Alexandria VA Transportation - Easy Access by Train or Car

Alexandria VA Transportation - Whether you're arriving for business or a holiday, it's easy to get to Alexandria by train or car. Here are a few pointers...

Arriving by Train: In the US, our rains run on a system called AMTRAK. Use this toll free number for schedules and information 1-800-USA-RAILS.

Schedules, general information and fares for AMTRAK. It's right here!

Travelling to Alexandria VA by train? Get off at Washington DC's Union Station, and then take a cab or METRO to Alexandria VA.

Trains travelling the Northeast Corridor arrive hourly from early mornings to late evenings.

The least expensive ticket is a reserved Coach ticket. (It's a clean and comfortable train car - and there is a snack bar on board.)

If you want luxury and the fastest travel time, then purchase a ticket on the Acela train.

Washington Union Station is a wonderful destination in itself. The interior is renovated to its historic majesty. The station has many quality shops and places to eat, so waiting for a train there is no hardship.

A cab from Union Station to Alexandria VA takes around 30 minutes (depending on traffic) and costs around $20.

You can save a bundle taking METRO. HOW TO USE METRO AT WASHINGTON UNION STATION: Follow the signs to Metrol Take the Metro RED LINE to Gallery Place and transfer to the YELLOW LINE. Take the Yellow Line to King Street Station in Alexandria. It's safe and very easy to do.

FAQ: "I noticed there is an Alexandria VA station on the AMTRAK line. When should I use it?"

Answer: When arriving FROM the South, get off at Alexandria Virginia's Union Station INSTEAD of Washington DC's Union Station. (Sorry, but both Alexandria VA and Washington DC's stations have the same name).

Can't be more convenient. The Alexandria VA AMTRAK station is just one block from King Street (and the King Street Metro stop.)

IMPORTANT TRAVEL TIP: If coming FROM the Northeast, THINK TWICE ABOUT travelling through to Alexandria to save the cab fare or METRO ride. There is a layover in Washington DC. And actually very few trains go through to the South.

EXTREMEMLY IMPORTANT TRAVEL TRIP: On your return trip - if you are travelling NORTH - DO NOT depart FROM Alexandria VA. I have made this mistake myself. You wind up waiting for a train from the South, and they are often LATE...I have been stuck waiting for as long as 2 hours in Alexandria VA's cute train station.

Always make the extra effort to get to Washington DC's main station, Union Station, if you are travelling the Northeast corridor.

Here's a Picture of Alexandria Virginia's Sweet Little Train Station - Metro Trains Arrive On Tracks Very Close By - You're only 1 block from King Street, the heart of Old Town...

Alexandria VA Transporation - Travelling by Car

Directions from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA):

Take Route 1 SOUTH out of the airport, approximately 3 miles, into Old Town Alexandria. Turn LEFT or RIGHT onto King Street.

Directions from Dulles International Airport (IAD):

Take the Dulles Toll Road EAST to the Capital Beltway (Interstate 495). Go SOUTH on Interstate 495 to Exit 177, Alexandria Route 1. Take Route 1 NORTH approximately 1 mile to King Street. Turn LEFT or RIGHT onto King Street.

Directions from Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI):

Take Interstate 95 SOUTH until it connects with the Capital Beltway (Interstate 495). Continue SOUTH on Interstate 95/495 until you just cross the Potomac River into Virginia at the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge. After you cross the bridge, take the first exit, Alexandria Route 1 (Exit 177). Take Route 1 NORTH approximately 1 mile to King Street.