
City Cruises DC: Water Taxi One Day Pass
Traveler rating
4.0/5
Based on 81 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is City Cruises DC: Water Taxi One Day Pass worth booking?
City Cruises DC: Water Taxi One Day Pass is a 0.6-hour experience in Washington DC, United States, from $46 per person. It scores 45 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4/5 rating across 81 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 45 / 100
- Rating
- 4/5 (81)
- Duration
- 0.6 hours
- From
- $46 per person
Skip the traffic and take the scenic route to your destination. Pass is valid for unlimited water taxi rides on a single date for one passenger. Please redeem your ticket at the ticket booth prior to boarding for each ride.
What you get
About this experience
Skip the traffic and take the scenic route to your destination. Pass is valid for unlimited water taxi rides on a single date for one passenger. Please redeem your ticket at the ticket booth prior to boarding for each ride.
What's included
Included
- Beautiful waterfront views
- Round Trip ticket from the Wharf to Old Town Alexandria
Not included
- Food and drinks (available to purchase)
What you'll see and do
Potomac River
Cruise along the Potomac River
10 minutes here
Washington Monument
Wharf Water Taxi to Alexandria
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Washington DC
National Harbor 145 National Plaza, National Harbor, MD Approximate trip time: 45 min
Meeting point
Washington DC
Alexandria City Marina 0 Cameron St, Alexandria, VA Located behind the Torpedo Factory Art Center Approximate trip time: 30 min
Meeting point
Washington DC
Georgetown 3100 K St NW, Washington, DC Approximate trip time: 30 min - Georgetown Dock is not Wheelchair accessible * Please note, our water taxi route traveling from Georgetown directly to Old Town Alexandria is our Monuments cruise.
Meeting point
Washington DC
The Wharf Dock: Transit Pier, 950 Wharf St SW* Drop-Off: 950 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC *Pedestrian access only. Located between Blair Alley SW & 9th St SW.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Guest drop off location will vary based on route selected.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Potomac Water Taxi
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please arrive 20 minutes prior to departure.
- Operates in all weather conditions; please dress appropriately.
- Must get timed tickets for the exact routes at ticket booth or call contact center.
- Pass valid for all all Routes.
- Passes are not valid on, specialty and holiday cruises.
- Cannot be used with any other discount or promotion.
- Passes can be purchased online or at the Alexandria, National Harbor, and the Wharf Ticket Booths.
- All Day Pass & VIP Pass Holders must visit the Ticket Booths to obtain a valid ticket to board the boat.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 79 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
79 verified traveler reviews for City Cruises DC: Water Taxi One Day Pass. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
I think better...
I think better communications on the website about the ability to catch water taxis from different spots would have been helpful. We didn’t know that with our day pass we could also go on the monuments tour. By the time we learned this, the timing was off. Better written information would help.
via Viator
Don't Trust their Schedule
BEWARE of Event Schedule. I have had good luck with company until this season. They have had Scheduling Issues all summer. I had Guests for the 4th of JUly and planned their visit around taking the boat. They rescheduled then canceled our cruise on the 3rd. I also frequently ride the Baseball boat to the Nats Game and they have had the Schedule wrong for several September Games.
via Tripadvisor
Take the Water Taxi. It’s fun!
Nice relaxing activity. Gives locals an opportunity to see familiar places from a different perspective, via water. And gives tourists a great view of our beautiful DMV altogether.
via Viator
If you like to explore, this is a great cruise for you!
Great way to relax on a boat, either on top of the deck or down below in the air conditioning! My husband and I had a great time visiting all the different ports in one day and still had time to get to our concert that evening!
via Viator
Quick boating trip for Kids
3 kids & 2 adults We tumbled onto the water taxi minutes before it pulled away from Old Town Alexandria. 30 minutes across the Potomac & we were in DC. We could have gone further but time was short. We lunched at a Burger place & got back on & rode home. The kids had a blast standing outside during the speedy part of the ride. No tour guide, just the boating experience…was sufficient for the 3 littles. When we arrived back in Alexandria, we paid a quick visit to the Torpedo Factory Art Studios at the disembarkation dock. What an eclectic group of artists! Worth a look
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 0.6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 28
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 45
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
City Cruises DC: Water Taxi One Day Pass: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Washington DC.
How much does City Cruises DC: Water Taxi One Day Pass cost?
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Prices start at $46 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Washington DC usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does City Cruises DC: Water Taxi One Day Pass take?
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Plan for about 0.6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Washington DC is not rushed.
Is City Cruises DC: Water Taxi One Day Pass worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 45 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4/5 across 81 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Washington DC, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule City Cruises DC: Water Taxi One Day Pass?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is City Cruises DC: Water Taxi One Day Pass suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 0.6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book City Cruises DC: Water Taxi One Day Pass?
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Around 28 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Washington DC can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Washington DC and add a light layer if any part of the 0.6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does City Cruises DC: Water Taxi One Day Pass start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Washington DC within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Washington DC?
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Washington is the rare city where the headline attractions cost nothing and the scarce resource is access. Timed entry to the Smithsonian museums, Capitol and White House tours, and the night monument runs by bike or bus are what fill up. Our ranking rewards operators who secure the passes themselves rather than telling you to sort it out at the door. On Outty we rank every Washington DC experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Washington DC "See the City" Guided Sightseeing Segway Tour, Arlington Cemetery Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards, Washington DC Small-Group Sightseeing Experience. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Washington DC?
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Late March to April for cherry blossom, or September to November for cool museum weather. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Washington DC?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in City Cruises DC: Water Taxi One Day Pass?
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Included: Beautiful waterfront views; and Round Trip ticket from the Wharf to Old Town Alexandria. Not included: Food and drinks (available to purchase). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for City Cruises DC: Water Taxi One Day Pass?
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National Harbor 145 National Plaza, National Harbor, MD Approximate trip time: 45 min Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is City Cruises DC: Water Taxi One Day Pass offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for City Cruises DC: Water Taxi One Day Pass?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is City Cruises DC: Water Taxi One Day Pass wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to City Cruises DC: Water Taxi One Day Pass if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Washington DC. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about City Cruises DC: Water Taxi One Day Pass?
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Across 81 reviews averaging 4.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, good for families. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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