Accessible Travel in Alexandria, VA
Alexandria, Virginia, welcomes visitors of all abilities. On the Potomac River within eyesight of Washington, D.C., Alexandria, VA is nationally recognized for its rich history and beautifully preserved 18th- and 19th-century architecture. Voted one of Travel + Leisure’s Best Cities in the U.S 2023 and a Condé Nast Traveler Top 5 Best Small City in the U.S. 2022, Alexandria hums with a cosmopolitan feel. Old Town Alexandria’s King Street mile features more than 200 independent restaurants and boutiques plus intimate historic museums and new happenings at the waterfront. Make sure to stop into unique boutique stores like The B.E.S.T Gift Shop, which showcases and supports working artisans with disabilities.
Getting Here and Getting Around
Airports
Located just five miles south of Washington, D.C., Alexandria, VA is minutes from Reagan National Airport and an easy commute to Dulles International Airport and Baltimore International Airport. The city is serviced by almost all of the major airline carriers, with over 300 nonstop destinations and 1,000 daily departures.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport – Located just north of Alexandria, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has shuttle buses equipped with wheelchair lifts to accessible security checkpoints. View the full list of disability services they offer here.
Washington Dulles International Airport – Accessible via Metrorail, Dulles Airport’s services include wheelchair service and elevators equipped with Braille buttons. View the full list of IAD’s disability services here.
Baltimore/Washington International Airport – Located just outside of Baltimore, Maryland, view the comprehensive list of their disability services here.
Accessible Transportation Services
- Alexandria’s DOT Paratransit Services: DOT is the City of Alexandria’s paratransit program, which is a specialized transportation service for residents and visitors who cannot use fixed routed public transit due to their disability.
- disAbilityNavigator: In collaboration with the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, disAbilityNavigator allow users to search public and paratransit options throughout Northern Virginia.
The FREE King Street Trolley
The free King Street Trolley is equipped with wheelchair ramps and bike racks as well as automated stop announcements.
FREE Parking Up To 4 Hours
Parking for persons with disabilities is free for up to 4 hours at single and multi-space meters. In addition, individuals with a handicapped license plate and/or handicapped hangtags could park more than TWICE the restricted time posted on signs in time-restricted parking zones. Explore more information about parking in Alexandria here.
Wheelchair Rentals
- Mobility City: Mobility City of Alexandria specializes in repairs, rentals and sales of mobility equipment throughout the Northern Virginia region. Phone: 571-536-2255
- Rehab Equipment Professionals: Founded in Alexandria, REP specializes in custom medical equipment and equipment repair. Phone: (703)-370-2100
Attractions and Historic Sites
With nearly 275 years of history and hospitality to its credit, Alexandria offers an array of historic and cultural attractions.
Accessible Exhibitions
- Alexandria Archaeology Museum: Located on third floor of Torpedo Factory Art Center, elevator access
- Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum: Exhibits on first floor and elevator to second floor lecture hall
- Alexandria Black History Museum: One level
- Freedom House Museum: Elevator to second and third floor exhibits
- Ford Ward Museum: First floor exhibit areas, path to historic fort
- Friendship Firehouse: Elevator to second floor
Tours limited to first floor, with an interpretation of upper levels:
- Gadsby’s Tavern Museum: First floor, video coming soon
- Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum: First floor
