Explore Arlington with Quick Glance Guides

Arlington County is well known for its excellent public transportation infrastructure, providing commuters with a wide variety of options to get around. Whether taking Metrorail, utilizing Arlington Transit (ART), or hopping on a Capital Bikeshare bike, Arlington offers an impressive network designed to make commuting as convenient as possible. In this blog, we will dive into the various transportation choices available to commuters and share a helpful resource to ensure you can navigate with ease.

Arlington’s Transportation Network 

Metrorail and Trains 

One of the most prominent features in Arlington’s public transportation system is the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) Metrorail network. As part of the larger regional Metro system, it connects Arlington to key areas such as Washington, D.C., Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William Counties, and Maryland. The primary rail lines that serve Arlington are the Orange, Silver, Blue, and Yellow Lines.  

The Orange and Silver lines run through the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor and beyond, with convenient stops in Rosslyn, Courthouse, Clarendon, Virginia Square, Ballston, and East Falls Church. Meanwhile, the Blue and Yellow Lines connect National Landing to both Washington, DC, and Alexandria, with stops in Rosslyn, Pentagon City, and Crystal City, among others.   

Looking for more commuter rail alternatives? The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) is an additional, convenient option with a stop in Crystal City. The VRE connects Arlington to the broader Northern Viriginia region, with stations extending as far as Fredericksburg and Manassas. These trains provide an essential link for commuters traveling from farther out, expanding connectivity and making it easier for residents of Northern Virginia to reach Arlington and beyond. More information about these transportation resources can be found in ATP’s Regional Transportation Guide.  

Bus Systems  

In addition to the commuter rail services linking Arlington to the broader DMV area, Arlington also offers a robust network of buses.  One of the primary local bus systems is Arlington Transit – ART, which operates 14 routes throughout Arlington.  

For broader regional travel, Metrobus, operated by WMATA, helps commuters navigate between Arlington and its surrounding counties. Those commuting from even further out will find several other options, such as the Fairfax Connector, DASH, OmniRide, and Loudoun County Transit, which all have stops in Arlington – with essential links throughout Northern Virginia. These diverse transportation options make it simple to get around Arlington and beyond.  

Capital Bikeshare 

For those seeking a more active commute or a straightforward way to bridge the first or last mile of their journey, Capital Bikeshare is an excellent option. Arlington’s Capital Bikeshare network boasts over a hundred strategically placed docks throughout the County. These stations are an excellent way to help commuters get where they need to go or help fill the gaps in their commute while staying active, as well as providing riders with a great opportunity for leisure and exercise. Another fantastic resource for those looking to stay active on their commute is BikeArlington’s Comfort Map.  

Capital Bikeshare offers both standard and electric bikes, which makes tackling Arlington’s hills and longer rides easier. Riders can choose from flexible payment options, including single ride pricing, day passes, and annual memberships, depending on their needs. Whether commuting to work, running errands, or simply exploring, Capital Bikeshare provides a convenient, eco-friendly way to get around.  

Carsharing 

A final resource to consider when commuting around Arlington is carsharing programs such as ZipCar, Arlington’s only reserved space carshare vendor. Zipcar is a convenient car-sharing service that offers short-term vehicle rentals, typically by the hour or day. This is a great option for those who need quick access to a vehicle for errands or travel around the area. By downloading the ZipCar app and signing up, commuters can easily reserve a variety of cars parked at locations throughout the community. ZipCar locations are conveniently spread throughout Arlington, particularly in urban centers and near residential complexes, making it simple for commuters to pick up a vehicle and navigate the area with ease. 

Quick Glance Guides 

For those looking to take advantage of the wide variety of transportation options, ATP offers a helpful solution. Quick Glance guides provide easy-to-access transportation information tailored to specific locations and their surrounding areas. These guides offer details on the nearest Metrorail stations, including which lines serve them, as well as nearby transit options like Arlington Transit (ART) and Metrobus stops.  

In addition, Quick Glances highlight nearby Capital Bikeshare docks and carsharing locations for those looking for different commute methods. To make things even easier, guides include recommendations for useful tools like Carfreenearme.com, Google Maps, and ART Real-Time Arrivals, ensuring commuters can quickly find the most convenient transportation options based on their needs. Whether you are new to the area or just want to navigate more efficiently, these guides provide a streamlined way to get around.  

How to Utilize Quick Glance Guides to Aid in Your Commute  

ATP’s Quick Glance guides come in two types: Urban Village Quick Glances and custom Quick Glances. Currently, ATP offers nine regional Quick Glance guides, each focused on a specific urban village, including Ballston, Clarendon, Columbia Pike, Courthouse, Crystal City, Pentagon City, Rosslyn, Shirlington, and Virginia Square. These stock guides include all the transportation resources within a half mile to a mile of the area.  

Beyond the urban village guides, ATP also offers custom Quick Glance guides tailored to individual employers, residential properties, and commercial spaces. These personalized guides focus specifically on the property they are created for, highlighting public transportation options within a half mile radius. They are perfect for including in welcome packets for new tenants and employees or in lobbies or common areas for residents who want to learn more about the best nearby transportation resources.  

How ATP Can Help You Navigate

While Arlington offers an abundance of public transportation options, the sheer variety can sometimes feel overwhelming. However, with ATP’s Quick Glance guides, commuters can easily access information about the nearest transportation resources and locations. Businesses and residential communities can also feel confident they are providing employees and tenants with the best options for getting around. Whether using ATP’s urban village Quick Glances or requesting a custom guide tailored to your building or organization from your ATP Business Development Manager, you will receive the most comprehensive and up-to-date information on local transportation resources, making it easier than ever to navigate the area.