Getting Around Alexandria
Alexandria sits on the Potomac River waterfront just a few miles south of Washington, D.C., which makes it unusually easy to explore without a car. The historic core is compact and walkable, a regional rail line and the Washington Metro both stop in town, and the city's own bus service is free. What follows is practical guidance on each option, plus how to reach the city from its airports.
Walking
Walking is the simplest way to cover Alexandria's historic districts. Old Town, the Braddock Road Metro area, and the Southwest Quadrant are dense with eateries, shops, and cultural attractions, and the sidewalks are well maintained. The trade-off is that outlying parts of the city are far less pedestrian-friendly, so if you plan to go car-free, basing yourself in one of the walkable neighborhoods is the sensible move.
A useful orientation point: from the King St-Old Town Metrorail station, it's about a 25-minute walk down King Street to the waterfront. King Street itself is the main shopping and dining street.
Metrorail and Regional Rail
Alexandria is served by several Metrorail stations, including King St-Old Town, Potomac Yard, Braddock Road, Eisenhower Ave, and Van Dorn Street. King St-Old Town is the most convenient for visitors: it sits right on King Street and is served by both the Yellow and Blue Line trains. To reach downtown D.C., take the Yellow Line toward Greenbelt or Mt. Vernon Square, or the Blue Line toward Largo Town Center or Stadium-Armory.
Metrorail runs from early morning until late evening on weekdays, with later service on Friday and Saturday nights. For payment, buy a reusable SmarTrip card or a 1-day or 7-day SmarTrip pass for unlimited rides. SmarTrip cards also work on Metrobus and other regional bus systems, so they're worth picking up even if you're only in town briefly. Cards are available at Metrorail stations or online. Metrorail is operated by WMATA, and their information line is (202) 637-7000.
For longer regional trips, Amtrak's station (ALX) at 110 Callahan Drive sits in Old Town, adjacent to the King St-Old Town Metrorail station. Several Amtrak routes stop here, including the Northeast Regional, the Carolinian/Piedmont, the Crescent, the Cardinal, and the Silver Service/Palmetto. Virginia Railway Express (VRE) commuter rail also connects Northern Virginia with D.C.'s Union Station, though it runs infrequently outside rush hour. Since July 1, 2024, passengers 18 and under ride VRE free.
Buses and the King Street Trolley
Local bus service is straightforward and, notably, free. DASH, the Alexandria Transit Company, runs free buses throughout the city from early morning to late evening; you can reach them at (703) 746-3274. Metrobus services also operate in the city, and your SmarTrip card covers both.
The free King Street Trolley is the easiest option for the main tourist corridor. It runs along King Street between the King St-Old Town Metrorail station and Alexandria City Hall/Market Square, stopping every two to three blocks.
Taxis, Ride-Hailing, and Other Options
Taxis and carshare services are available in the city. Ride-hailing apps are a practical fallback for trips that don't line up with bus or rail routes.
Two other options are worth knowing about. A water taxi connects Alexandria to several D.C. locations and to National Harbor. Bike rental is also available, and riverboat cruises run on the Potomac. If you're heading to Mount Vernon, a shuttle departs near the King Street Metro station, costing $10 per person plus general admission; it runs a scenic 20-minute route along the Potomac on Fridays through Sundays, May through July.
Group tours and charter services operate as well, including hop-on hop-off bus tours and private guided tours.
Cycling
Alexandria has an extensive network of bike lanes and trails, and the Mount Vernon Trail is a notable scenic route for both commuting and leisure. Capital Bikeshare stations are located around the city. Heavier traffic areas can be challenging on a bike, but the city is expanding its bike infrastructure.
Getting In from the Airport
Alexandria is served by three airports, and the closest by far is Reagan National Airport (DCA), only a short drive away — roughly 10 to 15 minutes. Some hotels offer complimentary shuttle service to DCA, so it's worth checking with your accommodation before you book a ride.
The other two options are further out: Washington Dulles International Airport and Baltimore/Washington International Airport. Both are considerably farther from the city, so plan for a longer transfer if you fly into either.
Parking, If You Drive
If you do bring a car, Old Town has both street and garage parking, while Del Ray and many other parts of the city offer free parking. Be aware that motorcoach parking in historic Old Town requires a permit obtained through online registration, with paid short-term and long-term parking available and advance reservation encouraged. Idling over five minutes can draw a $50 fine, and engines must be off when parked.