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Does The DC Metro Go To Alexandria VA?

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Last updated on 6 min read

The DC Metro serves Alexandria, VA with four stations: Braddock Road, Eisenhower Avenue, King St–Old Town, and Huntington (Blue Line only).

What Metro stop is Alexandria VA?

Alexandria, VA has four Metrorail stations: Braddock Road (Yellow & Blue Lines), Eisenhower Avenue (Yellow Line), King St–Old Town (Yellow & Blue Lines), and Huntington (Blue Line only).

These stops put you within easy reach of downtown Washington, DC, Reagan National Airport, and plenty of other regional spots. King St–Old Town is usually the most convenient for exploring Old Town’s shops and restaurants. Hit up the WMATA station map for live service updates and accessibility info.

How do I get from Alexandria VA to Washington DC?

Take the Yellow Line toward Greenbelt or Fort Totten, or the Blue Line toward Largo Town Center or Stadium–Armory to reach downtown DC from Alexandria.

Grab a SmarTrip card—or use a contactless bank card—at the vending machine. Tap in before boarding, then tap out at your stop. If you’re near the waterfront, King St–Old Town station is your best bet for Old Town’s restaurants and shops. The WMATA Trip Planner can help you dodge peak pricing and confirm schedules.

How long is Metro ride from Alexandria to DC?

A ride from Alexandria to downtown DC typically takes 12–22 minutes depending on your starting station and when you travel.

From King St–Old Town to Metro Center in downtown DC? About 18 minutes. Add 2–5 minutes for the train to pull in and for you to board. Rush hour trains show up every 6–10 minutes; off-peak, every 12–20 minutes. The WMATA app gives real-time updates so you’re never left guessing.

Does the DC metro go to Virginia?

The DC Metro serves areas in Virginia, including stations in Arlington, Fairfax County, and Alexandria along the Yellow and Blue Lines.

Virginia stops include Rosslyn, Foggy Bottom–GWU, Crystal City, Pentagon, Pentagon City, Addison Road–Capitol Heights (MD), and Largo Town Center (MD). Beyond those spots, the system doesn’t stretch much further into northern Virginia. Peek at WMATA’s station list for the full route map.

Is Alexandria Va safe?

Alexandria has a crime rate higher than 77% of Virginia cities and towns, with a violent or property crime chance of 1 in 57.

According to 2024 FBI crime data, Alexandria’s crime rate sits above state averages. Most incidents involve property crime; serious violent crime is pretty uncommon in residential areas. Old Town and Del Ray tend to feel safer than the busier transit corridors. For the latest trends, check the Alexandria Police Department crime maps.

How much is the water taxi in Alexandria VA?

An all-day water taxi pass costs $5, with trips running every 10–15 minutes from 11 a.m. to 4 a.m., 365 days a year.

The Potomac Riverboat Company runs the route between Alexandria’s waterfront and The Wharf in DC. One-way fares run $12–$15. Swing by their website to see seasonal schedules and special event routes.

How much does it cost to ride DC Metro?

Metrorail peak fares range from $2.25 to $6.00; off-peak fares range from $2.00 to $3.85; weekend Metrorail one-way fares are $2.00.

Fare TypeMetrorail CostMetrobus Cost
Peak (weekdays 5–9:30 a.m. & 3–7 p.m.)$2.25 – $6.00$2.00
Off-Peak (weekdays 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m. & after 7 p.m.; weekends all day)$2.00 – $3.85$2.00
Senior/Disability/ID$0.35 – $2.00$0.35
Children under 5FreeFree

Skip paper tickets—use a SmarTrip card or contactless payment instead. Seniors and people with disabilities can ride for less with proper ID. For the latest rates, visit the WMATA fares page.

How much is the Metro from Alexandria to DC?

A one-way Metrorail fare from Alexandria to a downtown DC station costs $2.25 to $3.85 depending on time and distance.

Say you’re heading from King St–Old Town to Metro Center—off-peak it’s $2.25; peak it’s $2.75. Paper tickets tack on an extra dollar. If you ride often, a stored-value SmarTrip card saves hassle. Plug your trip into the WMATA fare calculator to lock in exact pricing.

How does public transportation work?

Public transportation systems like Metro and bus networks provide shared routes with scheduled stops for buses, trains, and trams in urban areas.

They run on fixed timetables, use designated stops, and charge fares based on distance or zones. Around DC, WMATA runs both Metrorail and Metrobus, while regional services like ART and DASH cover specific areas. You can pay fares with cards, apps, or contactless taps. See the WMATA service overview for the full scoop.

Is the Metro in DC Safe?

The Metro system is generally safe, with routine security and surveillance, though isolated incidents occur in crowded or poorly lit areas.

Gallery Place/Chinatown and some late-night stations can get sketchy when crowds thin out. WMATA keeps K-9 units and undercover officers on patrol. If you’re uneasy, skip empty cars after dark. Report anything suspicious to station staff or Metro Transit Police at 202-962-2121. For real-time alerts, check the WMATA safety page.

Does the Metro run from DC to Baltimore?

The DC Metro does not go to Baltimore; the closest connection is Union Station in DC, where you can transfer to Amtrak or MARC trains.

MARC Penn Line and Amtrak Northeast Regional trains zip between Washington, DC (Union Station) and Baltimore’s Penn Station in about 30 minutes. Metro’s Red Line ends at Glenmont, with Silver Spring as the last stop in that direction. For intercity travel, check MARC schedules or Amtrak.

Where should I not live in Alexandria VA?

High-crime areas to research include parts of the King St Metro, Fairlington-Bradlee, and Braddock Road Metro vicinity, based on local incident reports.

Crime stats show higher property crime rates in these spots. That said, safety can shift block by block and hour by hour. Use the Alexandria Police crime maps to see what’s happening on your street before signing a lease. Good lighting and foot traffic make a big difference in how safe a place feels.

Is Alexandria VA expensive?

Alexandria’s cost of living is 50% higher than the national average, driven largely by housing costs that are 133% above the U.S. average.

Utilities run about 3% higher, groceries 17% higher, and transportation (including Metro fares) 10% higher. A one-bedroom apartment typically goes for $2,100–$2,400/month as of 2026. Compare current numbers on Numbeo.

Is Alexandria Va safe at night?

Alexandria’s nighttime safety varies by neighborhood; violent crime is rare, but property crime remains a concern, especially in less trafficked areas.

Old Town and Del Ray stay lively after dark, while quieter corners can feel riskier. If you’re out late, stick to well-lit streets and busy spots. Avoid empty Metro stations once the crowds thin. For the latest advisories, scan local police reports before heading out.

Edited and fact-checked by the MeridianFacts editorial team.
Tom Bennett
Written by

Tom Bennett is a travel planning writer and former travel agent who has booked everything from weekend road trips to round-the-world itineraries. He lives in San Diego and writes practical travel guides that focus on what you actually need to know, not what looks good on Instagram.

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