Traffic on the Wilson Bridge crossing the Potomac River. Photo from iStock.com/Hover Solutions LLC
“How far away is it from the Pentagon, Fort Belvoir, or (fill in the blank here) to Alexandria?”
This is one of the first questions military families ask when researching homes in Alexandria, VA. Alexandria isn’t far from most VA and DC military bases, generally between 10 and 15 miles away.
You’ll quickly realize, however, when living in Alexandria VA, the more accurate question is, “How long will it take to get home, and how do I get there?”
The problem lies in the disconnect between miles and actual driving time. Commuting is a big deal in Alexandria. However, it is one of the better places in the National Capital Region to commute, which is why so many people love to call it home. But there are strategies involved, whether you drive, ride, or bike to work.
As a general baseline, the drive to the Pentagon or Fort Belvoir will take about 20 to 30 minutes if you avoid peak times. Public transportation to either location will take 30 to 45 minutes, with no delays or heavy traffic.
If you’ve never been a map person, the time has come to hone your skills. Study as many as you can and prepare to become familiar with primary colors and directional signs.
Driving from Alexandria
If the car is your preferred choice of transportation, the major source of anxiety that comes with privilege is parking. Learning to leave home and work at a very specific time from any Alexandria, VA zip code for the shortest car ride is your second major commute problem to solve.
Fort Belvoir
Driving to Fort Belvoir? You shouldn’t have a problem. You’ll just need to become familiar with gate opening and closing times. The George Washington Parkway offers a quick ride home from Fort Belvoir to many parts of Alexandria. After a couple of trial-and-error runs, you’ll fine-tune your departure times to take advantage of when the lines in and out of the gates are the shortest.
Aerial view of the Pentagon. Photo from iStock.com/Jeremy Christensen.
The Pentagon
The Pentagon presents a bigger challenge. Just because you work there doesn’t mean you have a parking spot waiting for you each day. In fact, many people don’t, and if they do, parking could be a mile or more from your office, adding more walking time to the commute. Parking isn’t easy, as the spaces are so limited. Typically, your incoming office handles parking assignments.
It’s also not unusual to pay for parking, even at your government office building. Such is the case in nearby Crystal City, now known as National Landing, thanks to Amazon H2Q. Policies on reimbursement vary, so it's vital to check with your office. Also, expect to pay for parking at any Metro station you use.
Catching a Ride from Alexandria
Let’s start with the good news. Through the Mass Transportation Benefit Program, the government subsidizes public transportation costs for qualifying individuals (military: yes; contractors: no). Employees in the National Capital Region can apply for transit passes. This program has many disqualifiers, so familiarize yourself with the guidelines.
Now for the bus and train options. Using each entity’s app or text capabilities for frequent updates on delays and route changes is always a good idea.
The Virginia Railway Express (VRE)
The Virginia Railway Express is a weekday commuter train system serving riders between Northern Virginia suburbs and Washington, DC. The system travels primarily northbound in the mornings and south during the evening towards Manassas and Fredericksburg along I-95.
Alexandria has a VRE station. Check the site for maps and more information.
Fairfax Connector
Fairfax County created a bus system to assist area commuters. Alexandria riders from Fort Hunt, Kingstowne, Fort Belvoir, and the Mount Vernon Area are particularly well served by these bus routes, which run to important Metro and VRE stops.
DASH
The DASH bus system is specific to the City of Alexandria and helps commuters get to and from connections between Metro trains and buses, the VRE, and local bus routes.
Underground station, Washington, DC. Photo from iStock.com/frederic prochasson
Metrorail
Metrorail trains and buses carry many commuters to and from Alexandria. The official website contains maps, schedules, and locations, and answers many of your questions. It will calculate your best rail and bus commute options for your Alexandria VA zip code.
Metro Buses
You’ll learn that while living in Alexandria VA, Metro buses are prolific and have stops all over the city. Often, their stops are very close to popular neighborhoods like Fort Hunt or Old Town. Your home’s location is another major factor in determining your personal commute, especially if you work out of the Pentagon.
Biking
More people than you’d think bike to work from Alexandria. It’s very doable, given the bike trail access on the George Washington Parkway and the ability to load and unload bikes on Metro trains and buses.
Two resources to check for designing your route include the City of Alexandria’s Bikeways Network and Bike Washington.
It's easy to see that there are plenty of ways to get to work, not only for the service member but also for military family members living in Alexandria. Coordinating schedules and routes takes some practice, but learning to ride the rails or bus will be second nature quickly.
Moving to Alexandria? Download your free guide to the area below.
