Transportation in Fairfax County, Virginia

Overview of Transportation in Fairfax County

Fairfax County is served by a mix of major highways, regional rail and rapid transit, local buses, and nearby airports. Major highways provide east–west and circumferential access, regional rail and the Washington Metro (plus Virginia Railway Express — VRE) connect commuters to Washington, D.C., Fairfax Connector buses serve local routes across the county, and Washington Dulles International and Ronald Reagan Washington National airports offer regional and international flights.

This page will walk through each mode — highways and major corridors, Metro & VRE service and stations, Fairfax Connector routes, and airport access — and provide maps, schedules, park‑and‑ride options, and practical tips to help you plan trips within Fairfax County and to the broader region.

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Major Highways Serving Fairfax County, Virginia

I-95

I-95 runs north–south along Fairfax County's eastern corridor, carrying heavy commuter flows to and from Washington, D.C., and providing a primary route for daily workers. It serves as a major freight corridor for trucks moving goods along the Eastern Seaboard, connecting local distribution centers to regional and long-haul networks. Congestion and incidents on I-95 directly affect commute reliability, delivery schedules, and regional connectivity for eastern parts of Fairfax County.

I-495 (Capital Beltway)

I-495 encircles the Washington metropolitan area and functions as Fairfax County’s principal orbital route, linking neighborhoods, employment centers, and transit hubs. It redistributes commuter traffic across interchanges serving Fairfax and supports regional freight movements by connecting to interstates and arterial roads that access warehouses and ports. Traffic conditions on the Beltway influence cross-county travel times, freight routing choices, and access to neighboring jurisdictions.

I-395

I-395 provides a direct, high-capacity route from southern Fairfax County into downtown Washington, D.C., and is heavily used by commuters and express bus services. While it supports freight movements to regional terminals, peak-hour restrictions and congestion can limit heavy truck use; nevertheless it remains important for time-sensitive deliveries and last-mile logistics. I-395’s performance affects commute patterns for South County residents and the efficiency of regional connections to core employment centers.

Rail Options Serving Fairfax County

Metro, VRE & Regional Connections in Fairfax

  • Franconia–Springfield Metro Station: Blue Line access to Washington, D.C., with large park-and-ride and regional bus connections.
  • Burke Centre VRE Station (Manassas Line): Commuter rail service into Alexandria and Union Station; weekday peak-direction trains.
  • Lorton VRE Station (Fredericksburg Line): Fredericksburg Line service with park-and-ride and connecting local buses.
  • Typical services: weekday peak-focused schedules with limited off-peak and weekend trains — check each operator’s timetable for exact runs.
  • Commuter tips: use SmarTrip or VRE ticketing apps, allow extra time for transfers, use park-and-ride or bike racks, and sign up for service alerts.

Fairfax County is served by multiple rail options that make commuting into the region straightforward. Metro’s Blue Line at Franconia–Springfield connects riders to downtown Washington, while VRE’s Manassas and Fredericksburg lines (including Burke Centre and Lorton stations) provide direct commuter rail into Alexandria and DC. For reliable trips, check real-time schedules, bring a SmarTrip or mobile ticket, plan for peak-direction crowding, and consider park-and-ride or multimodal connections to speed your commute.

Modern train at Franconia-Springfield station with commuters boarding, blue and teal signage, and clear sky in the background.

Airports Serving Fairfax County, VA

Dulles International & Reagan National — Driving, Metro & Shuttle Options

  • Dulles International (IAD): typically 30–45 minutes from central Fairfax County depending on origin and traffic; served by the Silver Line extension, regional shuttles, and rideshare options.
  • Reagan National (DCA): typically 20–35 minutes from Fairfax County; accessible via the Metrorail Yellow and Blue lines, plus shuttles and rideshare services.
  • Common travel options for Fairfax residents: driving and airport parking, Metrorail connections, scheduled airport shuttles, commuter rail where available, and on‑demand rideshare—choose based on luggage and time of day.

Fairfax County travelers should plan for variable drive times based on neighborhood and peak traffic; allow extra time for parking and security. When possible, use the Silver Line for Dulles or the Yellow/Blue lines for Reagan, or choose shuttle and rideshare options for door‑to‑door convenience.

