Must-Have Smartphone Apps for Washington DC
If you’re headed to Washington DC, having smartphone apps at the ready can save you headaches and help your visit go more smoothly! Here are the must-have DC apps I recommend for essential info, easy navigation, and local sights.
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Washington DC Apps for Getting Around
Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Citymapper
To get around, a map application like Google Maps or Citymapper can tell you the best way to get from point A to point B. You can download an offline Google map for later, if you won’t have cell service or to minimize your data use.
Google Maps can even tell you the Metro bus and rail schedules, and help you navigate a trip by walking and public transit. I personally find it the most reliable for getting around DC.
SmarTrip: the Official Metro App
This regional payment app can help you plan and pay for rides on Metrorail and Metrobus, as well as local bus systems in DC, Maryland and Virginia (or as we locals like to say, “the DMV”). It’s available on both iPhone and Android.
Download the app, create an account, and set a payment method while at home or your hotel so you’re ready to ride. The easiest way is to add a digital SmarTrip card to your Apple Pay or Google Pay, and tap your phone at a fare gate or onboard a bus.
Make sure your screen is facing up and then tap the top of your unlocked phone to the SmarTrip logo on any bus, rail station, or station parking lot.
If you have a physical SmarTrip card with a balance, you can add it to your account in the app.
*Note that everyone 5 years and older needs to have their own SmarTrip card for the Metro. So you should get physical SmarTrip cards for anyone in your group who does not have the ability to use their own digital card to tap.
Rideshare and Taxi Apps
The two most-used rideshare apps in Washington DC are Uber and Lyft. I recommend downloading both and setting up your payment options ahead of time. This will expedite getting a car when you need it.
The Curb app can be used to hail taxis, which can be easier to spot in city traffic because the cars are numbered. You hail and pay in the app, just like a rideshare.
During peak times, you might want to check more than one option for the best pricing and wait times. If you have several passengers and luggage, Uber is usually a better option because you can request a larger car. Note that some drivers will not allow a rider to sit up front – it’s at their discretion.
Bikeshare and Scooter Apps for Washington DC Metro
Capital Bikeshare is the most popular bicycle rental dock in the area. It covers Washington DC, as well as major cities in Northern Virginia and Maryland close to the District.
If you know that you’ll want to bike, download the app and set up an account to be ready to rent. The app shows locations of nearby docks and how many bikes are currently available.
We also have several different scooter rental options in the area, the most popular of which are Lyft and Lyme. Find more information about the different scooter companies here.
Remember to use bike lanes, not sidewalks, and ride safely including following traffic signs. Wearing a helmet is recommended but not required, unless the rider is under the age of 16.
Parking Apps
While I don’t recommend driving in Washington DC, there are apps that can make it easier if you need to! The app SpotHero helps you find and book parking in lots and garages.
For metered/street parking throughout the area, ParkMobile can be used to pay for your spot. This convenient app even sends you a reminder before your parking time is up, or lets you extend your time if you haven’t already reserved the maximum allowed. It’s also particularly helpful in the event that one of the electronic meters is out of service.
*When driving in Washington DC, it’s important to carefully read and understand parking signs to ensure you comply with local parking regulations. Misreading these signs can lead to fines or towing, so take a moment to double check before leaving your vehicle. (I speak from experience!)
DC Apps for Dining and Eats
Reservation Apps
During the lunch or dinner rush, or peak tourist visit times, restaurant wait times can be frustrating. Apps like OpenTable and Resy can help you be sure you get to try your must-visit spots and avoid long waits.
Meal Delivery Apps
If you decide you need an evening in, apps like UberEats, DoorDash, and GrubHub allow you to order from local restaurants and get it delivered right to your hotel or Airbnb.
If ordering at a hotel, ask the driver to message when they arrive so you can meet them in the lobby. Or include your room number in the notes area so that the front desk can call when it’s delivered.
Washington DC Apps for Sightseeing
Recreation.gov
This website and smartphone app is the government’s centralized travel planning platform and reservation system, meaning you can use it for everything from timed entry at National Parks and tickets to go up inside the Washington Monument.
It has tools, tips, and information needed for you to discover destinations and activities, plan a trip, and explore both within your zip code and across the country.
Viator or GetYourGuide
These apps make finding small group or private tours easy. I have used them both in DC and around the globe. Viator is part of TripAdvisor and generally has better selection in the US.
US Capitol Visitor Apps
If you’ll be visiting the Capitol building during your visit, there area several apps to make your visit more interactive. “Who Are the People” lets you use your phone’s camera to explore Statuary Hall in 3D with augmented reality. You can learn about the individuals represented by the statues and the artists who commemorated them.
The Capitol Grounds has its own app, to. Designed in 1874 by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, the grounds are home to 200 notable trees, architectural features, fountains, sculptures, and plantings. Navigate the grounds and learn their history with the mobile app.
EventBrite
Explore local events with Eventbrite, from political talks and museum after-hours tours to local festivals. It’s a great way to find unique happenings during your visit.
National Museum of African American History App
The only Smithsonian app currently available, the NMAAH app lets you search their catalog and plan a visit.
Flush Toilet Finder map
While museums and many monuments offer public restrooms, sometimes you just need to know the closest place to go… when you have to go!
Ready for your trip to Washington DC?
I hope this list of apps helps you prepare for your trip and have smooth sailing once you arrive.
If you want to know what to expect for your visit – including everything from weather to events to how busy it might be – don’t miss my guide to the best time to visit Washington DC.
