Virginia Railway Express

Virginia Railway Express (VRE) is a commuter train system linking communities in the Northern Virginia suburbs with Washington, DC. VRE trains operate along two routes with several intermediate stops.
Fredericksburg, Virginia, to Washington, DC.
Manassas, Virginia, to Washington, DC.
The two routes come together at the Alexandria, Virginia, Amtrak station. From Alexandria, they run in parallel to the Crystal City station in Arlington, Virginia, and the L'Enfant Plaza station in Washington, DC. Trains from both lines terminate at Union Station in Washington, DC.

VRE offers an alternative to getting in to Washington, DC, from Virginia locations. Especialy from the more distant suburbus, VRE trains will pick you up where the Washington Metro (subway) does not go. Connection with Metro can be made at the Franconia/Springfield transportation center, the Alexandria Amtrak station, L'Enfant Plaza, and Union Station.

The fare on VRE works out to be slightly more expensive than driving to a Metro station, parking, and riding Metro in to Washington. However, the trains are faster as they avoid heavy highway traffic and have fewer stops once in Washington than Metro trains. The L'Enfant Plaza station is two blocks from the National Mall and the Smithnsonian museums (including the Air and Space Museum). Union Station is the gateway to all of Capitol Hill. VRE is a transportation alternative to consider when visiting Washington and staying in the suburbs.

Trains are labled as "Fredericksburg Line" or "Manassas Line". They operate about every half hour during the morning and evening rush hour. There are also two mid-day trains on the Frederickburg Line and one on the Manassas Line. (VRE trains do not operate on Saturday or Sunday.) Tickets must be purchased from a ticket machine at the station by using a credit card or ATM card.

Parking is free at most VRE stations. (There is a charge at Franconia/Springfield.)