DC Water Taxi: Alexandria, The Wharf, Georgetown & National Harbor
No traffic, no parking, Potomac River views the whole way — and depending on where you’re going, faster than driving.
Most people don’t think of the DC water taxi as real transportation. They think of it as a tourist boat. But if you’re traveling between Old Town Alexandria, The Wharf, Georgetown, or National Harbor — it’s genuinely one of the best ways to make the trip. No traffic. No parking. Potomac River views the whole way. And on a busy evening, the boat between Alexandria and The Wharf can be faster than driving.
The water taxi is operated by City Cruises and runs March through December. Four stops along the Potomac — The Wharf, Georgetown, Old Town Alexandria, and National Harbor. One-way fares run approximately $18–$22 per person.
How the DC Water Taxi Works
The Potomac Water Taxi connects four waterfront destinations along the Potomac River. Boats run approximately every 30 minutes to one hour depending on the day and season. The 2026 season runs March through December.
The Wharf — Transit Pier, 950 Wharf St SW, Washington DC
Georgetown — 3100 K Street NW, Washington DC
Old Town Alexandria — 0 Cameron St, Alexandria VA (behind the Torpedo Factory Art Center)
National Harbor — 145 National Plaza, National Harbor MD
Routes and Travel Times
| Route | Approximate Travel Time |
|---|---|
| The Wharf to Alexandria | ~35 minutes |
| The Wharf to Georgetown | ~30 minutes |
| The Wharf to National Harbor | ~45 minutes |
| Alexandria to National Harbor | ~45 minutes |
First departure from The Wharf starts at 11:45am daily. Last departures vary by route — generally between 6pm and 9pm depending on the season. Check the current schedule at cityexperiences.com before you go.
Pricing
One-way tickets run approximately $18–$22 per person. Round trips around $37. Day passes are $46. Season passes are also available — worth it for regular commuters between Alexandria and The Wharf.
Book online at cityexperiences.com/washington-dc or at ticket booths at each dock. Advance purchase recommended on weekends and during cherry blossom season.
When the Water Taxi Actually Makes Sense
Alexandria to The Wharf — the most practical commuter use case. The water taxi avoids the Woodrow Wilson Bridge traffic entirely. On a busy Friday evening, the boat is faster than driving.
The Wharf to Georgetown — Georgetown has no Metro station. The water taxi fills that gap — 30 minutes on the river versus hunting for parking or taking multiple bus connections.
Cherry blossom season — the water taxi runs along the Tidal Basin stretch of the Potomac with views of the Jefferson Memorial and the blossoms from the water. One of the best ways to experience cherry blossom season — you avoid the Tidal Basin gridlock entirely.
National Harbor day trips — National Harbor is across the river in Maryland and awkward to reach by transit. The water taxi from The Wharf or Alexandria makes it a straightforward trip.
What the Ride Is Actually Like
The boats are enclosed and climate-controlled with restrooms on board. Soft drinks and water available for purchase. Cell service works throughout. As you travel between Alexandria and The Wharf, you pass the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery from the water. Audio narration is available on some routes.
First come, first served seating. The boats are ADA accessible at The Wharf and Alexandria docks. The Georgetown dock is not wheelchair accessible.
Practical Tips Before You Go
- Book in advance on weekends. The water taxi fills up on nice weather weekends and during cherry blossom season. Walk-up tickets are available at the booth but space isn’t guaranteed.
- The Wharf dock is pedestrian access only. The Transit Pier entrance is between Blair Alley SW and 9th Street SW — not accessible by vehicle. Arrive on foot or by Metro (Waterfront station, Green Line).
- Check the Georgetown schedule. Last departure from Georgetown is much earlier than the other routes. Verify before you go.
- Season passes for regulars. If you’re making this trip multiple times — commuters between Alexandria and The Wharf especially — season passes offer unlimited rides at significantly less than individual ticket prices.
Book the Water Taxi in Advance
The water taxi fills up on weekends and during cherry blossom season. Book through Viator for free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. Reserve now, pay later. Books up on average 11 days in advance — don’t wait.
DC Water Taxi Quick Reference
- Operator: City Cruises (Potomac Water Taxi)
- Season: March – December
- The Wharf dock: Transit Pier, 950 Wharf St SW
- Alexandria dock: 0 Cameron St (behind Torpedo Factory) — ADA accessible
- Georgetown dock: 3100 K St NW — not wheelchair accessible
- National Harbor dock: 145 National Plaza
- First departure from Wharf: 11:45am daily
- Georgetown last departure: ~4–5pm — check schedule before you go
- One-way fare: ~$18–$22 per person
- Book online: cityexperiences.com/washington-dc
- Phone: 877-511-2628
- Book on Viator: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure
Staying in DC or Alexandria?
Hotels near The Wharf and Old Town Alexandria put you steps from the water taxi docks — no car needed.
If You’re Driving to the Dock
Parking near The Wharf and Old Town Alexandria has its own rules. The DC Parking & Towing Survival Guide covers every zone.