Summary
Introduction to VRE
VRE, the Virginia Railway Express, provides commuter train service from the Northern Virginia suburbs to downtown Washington, DC. VRE connects to Union Station in Washington, DC via two lines: the Fredericksburg Line from Fredericksburg, Virginia, and the Manassas Line from Broad Run/Airport station in Bristow, Virginia. The rail service is concentrated during peak commuting hours and operates Monday through Friday only. Weekend service is not available.
Rail Time Interactive Map | VRE General Schedule
VRE Fares
- Single Ride – Tickets are priced by fare zones.
- Day Pass – Good for round-trip travel between the fare zones indicated on the ticket.
- Ten-Ride Ticket – 8% Savings. Good for ten one-way trips between the fare zones indicated on the ticket.
- Five Day Pass – 20% Savings. Good for unlimited travel for five consecutive VRE service days from activation within the zones indicated.
- Monthly Ticket – 34% Savings. Good for unlimited travel between fare zones indicated on the ticket during a calendar month.
- VRE-TLC (Transit Link Card) – 34% savings off single ride fare plus Metro Ride Monthly Cost. This joint-use fare card allows unlimited travel on VRE and Metrorail for one calendar month. Not available from ticket vending machines.
- Amtrak Step-Up Ticket – Must be used in conjunction with multi-ride VRE tickets for one-way travel on Amtrak; these tickets are available at the platforms.
- Discounted Tickets – 50% savings available for persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and youths (ages 21 and under).
- Children – Ages 6 and younger ride free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult.
Parking at VRE Stations
VRE offers free parking at some stations, though parking is not available at Alexandria, Crystal City, or L’Enfant. Union Station features a large parking garage available for a fee. A Metro parking facility is available at Franconia/Springfield (SmarTrip card is required). Parking at Manassas requires a permit. Fredericksburg station provides 644 free parking spaces within a few blocks of the station.
VRE Connections
VRE connects to other transportation systems, providing commuters with various options for reaching many locations around the region. VRE has cross honor agreements with Amtrak and MARC, offering free or reduced fares for commuters. Many bus connections are free with a valid VRE ticket. Free transfers are provided to all regular Metrobus routes (excluding express routes but including REX). Moreover, VRE connects with Metrorail at Franconia-Springfield, Alexandria (King Street), Crystal City, L’Enfant, and Union Station. Please note that Metrorail fare is not included in your VRE fare unless you hold a Transit Link Card.
Guaranteed Ride Home Program
VRE participates in Commuter Connections “Guaranteed Ride Home” (GRH). This special service ensures that you can get home in case of an emergency. The program is free and available to all VRE passengers. Consequently, VRE stands as a transportation partnership involving the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) and the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC).