How to Get from Washington D.C. to Alexandria
Located within eyesight of Washington, D.C., Alexandria is so close to the nation’s capital that it used to be part of it. Just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., you’ll find that Alexandria offers unexpected gems and an escape from the ordinary. Getting to Alexandria is easy. Hop on the MetroRail, take a scenic water taxi or boat cruise, ride a bike or take advantage of a short cab, Uber or Lyft ride.
Metro
Take the Blue or Yellow line from anywhere in Washington, D.C. directly to the King St–Old Town Metrorail station, the primary Metro stop for reaching Old Town Alexandria. From there, the free King Street Trolley connects you to the shops, restaurants and waterfront along the King Street mile. Fares vary by distance and time of day. Visit wmata.com for current schedules and fares.
Duration: ~20 minutes from Old Town to the National Mall
Cost: Distance-based pricing starts at $2.25. Tap here for fare information.
Scenic Water Taxi
City Cruises operates scenic Potomac Water Taxi service between Alexandria’s City Marina at the foot of King Street and several D.C. destinations, including The Wharf, Georgetown and National Harbor. It’s one of the most enjoyable ways to make the trip, arriving directly at Alexandria’s waterfront. Routes and schedules vary by season, so check current availability before your visit. Visit citycruises.com for schedules and tickets.
Duration: ~30 minutes
Bus Transportation
Regional Metrobus service connects Washington, D.C. and Alexandria, with several routes serving stops throughout the city. Note that Metrobus is a separate service from Alexandria’s own fare-free DASH bus system, which provides additional service within Alexandria once you arrive. Visit wmata.com for Metrobus schedules and fares.
Duration: ~45 minutes to 1 hour and 25 minutes
Cost: $2.25
Driving, Taxi and Rideshare
Driving
Driving from Washington, D.C. to Alexandria typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, though travel times vary depending on your D.C. starting point and current traffic conditions. The scenic George Washington Memorial Parkway runs along the Potomac River and is one of the most popular routes. Once you arrive, parking is available in garages and at metered street spots throughout Alexandria. Visit our parking page for a full map of options and current rates.
Duration: ~15 – 30 minutes
Cost: Parking $10-24 (all day garages) or $2.75/hour (meters)
Taxi
Taxi cabs are available throughout Washington, D.C. and provide a convenient direct connection to Alexandria. Travel time is typically 15 to 30 minutes but varies based on your departure point, destination and traffic conditions. Pricing varies by distance and demand.
Duration: ~15 – 30 minutes
Est. Cost: ~$26-$36 (Estimates can change considerably based on traffic, starting point and current demand.)
Uber and Lyft
Rideshare options including Uber and Lyft are widely available in both Washington, D.C. and Alexandria. Travel time is typically 15 to 30 minutes depending on your origin, destination and current traffic. Pricing varies based on distance, time of day and demand, so check your app for a current estimate before booking.
Duration: ~15 – 30 minutes
Est. Cost: Prices vary from $20 – $50
Biking to Alexandria
Bike Rentals
The Mount Vernon Trail is the primary biking connection between Washington, D.C. and Alexandria, running along the Potomac River with scenic views the entire way. From the National Mall, the ride to Old Town Alexandria’s waterfront is approximately 10 miles and takes about 45 minutes to one hour at a leisurely pace. Bike rentals and Capital Bikeshare stations are available at multiple locations along the Mall and throughout Alexandria. Visit our biking page for rental options and trail information.
Duration: ~45 minutes to one hour
Cost: Classic bike rentals from Capital Bikeshare start at $0.15/minute.
Capital Bikeshare
Capital Bikeshare stations are located throughout Washington, D.C. and Alexandria, making it easy to pick up a bike near your D.C. starting point and dock it at a station in Old Town Alexandria. The Mount Vernon Trail provides a scenic, car-free route of approximately eight miles between the two cities. Visit capitalbikeshare.com for current fares, station locations and availability.
Duration: ~45 minutes to one hour
Cost: Classic bike rentals from Capital Bikeshare start at $0.15/minute.
Getting Around After You Arrive
Once you’re in Alexandria, getting around is just as easy as getting here. The free King Street Trolley connects the King Street–Old Town Metrorail station to City Hall and Market Square, with stops every two to three blocks along King Street, putting you within easy walking distance of Old Town’s shops, restaurants, historic sites and the Potomac River waterfront. The free trolley runs daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
For destinations beyond Old Town, Alexandria’s fare-free DASH bus system serves neighborhoods across the city, including Del Ray, the West End and Arlandria-Chirilagua. Visit dashbus.com for current schedules, routes and a system map. Rideshare options including Uber and Lyft are also widely available throughout Alexandria for quick trips between neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a car to visit Alexandria from Washington, D.C.?
No. Alexandria is easy and convenient to explore without a car, particularly in and around Old Town. Metrorail connects Washington, D.C., with Alexandria, while the free King Street Trolley, DASH buses, walking and biking make it easy to get around once you arrive. You can also arrive by water taxi for a scenic alternative.
Is Alexandria an easy day trip from Washington, D.C.?
Yes. Alexandria’s proximity to Washington, D.C., and its convenient public transportation connections make it an easy day trip. Spend the day exploring Old Town’s shops, restaurants, historic sites and waterfront, then return to D.C. by Metrorail or another available transportation option.
What is the best alternative when the water taxi is not operating?
Metrorail is the most convenient year-round alternative for traveling between Washington, D.C., and Alexandria. Depending on your starting point and destination, you can also use Metrobus, rideshare or taxi service. Once in Old Town, the free King Street Trolley can help you travel along King Street between the King St-Old Town Metrorail station and the waterfront area.
Can I return to Washington, D.C., from Alexandria at night?
Yes. Metrorail operates into the evening and late night, with service hours varying by day of the week. The free King Street Trolley operates until 11 p.m., while rideshare and taxi services provide additional options after other services have ended. Check current Metro schedules before your trip for the latest first- and last-train information.
Which transportation options accommodate wheelchairs or other mobility devices?
Metrorail stations, trains and Metrobus are fully accessible, with elevators, ramps and other accessibility features. The free King Street Trolley is equipped with wheelchair ramps, and Alexandria also offers paratransit services for eligible visitors who cannot use fixed-route public transportation independently.
Can I bring a bicycle on Metro or the water taxi?
Bicycles are welcome on Metrorail and Metrobus, subject to Metro’s size and capacity guidelines. The King Street Trolley also has bike racks available on a first-come, first-served basis. Because bicycle policies can vary by water taxi operator and vessel, check the current operator guidelines before traveling with a bike by water.
Are strollers permitted on Metro, the water taxi and the King Street Trolley?
Strollers are permitted on Metro, and riders should use elevators when needed and avoid blocking aisles or other passengers. On the King Street Trolley, strollers must be folded before boarding. For water taxi service, check the current operator’s policies before your trip, as requirements may vary.
