Virginia Railway Express
For many visitors to Washington, and indeed for many residents, a trip to George Washington's estate at Mt. Vernon is "de rigueur". This year is an exceptional one at this beautiful estate on the Potomac River, marking the bicentennial of the death of our nation's founding father and the first President of the United States. As such, Mt. Vernon is offering a varied and unique number of events to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Washington's death.
Virginia Railway Express (VRE) and the Potomac Riverboat Company offer Virginia visitors and metro residents south and west of Washington a unique, relaxing and stress-free way to enjoy these special events. VRE can carry visitors on weekdays from Manassas or Fredericksburg (and intermediate points) to the Alexandria VRE station in comfort, while avoiding the stress of highway commuting and the hassle of parking.
Upon arrival at Alexandria, the DASH bus service or Metro buses provide a quick, easy ride to the Potomac River at the junction of King and Union Streets. There, the Potomac Riverboat Company sightseeing ships will take visitors on a 45 minute cruise down the historic waterfront adjoining Alexandria, past busy National Airport and Ft. McNair's "General's Row" to Mt. Vernon. See the Potomac Riverboat Company's website for schedules and prices. Or call (703) 684-0580 for additional information.
Visitors can then take the DASH AT2, AT5 or AT7 bus or the Metro 28A or 28B bus eastbound from the Metro station adjacent to the VRE facility into town. Leave the bus as it makes a left turn on Fairfax Street and continue walking eats on King Street approximately three blocks to the river and Potomac Riverboat's dock at the end of King Street.
Upon your return from the cruise, simply reverse the procedure to the VRE station by walking up King Street toward town. After crossing Fairfax Street, catch any westbound DASH or Metro bus back to the Metro rail station and proceed around the corner to the VRE rail depot for the return trip to either Manassas or Fredericksburg. If you prefer to walk either to/from the rail station to/from the river, the distance is about one mile.
Don't forget: your VRE ticket entitles you to free transfers to either the DASH or Metro buses in Alexandria to make your trip more enjoyable.