Getting Around Arlington: An Overview
Arlington, Virginia sits directly across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., and its compact, transit-rich layout makes it easy to explore without a car. The county is served by a dense network of Metro rail lines, regional and local buses, bike-share stations, and pedestrian-friendly streets. Whether you're visiting Arlington National Cemetery, the Pentagon Memorial, or the restaurants and shops of Ballston, you'll find multiple practical ways to get where you're going.
Metrorail: The Backbone of the Network
Arlington's public transit system is led by WMATA Metrorail, which connects the county to Washington, D.C., Maryland, and the rest of Northern Virginia. Several lines serve Arlington, and connections to the Red Line provide access to Amtrak at Washington Union Station in D.C.
Fares are based on distance traveled, and you access the system using a SmarTrip card. SmarTrip cards are rechargeable and work for both Metrorail and Metrobus fares. You can buy them at any Metrorail station, at Metro sales offices, or at The Commuter Store locations. SmarTrip can also be added to a mobile phone, and contactless credit or debit cards are accepted at faregates. A Metro Trip Planner is available to help you map out routes.
Four Metrorail lines run from Arlington into Washington, D.C., making it straightforward to cross the river for sightseeing or connections.
Buses: Metrobus, ART, and DC Circulator
Arlington is well covered by buses, which fill in the gaps where Metrorail service is limited. The regional Metrobus system operates numerous routes throughout the county. In addition, Arlington Transit (ART) provides connectivity within the county and to neighboring regions including Washington, D.C., and the DC Circulator offers another option for getting around.
Bus fares are straightforward: ART and Metrobus cost $2.00 per trip, payable with cash or a SmarTrip card. Using a SmarTrip card gives you free or discounted transfers to other buses or to Metrorail.
You can buy SmarTrip cards at many hotels, Metro stations, select CVS and Giant stores, and at the four Commuter Store locations in Arlington. Ten dollars buys the $2 card plus $8 in fare. You can add fare at kiosks, on buses, or online. To board, tap your card on the farebox reader; the readout shows validity and remaining balance. Drivers can add fare and answer route questions.
Keep in mind bus etiquette: eating and drinking are not allowed on buses or Metrorail.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
The source material does not provide specific details about taxi or ride-hailing services in Arlington. However, given the county's proximity to Washington, D.C., and its major airports, these options are generally available. Visitors should check with their hotel or use a ride-hailing app to arrange door-to-door transport.
Walking: A Walk-Friendly Community
Arlington has been designated a Gold Level Walk Friendly Community by the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center. The county features wide sidewalks, trails, and public art, with many attractions located near hotels. Areas like Ballston-Virginia Square are especially walkable, with restaurants, shops, and parks accessible on foot.
WalkArlington is a program that supports walking and prioritizes pedestrian safety day and night. The organization provides walking resources, including self-guided Walkabouts that let you explore at your own pace.
Walking is also a practical way to reach major sites. The Marine Corps War Memorial is under a mile from Rosslyn Metro station. Arlington National Cemetery is about a mile from the Lincoln Memorial across Memorial Bridge. The Pentagon Memorial is a short walk from Pentagon station.
Biking and Bike-Share
Arlington is a Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Community with an extensive network of bike lanes, trails, and protected or buffered bike lanes. The terrain is predominantly flat, which makes cycling comfortable for both commuting and recreation. A Bicycle Comfort Map shows low-traffic routes, and BikeArlington provides local maps and routes.
Capital Bikeshare operates stations across the region, including in Arlington. The first 30 minutes are free, with fees thereafter. Use the app to find available bikes and empty docks.
Bikeshare stations are conveniently located near major attractions. For the Pentagon Memorial, the nearest stations are at 12th and S Hayes Street, and S Joyce and Army Navy Drive. For the US Air Force Memorial, the nearest station is at Columbia Pike and S Orme Street. For the Marine Corps War Memorial, there's a station at N Fort Meyer Drive and Wilson Boulevard. For Arlington National Cemetery, you can dock at N Meade and 14th Street N near Iwo Jima and walk past the memorial and Netherlands Carillon, or follow the multi-use trail.
Crossing into Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. is 61 square miles along the Potomac River, which separates it from Arlington. Four bridges connect the two: Francis Scott Key Bridge (Key Bridge), Theodore Roosevelt Bridge, Arlington Memorial Bridge, and 14th Street Bridge. All four are walkable and bikeable, though buses do not cross all of them.
Key Bridge, from Rosslyn, is the main crossing into Georgetown. The 14th Street Bridge is closest from Crystal City and southern Arlington. Four Metrorail lines also run from Arlington into D.C., giving you multiple ways to cross the river.
Getting from the Airport into Arlington
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is located in Arlington, making it the most convenient airport for visitors. The source material notes car rental locations at the airport, including Enterprise at Hilton Garden Inn Reagan National Airport. Public transportation is recommended for large groups, and the Arlington Convention and Visitors Service can assist with tour bus parking arrangements.
While the source material does not detail specific airport-to-city transit routes, the airport's location within Arlington means Metrorail and bus connections are readily available. Visitors should consult the Metro Trip Planner or ask at their hotel for the best route to their specific destination.
Parking and Car Travel
If you do drive, Arlington is accessible via highways I-66 and I-395, as well as U.S. Routes 1, 29, and 50. There are more than 100,000 parking spots in the county, and many hotels have onsite parking. Parking tools include an Interactive Meter Rate Map and a Performance Parking Pilot page for metered spaces.
Car rental locations include Hertz at Crystal Gateway Marriott, Budget at Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, Budget at Comfort Inn Arlington/Ballston and its North Arlington location, and Enterprise at Ballston and Shirlington locations.
Practical Tips for Visitors
- Get a SmarTrip card early—it works on both Metrorail and Metrobus and gives you free or discounted transfers.
- Use the Metro Trip Planner to map routes before you head out.
- Visit one of the four Commuter Store locations (Ballston, Crystal City, Rosslyn, and Shirlington) for transit information and assistance.
- Remember that eating and drinking are not allowed on buses or Metrorail.
- Take advantage of Arlington's walkability and bike-friendliness for short trips, especially in areas like Ballston-Virginia Square.
- For large groups, public transportation is recommended, and the Arlington Convention and Visitors Service can help with tour bus parking.