Getting Around Arlington

Getting Around Arlington

Arlington County, Virginia sits directly across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., and its compact, well-connected layout makes it easy to explore without a car. Whether you're here for the memorials, the neighborhoods, or as a base for visiting the capital, you'll find a solid mix of rail, bus, bike, and pedestrian options.

Metrorail

The backbone of public transit in Arlington is the Washington Metro (WMATA), which links the county to Washington, D.C., Maryland, and the rest of Northern Virginia. Arlington is served by Metrorail stations on the Orange, Silver, Blue, and Yellow Lines, with connections to the Red Line providing access to Amtrak at Washington Union Station in D.C.

• Fares: Distance-based, so the price depends on how far you travel.
• Payment: Use a SmarTrip card, which works on both Metrorail and Metrobus. You can also add SmarTrip to a mobile phone, and contactless credit or debit cards are accepted at faregates.
• Where to buy: SmarTrip cards are available at any Metrorail station, Metro sales offices, or The Commuter Store locations.
• Planning: The Metro Trip Planner is a useful tool for mapping out routes in advance.

Buses and Other Public Transport

Arlington's bus network fills in the gaps where Metrorail doesn't reach, and it's a practical option for shorter trips or getting to specific destinations.

• Metrobus: The regional bus system runs numerous routes throughout Arlington, covering areas with limited Metrorail service.
• Arlington Transit (ART): Provides connectivity within the county and to neighboring regions, including Washington, D.C.
• DC Circulator: Another operator serving the area.
• Fares and payment: Bus trips cost a flat rate, payable with cash or a SmarTrip card. SmarTrip cards give you free or discounted transfers to other buses or Metrorail.
• Using the bus: Tap your card on the farebox reader when boarding; the readout shows validity and remaining balance. Drivers can add fare and answer route questions.
• Buying cards: SmarTrip cards are sold at many hotels, Metro stations, select CVS and Giant stores, and four Commuter Stores in Arlington. A starter purchase gets you the card plus an initial fare balance, and you can add more at kiosks, on buses, or online.
• Etiquette: No eating or drinking on buses or Metrorail.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing

The source material for this guide focuses on public transit, biking, and walking rather than taxis or ride-hailing. For door-to-door trips, you can arrange a taxi or use a ride-hailing app, but be aware that specific pickup zones and pricing aren't detailed here. If you're staying at a hotel, the front desk is a good resource for local taxi numbers.

Walking

Arlington is genuinely walkable, especially in areas like Ballston-Virginia Square, where restaurants, shops, and parks are accessible on foot. The county has been designated a Gold Level Walk Friendly Community by the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, and you'll find wide sidewalks, trails, public art, and walkable neighborhoods near many hotels.

• WalkArlington: A program supporting walking, with self-guided "Walkabouts" and pedestrian safety resources for day and night.
• Crossing into D.C.: Four bridges connect Arlington and Washington, D.C. — the Francis Scott Key Bridge, Theodore Roosevelt Bridge, Arlington Memorial Bridge, and 14th Street Bridge. All four are walkable and bikeable, though not all carry buses. The Key Bridge from Rosslyn is the main crossing into Georgetown, while the 14th Street Bridge is closest from Crystal City and southern Arlington.

Biking

Arlington is a designated Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Community, and its predominantly flat terrain makes cycling a comfortable way to get around for both commuting and recreation.

• Infrastructure: Extensive bike lanes, trails, and protected or buffered lanes, plus off-street trails and designated bike routes.
• Capital Bikeshare: A bike-share system with stations region-wide. The first 30 minutes are free, with fees thereafter. Use the app to find bikes and empty docks.
• Resources: BikeArlington provides local maps and routes, and a Bicycle Comfort Map shows low-stress routes.

Getting from the Airport into the City

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is the closest major airport to Arlington. Car rental locations are available at the airport, including Enterprise at the Hilton Garden Inn Reagan National Airport. From the airport, you can connect to the region's public transit network to reach Arlington and Washington, D.C. If you're arriving at another airport, you'll typically rely on Metrorail, Metrobus, or a taxi or ride-hailing service to complete your journey into Arlington.

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Get a SmarTrip card early: It's your key to Metrorail and Metrobus, and it gives you free or discounted transfers between them.
• Visit a Commuter Store: Locations in Ballston, Crystal City, Rosslyn, and Shirlington can help with cards, maps, and route questions.
• Bring comfortable shoes: Many of Arlington's attractions and neighborhoods are best explored on foot, and large groups are encouraged to use public transportation.
• Plan with the Metro Trip Planner: It's the easiest way to figure out routes before you head out.
• Parking: If you do drive, Arlington has ample parking, and many hotels offer onsite parking. Tools like the Interactive Meter Rate Map can help you find metered spaces.