Major city · United States
GreenbeltGreenbelt, Maryland
Give Greenbelt one night, two at most: a New Deal planned town, NASA Goddard and Greenbelt Park, 25–40 min from DC by Metro.
Greenbelt is a 1937 New Deal planned community in Prince George's County, Maryland, built as a cooperative town and still run that way. Old Greenbelt is walkable and holds the museum, the 1938 cinema and Roosevelt Center; NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center sits inside the city limits, and Greenbelt Park is the closest national-park campground to Washington, DC. Most visitors come for a night between DC and Baltimore, or as a cheaper base on the Green Line.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (heat and humidity), late Dec–Feb (cold, some closures)
- Airports
- BWI · DCA · IAD
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Greenbelt911 ▾
- Police, fire and ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Greenbelt, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyGreenbelt is a low-crime suburban town and fine on foot in Old Greenbelt by day and early evening.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire and ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportBWI Baltimore-Washington International (About 25 min north on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway by car.).
- Getting aroundOld Greenbelt is walkable on a network of paths kept separate from the roads.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$3–6
- Sit-down mealSit-down dinner, one personBefore tax and an 18–22% tip.$18–35
- Street or quick mealDeli sandwich or pizza slice$8–15
- BeerDraught beer$6–9
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi or rideshare3.1 mi (5 km) taxi or rideshare$12–20
- Metro or bus rideMetrorail ride within the region$2–6 (check)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry (Greenbelt Museum)check$3
- Budget bedFamily room (up to 4), a night, per roomUS$160
- Mid-range bedChain-hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$150
- High-end bedChain-hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$260
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$60 · Mid US$120 · High US$220
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- BWI Baltimore-Washington International (About 25 min north on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway by car.) · DCA Ronald Reagan Washington National (About 30 min south via the B-W Parkway; Metro runs from DCA to Greenbelt station.) · IAD Washington Dulles International (About 40 miles west in Virginia; Metro from the airport to Greenbelt takes roughly 100 min.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Feb
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Apr
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
May
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jun
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Jul
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Oct
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Nov
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Dec
Avoid*
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jan (−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C) low), wettest May (11 rain days), driest Sep (8). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Greenbelt: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
10 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
9 rd
Mar
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
10 rd
Apr
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
10 rd
May
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
11 rd
Jun
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
11 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
9 rd
Sep
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8 rd
Oct
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
8 rd
Nov
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
9 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
10 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Old Greenbelt is walkable on a network of paths kept separate from the roads. Route 193 links the three parts of the city, and Metrobus connects the Metro station, Beltway Plaza, Roosevelt Center, Greenway Center and Goddard. A car helps for Greenbelt East and the strip malls; the Green Line reaches DC and MARC's Camden Line reaches Baltimore.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 45–60 min
Metrorail Green Line from Greenbelt station, direct to L'Enfant Plaza and Archives
Park at the Metro station if you drive; the Green Line is the simplest way in.
College Park, Maryland
goDoor to door: About 15–25 min
Metrorail Green Line one stop, or a short drive on Route 193/Baltimore Avenue
University of Maryland campus and a walkable downtown strip.
Baltimore
goDoor to door: About 45–60 min by train
MARC Camden Line from Greenbelt station, or drive the B-W Parkway
MARC runs mainly on weekdays: check the timetable before you plan a weekend.
National Harbor
cautionDoor to door: About 35–45 min
Drive via the Beltway and I-295/I-495
Awkward without a car; the waterfront is the draw.
Bowie
cautionDoor to door: About 25–35 min
Drive via Route 193 and Route 450
Mostly shopping and suburban sights; only worth it with a car.
Laurel, Maryland
cautionDoor to door: About 25–35 min
Drive via the B-W Parkway and Route 198, or MARC to Laurel
Small historic main street; pair it with a MARC ride.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Old Greenbelt (Roosevelt Center)
Historic district, walkable paths, museum, cinema and cafés on foot; few beds, so book early.
Greenbelt West (Beltway Plaza)
Strip mall, Target and Giant, bus links; cheapest rooms and closest to the Metro by bus.
Greenbelt East (Greenway Center)
1990s development with chain hotels and Safeway; car-friendly, quieter at night.
Near the Metro station
Best if you are commuting into DC daily; Green Line to DC and MARC Camden Line to Baltimore.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $60–110 excl. bed
- Mid
- $110–200 excl. bed
- High
- $200+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Chain-hotel double room1 × 1 night × US$150 | US$150 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$120 | US$240 |
| Metrorail Greenbelt → central DC, one way2 × US$6 · check | US$12 |
| MARC Camden Line Greenbelt → Baltimore, one way2 × US$9 · check | US$18 |
| Greenbelt Park campsite, per night1 × US$20 · check | US$20 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$20 | US$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$48 |
| Trip total≈ US$264 per person per day, bed included | US$528 |
2026 estimate in US dollars, before sales tax; flights and car hire excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $3–6 |
| Deli sandwich or pizza slice | $8–15 |
| Sit-down dinner, one personBefore tax and an 18–22% tip. | $18–35 |
| Draught beer | $6–9 |
| Metrorail ride within the region | $2–6 (check) |
| 5 km taxi or rideshare | $12–20 |
| Museum entry (Greenbelt Museum)check | $3 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Greenbelt is split into three areas by highways: Old Greenbelt, Greenbelt West and Greenbelt East. Check which one your hotel is in before booking.
- The Metro station is about 2 miles from Roosevelt Center: you need a bus or a car, not a walk.
- NASA Goddard's visitor centre has its own access road off ICESat Road, not the centre's main gate; hours are limited and it closes on some public holidays.
- Greenbelt Park day use is dawn to dusk; camping needs a reservation and a fee.
- Summer weekends at the city pool can be restricted to residents and passholders.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire and ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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GreenbeltGreenbelt, Maryland
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire and ambulance911
Embassy
No embassies in Greenbelt; they are in Washington, DC. US visitors use their own consular services.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Metrorail Greenbelt → DC: about $2–6 depending on distance and time (check)
- MARC Greenbelt → Baltimore: about $9 one way, weekdays mainly (check)
- Taxi or rideshare to the Metro station: $10–18
Say or show
- Where is the Metro station? — Where is the Metro station?
- One ticket, please — One ticket, please
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Is this seat taken? — Is this seat taken?
- Thanks, keep the change — Thanks, keep the change
Tipping is expected: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink, 15–20% for taxis.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Greenbelt. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (heat and humidity), late Dec–Feb (cold, some closures) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contracts for BWI, DCA and IAD: last Metro and MARC departures field-checked, taxi and shuttle fallbacks.
- Walking clusters in Old Greenbelt with rescue anchors: Roosevelt Center, the museum, the Old Greenbelt Theatre, Buddy Attick Park.
- Place pages with verified hours and cutoffs (NASA Goddard Visitor Center, Greenbelt Museum, Greenbelt Park, Aquatic and Fitness Center).
- Festival fixtures (Labor Day, Green Man, Utopia Film Festival) so date-based visitors get a green or red gate.
Sources
- officialCity of Greenbelt — official site
- officialNASA Goddard Space Flight Center
- officialNational Park Service — Greenbelt Park
- officialWashington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metrorail)
- officialMaryland Transit Administration (MARC)
- secondaryWikivoyage: Greenbelt, revision 5259670 (CC BY-SA 4.0)