Directions Via the Metro Subway System

When you enter the Metro subway system, look for the list of fares, which appear both on the staff kiosks and below the maps in front of the telephones.  Find “Van Ness-UDC” on this chart and look for the second fare amount, which is for non-rush-hour (if you’re coming to CMC on a Saturday).  Go to a Fare Card machine and insert this much money (you can insert more and use the “minus” button to decrease the amount until what’s shown is the fare amount you need).  If you plan to return from CMC on the subway, you can purchase double the fare amount listed and reuse the fare card on your return trip (just don’t lose or bend it!).  You’ll need a separate Fare Card for each person.

NOTE: If you parked at a Metro parking lot and had to purchase a “Smart Pass” to pay for your parking, you can use this pass to pay for one person’s fare at the turnstile.  Other individuals in your party must get their own Fare Cards.

After inserting and retrieving your fare card in the turnstile, but before you descend to the train platform, look around for the Bus Transfer machine.  (It’s usually just before the escalator going down to the train platform.) Press the button and take a Bus Transfer.  IMPORTANT!  You MUST get a Bus Transfer when you ENTER the Metro system.  One taken at the station at which you exit will not be accepted and you must pay the full bus fare at the other end. Get one Bus Transfer per person.

Transfer lines, if you must, to get the Red Line.  (If you are downtown, you’ll be travelling toward “Shady Grove.”)  Exit at the “Van Ness-UDC” station.  The station straddles Connecticut Avenue; exit towards the East side of the street (on your right).

When you emerge onto the street, you will continue in the same direction you’re facing coming off the escalator (which is North).  At this point, you have the choice of either:  (1) taking the bus the remaining six blocks to Chesapeake, or (2) walking.

If you choose to ride the bus, the bus stop is on your left when you emerge onto the street.  Take any bus that comes, either L2 or L4, marked “Chevy Chase Circle.” (If it says anything else, you’re on the wrong side of the street!)  On Saturday morning, a bus should come about every 15 minutes, but you’re just as likely to have no bus for 45 minutes and three come all of a sudden.  If you take the bus, hand the driver the Bus Transfer you picked up at the Metro station you entered plus 35 cents.  If you forgot to pick up a Bus Transfer, the fare is $1.35.  Signal for a stop when you pass Brandywine Street and get off at the next block, which is Chesapeake Street.  Turn right on Chesapeake and walk three blocks; CMC is on your right, just past the ballfield.

If you decide to walk when emerging from the subway, continue in the same direction as you’re facing coming off the escalator, going North on Connecticut Avenue (the CVS store should be on your right).  After you pass Yuma Street (the last of the two-syllable alphabetical streets), the three-syllable streets begin in alphabetical order.  You’ll pass Albemarle and Brandywine, then turn right onto Chesapeake.  Walk three blocks on Chesapeake; CMC is on your right, just past the ballfield.

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