 0.1 miles to get to the arena. 

Via Metrobus (with transfers): Take the 38B toward Farragut Square. Arrive at K Street NW and 18th Street NW. Board the D6 toward Stadium-Armory. Exit at E Street NW and 7th Street NW. Walk 0.2 miles to get to the arena.  

Capital Bikeshare: Capital Bikeshare (CaBi) is a great option for getting to Capital One Arena. You can ride a CaBi bicycle from Arlington or use one to bridge the last mile from the Metro station. Make sure to park it at one of the many docks outside of the arena. The closest CaBi stations are at 5th and F streets NW, 7th and F streets NW/National Portrait Gallery, and 8th and H Streets NW.  

For more Capital Bikeshare information, visit their website. 

For more information, visit the Capital One Arena website. 

Nationals Park: Washington Nationals  

Baseball fans can enjoy watching the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park, located in Southeast DC. 

Via Metro (no transfers): Take the Orange, Silver, or Blue Lines to the Capitol South Station. Exit and walk 0.8 miles to get to the park.  

Via Metro (with transfers): Take the Orange, Silver, Blue, or Yellow Lines to L’Enfant Plaza and transfer to the Green Line toward Branch Avenue. Get off at Navy Yard and exit to Half Street and M Street SE and walk 0.2 miles to the park.  

Via Metrobus (with transfers): Arlington residents can board the 38B Metrobus toward Farragut Square. Get off at K Street NW & 17th Street NW and board the D6 toward Stadium Armory. Arrive at E Street NW & 7th Street NW. Board the 74 toward Buzzard Point. Arrive at Half Street SW & O Street SW and walk 0.1 miles to the park. 

Capital Bikeshare: Nationals Park is very bicycle-friendly and has many bike racks around the ballpark. There are multiple CaBi docks close by; they also have a bicycle valet, and you can even check your helmet until the game is over. The closest CaBi bike docks are at: 1st Street and N Street SE, 1st Street and K Street SE, 3rd and Tingey Street SE, and M Street and New Jersey Avenue SE.  

E-Scooters: If you choose to use an electric scooter for part of your journey, you can park it right outside in one of the 250 bike rack spaces. Lime, Bird, and Skip are a few of the many scooter options available in the area. 

For more information, visit the Nationals website. 

Audi Field: DC United, Washington Spirit, and DC Defenders 

Soccer and football fans can enjoy watching these teams at Audi Field, located in Southwest DC, just half a mile from the Nationals Park.  

Via Metro (with transfers): Take the Orange, Silver, or Blue Lines to L’Enfant Plaza and transfer to the Green Line toward Branch Avenue. Get off at Navy Yard and exit to Half Street and M Street SE, then walk 0.6 miles to the stadium.  

Via Metrobus (with transfers): Arlington residents can board the 38B Metrobus toward Farragut Square. Get off at K Street NW & 17th Street NW, and board the D6 toward Stadium Armory. Arrive at E Street NW & 7th Street NW. Board the 74 toward Buzzard Point. Arrive at 2nd Street SW, and T Street SW. Walk 0.1 miles to the stadium. 

E-Scooters: Audi Field also has bike racks and locations to dock e-scooters around the stadium. 

Tip: For a faster trip from the Navy Yard Station to Audi Field, take an e-scooter. 

Capital Bikeshare: The closest CaBi dock is located at Potomac Avenue and Half Street SW. You can check your bike helmet at the bike valet.  

For more information, visit the Audi Field website. 

Entertainment and Sports Arena: Washington Mystics 

The Washington Mystics WNBA team plays home games at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in the Congress Heights neighborhood of Southeast DC.  

Via Metro (with transfers): Arlington residents can take the Orange, Silver, or Blue Lines to L’Enfant Plaza and transfer to the Green Line toward Branch Avenue. Get off at the Congress Heights Station and follow the signage to the Kiss & Ride parking lot. Walk through the lot and turn right onto Oak Drive SE. The arena will be directly in front of you.  

Via Metrobus (with transfers): Take the 38B toward Farragut Square. Arrive at 17th Street and I Street NW. Transfer to the 32 toward Southern Ave. Get off at Alabama Avenue and 25th Street SE and board the W4 towards Anacostia. Exit at Alabama Ave and 12th Street. Walk 0.2 miles to the stadium. 

Capital Bikeshare: The closest CaBi dock is at the Congress Heights Metro Station.  

For more information, visit the Mystics website. 

Make the Most of Living in Arlington

Living in Arlington County means you are just a short ride away from the region’s top sports venues. Having a transportation plan can save you money, time, and ensure your game-day experience is stress-free. To learn more about transportation services near you, check out ATP’s neighborhood Quick Glance Guides and other offers.

Photo Credit: Sam Kittner/kittner.com for Arlington Transportation Partners