Some helpful tips and tricks for using the Metrorail system:
-
Metro charges two different rates for any given trip, depending on the time of day. "Peak SmarTrip Fares" are charged on weekdays from opening to 9:30 am, and from 3:00-7:00 pm, and on weekends from midnight until closing. All other times, a lower rate is charged.
-
You must purchase a SmarTrip card to use for each trip at all times of the day.
-
The machines can only return a maximum of $10 in change, and it comes in all coins.
-
To pass through the turnstile, locate a fare gate with a green/white arrow, not the red dash. SmarTrip holders need only to "scan" their card over the SmarTrip logo on the turnstiles. Note that you will need your card to exit, so keep it in a convenient location!
-
When going up and/or down the escalators, stand to the right and walk to the left.
-
As the train arrives, look at the color and destination on the front train car to ensure you board the correct train. (i.e. If you're heading to stops on the way to Vienna, make sure you're riding the Orange Line car that says "Vienna.")
-
When preparing to board a metro train, let passengers leaving the train get off before you try to get on.
-
SmarTrip cards are now required for Metro-operated parking areas. Sufficient funds must be on the card to pay the full cost of parking in order to exit or enter the parking facilities.
-
Parking at Metro-operated lots is FREE on weekends and federal holidays.
-
There is no food, beverage, or smoking allowed on Metro.
Virginia Railway Express:
When traveling from Northern Virginia into Washington, DC, the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) is a comfortable option that connects communities throughout Northern Virginia to the nation's capital. Fairfax County is served by several VRE stations along the Fredericksburg and Manassas Lines, including Burke Centre, Rolling Road, and Lorton.
VRE trains have spacious seating, onboard restrooms, and are a great alternative to driving during the weekday and dealing with rush hour traffic or parking in the busy Capital Region. Be sure to check current schedules before traveling, as VRE primarily operates on weekdays and service levels may vary on holidays.
By Foot:
Fairfax County and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area are very walkable areas. Areas like Reston Town Center, Lake Anne, Mosaic District, Old Town Herndon, and Tysons Corner are very pedestrian-friendly, with endless restaurants, shops, entertainment, and attractions located within walking distance of one another.
You can also enjoy scenic hiking and walking throughout the county's extensive network of parks, trails, and historic sites. Take a waterfront stroll on the Bull Run Occoquan Trail, explore a historic district, or enjoy one of Fairfax County's many nature trails—either way, walking is one of the best ways to experience the region and discover hidden gems along the way.
As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, walking tours of historic sites, monuments, and memorials throughout the Capital Region will be available. These are a great opportunity to experience the stories and places that helped shape the nation.
Fairfax Connector:
Where Will You Go Today? Whether you are connecting to Metro's Silver, Orange, Blue lines or Virginia Railway Express for work or play; taking a day trip to George Washington's Mount Vernon or the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center; staying local for world-class shopping or dining in Tysons, Mosaic District, Reston Town Center, or Springfield Town Center; Fairfax Connector can help get you there!
With more bus routes than ever before and more frequent service throughout Fairfax County, getting around has never been easier or more convenient. Our buses are clean and our friendly drivers get you where you need to go safely and efficiently. If you haven't tried Fairfax Connector lately, take a ride with us and discover how Fairfax Connector can keep you connected with work, home, family, and LIFE! Download your Connector Bus Route Map today!
Metrobus:
Metrobus operates routes in many parts of Fairfax County, including Annandale, Burke, Baileys Crossroads, Seven Corners, Tysons Corner, Alexandria, Fort Belvoir, and Springfield. You may catch Metrobus at any Metrorail station or at any of the Metrobus bus stop signs along the route. Almost all Metrobus routes connect with Metrorail stations.
Metrobus provides more than 400,000 trips each weekday, serving 11,500 bus stops in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. Metrobus is the sixth busiest bus agency in the United States, with a fleet of more than 1,500 buses operating on 325 routes.
Driving:
Plan Your Drive Through Fairfax County: Navigating Fairfax County by Car
Most visitors do use their cars while visiting the region, and it is the easiest way to get around. Visitors can utilize four major interstates in the County. Interstates 66, 95, 395, and 495 all run through Fairfax County and are the main transportation arteries through which many people arrive and continue to get around.
Interstate 495 - commonly referred to as the Capital Beltway - wraps around Washington D.C. and runs through Fairfax County, other portions of Northern Virginia and Maryland. To help make your trip more predictable and faster during rush hours, you can use the new 495 Express Lanes. The 495 Express Lanes are tolled lanes that operate alongside the regular lanes on the Virginia side of I-495. All drivers need an E-ZPass to use the Express Lanes. More information is available on the 495 Express Lanes website.
