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Getting ThereBy Plane Most major domestic and international airlines service the two airports in the metropolitan Washington, D.C., area . The major international gateway to Virginia is Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD; tel. 703/661-2700; www.mwaa.com), about 25 miles west of Washington, D.C. Dulles is also a regional hub for domestic flights, and fares can be less to fly in and out of here than other airports in Virginia. Also serving northern Virginia is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA; tel. 703/685-8000; www.mwaa.com), on the Potomac River 2 miles north of Alexandria.
Many flights to these regional airports are of the "commuter" variety, and you likely will pay higher fares to fly into them than into Washington Dulles. By Car Interstate highway I-95 runs north-south through Virginia between Alexandria and Emporia. From western Maryland and eastern Tennessee, the major highway is I-81, which runs north-south the entire length of the state through the Shenandoah Valley and Southwest Highlands. Major western entrance points are from West Virginia via I-77 and I-64. The latter runs east-west across the state between Covington and Norfolk. In northern Virginia, I-66 traverses the state east-west between Arlington and I-81 at Strasburg. I-66 can slow to a snail's pace during rush hours in northern Virginia. By Train Amtrak (tel. 800/872-7245; www.amtrak.com) has train service to Alexandria, Fredericksburg, Richmond, Williamsburg, Newport News, Charlottesville, Staunton, and Clifton Forge. Amtrak's Thruway bus service connects Newport News to Norfolk, and Clifton Forge to Roanoke. The high-speed Acela, Metroliner service, and other northeast corridor trains connect New York to Union Station in Washington, D.C., where riders can board the Metrorail subway to Alexandria. International visitors can buy a USA Rail Pass, good for 5, 15, or 30 days of unlimited travel on Amtrak. The pass is available online or through many overseas travel agents. See Amtrak's website for the cost of travel within the western, eastern, or northwestern United States. Reservations are generally required and should be made as early as possible. Regional rail passes are also available.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip. Related Features Deals & News
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