A guide to Union Station, DC

Union Station is a railway station located in Washington, DC. When opened in 1907, it was intended to be a grand entrance to the capital city of the United States, where it is now one of the most famous and frequently visited places.Thirty-two million people pass through its portals every year.

History

Terminal
The Pennsylvania Railroad and the Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) Railroad's announcement in 1901 that they planned to build a new terminal was a popular decision in Washington DC. Citizens were pleased that the USA's capital city would at last have a railroad terminal, which befitted its status. First passenger
A B&O passenger train was the first arrival at the new station, in October 1907. The terminal, which was quickly adopted as the main transport portal to the Capitol, thrived and grew. During World War Two, as many as 200,000 people a day were passing through Union Station, DC.
Adoption, closure & re-opening
The station was adopted as the National Visitor Centre during the 1970s, originally for the Bicentennial celebrations. However, it never really became popular and declined, with it being closed for refurbishment in 1981. The station re-opened in its present form in 1988.

Directions & parking

Visitors to the station who are arriving by car and using a satnav need to enter 2 Massachusetts Ave., NE as 50 Massachusetts Ave is not recognised. More specific driving directions are available on the station's official website as regards to union square parking. A multi-tiered parking garage with over 2,000 spaces is located on the site. It has easy access to all of the station's travel and commercial facilities and parking is available around the clock, 24 hours a day, The station is situated on the Red Line of the Washington Metro. Baggage storage facilities are also available.

Current usage & services

Amtrak, MARC and VRE commuter railways serve the terminal, in addition to the Washington Metro transit system of buses and subway trains. Amtrak also bases its headquarters at the facility. Aspects of the original architecture are incorporated into the design of the present day building, an example being the arches in the food court. Guided tours of the facility are not currently available for the curious tourist, but visitors are encouraged to visit those areas of the station that are open to the public. There are a range of shopping facilities and food outlets, most of which are open until 9pm, on the site, including a sit down restaurant and an outdoor market.