Airplane taking off with Dulles and Reagan National airport signage, clear sky, and travelers in foreground. Clean, informative style.
Cyclist on a Springfield trail, surrounded by trees, with clear signage and a sunny sky. Modern, active style.

Fairfax County Bike Infrastructure & Trail Access

  • Fairfax County Parkway Trail: paved, multi-use corridor providing commuter and recreational access along Route 286
  • Cross County Trail & local greenways: connected greenway segments linking parks, neighborhoods, and schools
  • W&OD and Mount Vernon Trails: regional routes for longer recreational rides and commuting to transit hubs
  • On-street facilities and amenities: bike lanes, protected corridors, bike racks at transit stations, and clear wayfinding signage

Fairfax County offers an extensive network of paved trails and greenways suitable for riders of all levels. For safety, wear a helmet, use front/rear lights and reflective gear at dawn or dusk, obey posted signage, signal turns, and yield to pedestrians. Popular resident routes include the Fairfax County Parkway Trail for direct commuter access, the Cross County Trail for neighborhood connections, and longer outings on the W&OD and Mount Vernon Trails; bring a sturdy lock for bike parking and consult county trail maps or local cycling groups for real-time conditions and community rides.

A local bus at a Springfield stop, with passengers boarding and a suburban background. The scene includes clear route signage and a friendly, modern illustration style. The composition emphasizes accessibility and community, with diverse riders and a clean, welcoming environment.

Fairfax County Bus Services

  • Fairfax Connector: local routes serving neighborhoods and major activity centers across Fairfax County
  • Regional connections via Metrobus, Omniride, and links to VRE for commutes to Washington, D.C.
  • Real-time vehicle tracking and mobile payment options available—check schedules and alerts before you travel

Fairfax County offers comprehensive transit options through the Fairfax Connector and regional bus services. Plan trips using online schedules and real-time apps, and review service alerts for route changes or detours.

Carpooling & HOV in Fairfax County

  • Express/HOV lanes on I-66 (inside and outside the Beltway), I-95, and the 495 Express Lanes for faster peak commutes
  • Commuter programs and rideshare matching through Fairfax County Commuter Services and Commuter Connections
  • Park-and-ride lots, employer vanpools, and resources for establishing carpools and transit benefits

Save time and reduce congestion by using carpools, vanpools, or HOV/express lanes. Fairfax County Commuter Services provides ride-matching, employer support programs, and information on park-and-ride locations and tolling rules.

A carpool vehicle with three diverse passengers, an HOV lane sign, and a Springfield highway in the background. The illustration is friendly and inclusive, highlighting the benefits of shared travel and community connection.
A parking lot in Fairfax County with clear signage, a park-and-ride area, designated rideshare pickup zone, and a mix of parked cars. The scene is organized and accessible, highlighting commuter-friendly design.

Parking & Rideshare — Fairfax County, VA

  • On-street and surface lot parking near commercial centers and transit stations
  • Park-and-ride lots serving VRE and Metrorail with commuter permits, weekday rates, and early-morning commuter shuttles
  • Designated rideshare pickup/drop-off zones at park-and-ride lots and transit centers to reduce congestion
  • Accessible parking and ADA-compliant access provided across county facilities

Commuters and visitors in Fairfax County should use park-and-ride facilities and transit connections to reduce congestion. Check Fairfax County and regional transit apps for real-time availability, permit requirements, and weekday schedules. Observe posted signs for hourly limits and permit zones, allow extra time during peak hours, and use designated rideshare areas for safe pickup and drop-off. For county-specific updates, lot maps, and commuter guidance, visit the Fairfax County Department of Transportation website.

Fairfax County Transportation Overview

Fairfax County offers multiple reliable travel options — I‑95 and the Beltway for drivers; Metrorail (Silver Line) and local/commuter buses for transit; VRE for regional rail; plus bike lanes, trails, walking routes, and rideshare services. Commuter tips: travel off‑peak when possible, use park‑and‑ride lots and transit apps for real‑time schedules, and consider transit passes or carpooling to save time and cost. Next steps: check the Fairfax County transportation webpage, WMATA and VRE schedules, and local park‑and‑ride information for routes, fares, and service alerts.