Yes, we all know that Washington, DC has a reputation for traffic, so in order to bypass rush hour, avoid the major roadways between 7 am and 9 am, and 4 pm and 7 pm on weekdays.
Biking:
Fairfax County is a bike-friendly destination! In fact, it's one of the best ways to experience the County. Travel at a speed that allows you to appreciate sights you may have passed many times, sitting in a car, but never really noticed. When was the last time you were able to stop and read a historical marker? There are 56 in Fairfax County.
On a bike, it's quite easy to stop and spend a minute reading up on local historical events. Explore quiet, tree-lined streets and trails using Fairfax County's excellent interactive map of biking routes. Paper copies of a biking map are also available from many local bicycle stores. For a great resource on bicycling in Fairfax County, check out the group Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling's website.
E-Bikes & E-Scooters:
For visitors looking for a little extra boost, E-bikes and E-scooters are a convenient way to explore select areas of Fairfax County. These are especially helpful for short trips between monuments, restaurants, and shopping districts in the Capitol Region. Services like Bird and Lime are available throughout the region, allowing you to travel shorter distances and park when finished.
Availability can vary by location, so visitors should check provider apps before planning their ride and always follow local rules for riding and parking.
Airport and Hotel Shuttles:
Each of the three airports surrounding Fairfax County - Washington Dulles International, Ronald Reagan National, and Baltimore/Washington International - have shuttles and ground transportation options to get you here, and many of the hotels in the County have complimentary shuttles to get you around town. Check out our hotels page for details on if your hotel has a shuttle.
Rentals, Rideshares, & Taxi:
Fairfax County offers several convenient transportation options for visitors. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate throughout Fairfax County and the Capital Region, making it easy to travel between airports, hotels, attractions, and transit stations. Simply open the app, request a ride, and you're on your way.
For those who prefer having their own vehicle, rental cars are available at all three of the major airports - Washington Dulles International Airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and Baltimore/Washington International, with all major rental car companies available.
Many people visiting the region choose not to rent a car because of the heavy traffic in the DC area, but a rental car can be especially helpful for travelers planning to explore destinations beyond Washington, DC, such as Virginia Wine Country, Mount Vernon, Civil War sites, and more.
Carshare services are also available in certain areas throughout the region, giving you a flexible option if you only need access to a vehicle for a few hours. Fairfax County also has a handful of authorized taxi cab services. Here's a link for more information: Fairfax County Cab Services.
Travel times throughout the region can vary depending on traffic, special events, weather, and time of day. We encourage you to allow extra travel time during weekday rush hours and major events, especially when traveling to or from Washington, DC.
Parking:
Another wonderful perk of Fairfax County is the abundance of free parking! Parking is easy to access throughout Fairfax County. Many hotels offer on-site parking, and busy areas like Tysons Corner, Reston Town Center, Mosaic District, George Washington's Mount Vernon, and the National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center have dedicated parking facilities for visitors.
For parking that isn’t free, policies and fees vary by location. Some destinations offer complimentary parking, others may utilize public garages or surface lots. Visitors planning to attend major festivals, sporting events, or holiday celebrations should review parking information in advance, as demand increases during busy travel seasons.
Fairfax County also has hundreds of public charging stations for EV and hybrid vehicles, located at shopping centers, hotels, office complexes, transit stations, and public parking facilities throughout the region.
Getting Around for America’s 250th Anniversary
America’s 250th anniversary is expected to bring some of the largest crowds the Capital Region has seen in years, with major celebrations on the National Mall, Independence Day events, commemorative exhibits, parades, and other special events. Washington, DC officials have already encouraged visitors attending major America 250 events to use public transportation whenever possible due to anticipated road closures, security zones, and increased traffic.
If you’re staying in Fairfax County for the 250th, the likely best approach is to use a combination of rail systems like the Metrorail and Virginia Railway Express, bus services like the Metrobus and Fairfax Connector, and walking when possible. Many visitors find it easier to park or stay near a Metro station and travel into the city rather than attempting to drive directly to major events.
Visitors planning to attend Fourth of July festivities or major America 250 events should expect increased security screening, temporary street closures, and limited parking availability near the National Mall and other major venues. Arriving early, monitoring event information, and allowing extra travel time can help make the experience much smoother.
Looking for more 250th things to do? Check out our America 250 themed itineraries.
If you’re traveling with a larger group, see our getting here and around group travel page.
