Train travel is on the rise. Amtrak carried 32.8 million riders in fiscal year 2024 — a 15% jump from 2023 and its highest ridership ever.

To avoid unpredictable air travel around the holidays, why not give train travel a try? Here’s our guide to five different train lines that travel in and around NOVA.

Stations near us

There are three main stations in the Northern Virginia area, all within a 45-minute drive to downtown Arlington:

Washington Union Station (WAS) | ~28-min drive from downtown Arlington
Alexandria Union Station (ALX) | ~25-minute drive from downtown Arlington
Lorton Amtrak Station (LOR) | ~45-minute drive from downtown Arlington

With the extensive public transportation options in Northern Virginia, you can easily reach these stations by Metro or bus.

If you prefer to drive, please note that parking at Washington Union Station requires payment (see rates). Parking near Alexandria Union Station also has associated fees (view garage rates). At the Lorton Amtrak Station, a free VRE parking lot is available.

Union Station is a hub for train travel not only on the East Coast but in the United States. | Photo via Flickr

The five lines you can take

Five major lines connect Northern Virginia and Washington, DC. Curious where they go and what they offer? All aboard — let’s find out.