I know this loopy route works well and avoids traffic lights. Use these directions if you are starting from south of DC on I-395 or the George Washington Parkway. An alternative is to use I-66.

Map of Driving Route

  1. Starting from I-395, head north. Do not use the HOV Lanes as you will miss the exit.
  2. Just prior to the Potomac River, take the LEFT exit to northbound George Washington Parkway. (This exit comes up fast so be alert)
  3. Soon after crossing over the small "hump" bridge, be sure to bear right to remain on the GW Parkway.
  4. After crossing under Key Bridge, take the first LEFT exit
  5. Soon after leaving the Parkway, use the LEFT "turn-around" in the median to return to the GW Parkway (southbound).
  6. As you pass back under the Key Bridge, take the RIGHT exit to the bridge!!. At the top of the ramp, bear right and cross over Key Bridge. (move to left lane)
  7. At the far end of the bridge, make a left turn onto M Street at the light. This becomes Canal Street as it passes Georgetown University.
  8. Bear left at the traffic light (before the hill), to remain on Canal Road !!. (keep following the canal on your left)
  9. Fletchers Boathouse is just ahead on the left. (it's the first break in the stone wall)

Map of Fletcher Boathouse Area

Parking is available on both the east and west side of the canal. If the east side is full, you can reach the larger west side lot using the auto tunnel, which carries you under the canal.

!! NOTE: These directions do not work during weekday morning rush hour (5:30am - 10 am). During this time, the Key Bridge exit is closed. Also, Canal Road is One-Way heading into town during the morning rush hour.

FYI: The nearest Metro Station is Rosslyn. This is located near Key Bridge on the Virginia side of the river. Simply bike over the bridge and then follow the C&O Towpath or Capital Crescent Trail to the boathouse.