AFT logo (reads AFT: Education, Healthcare, Public Services)

2026 Convention Transportation

Getting To and From Transit Hubs

Many delegates will arrive in Washington, D.C., at Washington National Airport (DCA), just across the Potomac River from downtown, or Union Station (Amtrak), close to the U.S. Capitol. From either location, taxis, rideshares and Metro are available to take you to your downtown hotel. Delegates may also be flying to either Dulles International Airport (IAD), with Metro access to downtown via the Silver Line, or Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI).

Ground Transportation Discount

DC Limo Network is offering a 12 percent discount on its regular rates for AFT convention attendees. The discount is available for service to or from DCA, IAD, BWI or Union Station. DC Limo Network has sedans, SUVs, vans and buses available. Request a quote based on your itinerary, passenger count, luggage requirements and preferred vehicle type. Enter promo code AFT26 for the special rates.

AFT Convention Shuttles

Free shuttle buses will run July 15-19 to transport attendees between the convention center and the Capital Hilton, Le Meridien and Hyatt Regency. The other AFT hotels are a short walk from the convention center. Details will be provided closer to the convention.

Using Metrorail

When the AFT convention shuttle isn’t what you need, Metro, D.C.’s subway system, is easy to use. The convention center is located at the Mount Vernon Square station on the Yellow and Green Lines.

There’s no need to purchase a fare card. You can tap your contactless credit or debit card on any Metro faregate or use Apple Wallet or Google Pay to pay with your device. Fares start at $2.25 and vary based on the ride length, day and time you ride. Single- or multi-day passes are available via Metro’s SmarTrip app.

To help you navigate the city like a local, here’s an important tip: Metro escalator etiquette is “stand to the right, walk to the left.” Keep the left lane open for folks in a hurry or you may get some side eye!

Getting Around the City

For even shorter trips, short-term bike and scooter rentals are available throughout the downtown area. The most common are Lime (also via the Uber app) and Capital Bikeshare (also via the Lyft app). Stick to designated bike lanes whenever possible. Riding on sidewalks is prohibited in the downtown business district south of Massachusetts Avenue.

Travel Discounts

The AFT is pleased to offer discounts from Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines for the 2026 AFT convention in Washington, D.C. The major airports serving Washington, D.C., are:

  • Washington National Airport (DCA), five miles from the convention center;
  • Dulles International Airport (IAD), 29 miles from the convention center; and
  • Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI), 32 miles from the convention center.

Delta Air Lines will provide a 3 to 5 percent discount on applicable coach fares (excludes basic economy) for flights to and from Washington, D.C. (DCA and IAD only). These discounts are valid for travel July 11-24. To purchase tickets, visit delta.com. On the booking screen, click on “Advanced Search,” enter meeting code NM4YY in the field provided and continue with the booking process.

Southwest Airlines is offering discounted fares (excludes basic economy) to and from Washington, D.C. (DCA and BWI only). This discount is valid for travel July 11-21. To purchase tickets, visit swabiz.com, enter company ID number 99406300 and continue with the booking process.

United Airlines will provide a 2 to 8 percent discount on published fares for flights to and from Washington, D.C. (DCA only). These discounts are valid for travel July 13-22. To purchase tickets, visit united.com/meetingtravel, enter offer code ZS4M605891 and continue with the booking process.