Washington D.C. is well-connected by metro, making it a convenient transportation option to access major tourist spots. These subway lines also extend into neighboring states like Maryland and Virginia.
In this guide, we will focus on the metro stations in Virginia that provide access to popular tourist spots.
Choose Your Station Based on Your Purpose
In Virginia, unlike Washington D.C., the facilities surrounding each station are relatively fixed. For tourist purposes, the stations are usually located near popular attractions, making it easy to decide which station to use. However, for shopping purposes, it’s recommended to do some research beforehand to find stations close to the shops you want to visit or those easily accessible from your current location.
Stations Convenient for Tourist Purposes
When touring Virginia from Washington D.C., popular spots include Arlington National Cemetery, the Pentagon, and the historic city of Alexandria. For these locations, there are specific nearby subway stations that allow for relatively efficient access from within the city.
To visit Arlington National Cemetery, take the Blue Line. To reach the Pentagon and Alexandria, take either the Blue Line or the Yellow Line and get off at King Street-Old Town station.
Note that there are two stations with “Pentagon” in their names on the Blue Line. For the Pentagon (the building), use Pentagon station. For shopping purposes, use Pentagon City station, one stop south of Pentagon station.
Surprisingly, the Closest Station to the Lincoln Memorial Is in Virginia
While the Lincoln Memorial is a must-visit tourist spot in Washington D.C., there is no subway station located nearby. If you’re traveling independently, you’ll need to use a free shuttle bus or a shared bicycle to get there.
However, if you really want to take the subway, you can use Arlington Cemetery station in Virginia. From there, you can walk or ride a bike across the Memorial Bridge to reach the front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.
Stations Convenient for Shopping Purposes
Compared to Washington D.C., Virginia has more residential areas, resulting in scattered commercial facilities used by locals. If you prefer to shop at local stores or want to explore brands not yet available in other countries, visiting Virginia might be a good idea.
The closest station from Washington D.C. is Rosslyn station, accessible via the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines. This area, located in Arlington, Virginia, features modern buildings with numerous shops. Additionally, there is an observation deck that offers views of Washington D.C. across the Potomac River.
Heading south on the Blue Line from Rosslyn, you’ll pass through Arlington station and Pentagon station before reaching Pentagon City station. Next, you’ll arrive at Crystal City station. Both Pentagon City and Crystal City areas offer shopping malls and hotels, making them ideal bases for exploration.
If you travel east from Crystal City station, you’ll reach Reagan National Airport station, directly connected to Washington National Airport, which is convenient for travelers.
Another option is to head west on the Silver Line from Rosslyn, which will take you to Tysons Corner. This area also features a massive shopping mall and is located roughly halfway between Washington D.C. and Dulles International Airport. Many package tour participants stay in hotels around this area, and there are plenty of Japanese visitors. However, if you’re after rare items, exploring other areas might be beneficial.
Explore Northern Virginia via the Subway
Northern Virginia, just outside Washington D.C., is characterized by quiet residential areas and large commercial facilities, all served by nearby subway stations. The area also features attractions like Arlington National Cemetery, the Pentagon, and the historic city of Alexandria, which offer a different charm from Washington D.C.
Taking a short trip from Washington D.C. to enjoy sightseeing and shopping in Virginia is also a great option.
