New Rider

History of the Circus Train

Ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages, step right up and witness the final bow to what was once the greatest ride on Earth! The Circus Train!

Service Alert Sign-Up

New to VRE? The information below is designed to assist you in planning your trip.

Step 1: Pick Your Station

First, check out our System Map and select the stations you wish to travel to and from. Click the station name for information on station addresses and parking information.

Boarding with a Bike? Click here: Bikes Aboard VRE

Step 2: Select Your Travel Times

We mostly operate northbound into DC in the morning and southbound in the afternoon and evening. Departure times can be found by visiting the Schedule Page. Traveling between Alexandria and Union Station? Take Any VRE train! - Inner Station Schedule

The time on the schedule is time the train will depart the station. Have your ticket validated prior to boarding the train and be on the platform at least 5 minutes before the train arrives.

Step 3: Buy your ticket

Paper tickets can be purchased from one of our Ticket Vending Machines, using a debit or credit card, located on our station platforms. You can also purchase tickets on your phone using our mobile ticketing app.

Click here for Ticket types and Fare information.

For Mobile ticket purchase: For paper ticket purchase:

If you receive SMARTBENEFITS through your agency, follow the step-by-step benefits allocation process here: Allocating and Linking SmartBenefits to VRE Mobile.

A Few Things That You Should Keep in Mind

Tickets are NOT sold on the trains.
VRE stations do not have station attendants.
Delays do happen. To find out if your train is delayed, sign up for our email and text alert service, Train Talk. To track your train in real-time visit "Train Status" on our website.