Alexandria, Virginia, is one of the most walkable and transit-friendly cities in the D.C. metro area, making it easy to explore without a car. Whether you're visiting for a weekend getaway, a business conference, or a special event, you don’t need to worry about parking or traffic. With historic streets, waterfront attractions, and efficient transportation options, here’s your ultimate guide to getting around Alexandria—car-free!
1. Walk Through Historic Old Town 🚶♂️
One of the best things about Alexandria is how walkable it is. Old Town’s cobblestone streets, charming alleyways, and scenic waterfront make it a joy to explore on foot.
Best Walking Areas:
King Street – The heart of Old Town, lined with boutiques, restaurants, and historic sites.
Alexandria Waterfront – A beautiful, pedestrian-friendly area with parks, piers, and scenic Potomac River views.
Historic District – Stroll past 18th-century row houses, hidden gardens, and famous landmarks like Gadsby’s Tavern and Carlyle House.
👉 Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes—some of the historic sidewalks are made of brick and cobblestone!
2. Ride the Free King Street Trolley 🚎
If you need a break from walking, hop on the King Street Trolley, a free shuttle that runs every 15 minutes between the King Street Metro Station and the Alexandria waterfront.
🔹 How to Ride:
Hours: 11 AM – 11 PM daily
Stops: Runs along King Street with stops at major attractions and hotels.
Cost: FREE!
The trolley is a great option for getting around Old Town quickly, especially if you’re heading from the Metro station to the waterfront.
3. Take a Water Taxi or River Cruise ⛴️
For a unique way to travel, skip the road and take to the water! Alexandria's waterfront offers convenient water taxis and boat tours that connect you to Washington, D.C., National Harbor, and beyond.
🚢 Best Water Travel Options:
Potomac Water Taxi – Connects Alexandria to National Harbor, Georgetown, and The Wharf.
Mount Vernon Cruise – A scenic boat ride to George Washington’s estate.
Sunset & Monument Cruises – Perfect for sightseeing without the crowds.
👉 Pro Tip: Book tickets in advance during peak season (spring and summer), as sunset and cherry blossom cruises sell out quickly.
4. Rent a Bike or Scooter 🚲🛴
For a fun and efficient way to explore, consider renting a bike or electric scooter. Alexandria has designated bike lanes and trails, making it easy to ride safely.
🚴♀️ Bike & Scooter Rental Options:
Capital Bikeshare – Docking stations throughout Alexandria and D.C. ($1 to unlock, then per-minute pricing).
Lime & Bird Scooters – Electric scooters available via mobile apps.
Mount Vernon Trail – A scenic bike path along the Potomac River, perfect for a ride to D.C.
👉 Pro Tip: Biking the Mount Vernon Trail is one of the best ways to experience Alexandria in the spring and fall!
5. Use Metro & Public Transit 🚇
Alexandria is well-connected to Washington, D.C., via the Metro system, making it easy to visit museums, monuments, and events without needing a car.
🔹 Best Public Transit Options:
Metrorail (Blue & Yellow Lines) – Stops at King Street–Old Town Station, providing quick access to D.C.
DASH Bus – Alexandria’s local bus service, now free for all riders!
Metrobus – Regional bus routes connecting Alexandria to Arlington, D.C., and beyond.
👉 Pro Tip: If you're flying into Reagan National Airport (DCA), you can take the Metro (Yellow or Blue Line) directly to Alexandria in just 10 minutes!
6. Take a Rideshare or Taxi 🚖
While Alexandria is easy to explore without a car, you may occasionally want to take a rideshare or taxi for convenience, especially at night.
🚘 Options:
Uber & Lyft – Readily available throughout the city.
Alexandria Yellow Cab – A reliable local taxi service.
👉 Pro Tip: Rideshare is a great option if you're heading to Mount Vernon or Arlington National Cemetery, which are a little outside the main walkable areas.
7. Join a Guided Walking Tour 🏛️
If you want to explore Alexandria’s rich history and hidden gems, a guided walking tour is a fantastic car-free way to experience the city.
🔹 Best Walking Tours:
👉 Pro Tip: Walking tours sell out quickly in the spring and fall, so book in advance!
Why Alexandria is Perfect for Car-Free Travel
✔ Highly walkable – Everything in Old Town is within a 15-minute walk.
✔ Great public transit – Free DASH buses, Metro access, and trolleys.
✔ Scenic transportation options – Water taxis, bike rentals, and pedestrian-friendly streets.
✔ No parking headaches! – Skip the stress of finding parking and enjoy the city.
Whether you’re visiting for a day, a weekend, or longer, Alexandria is one of the best cities to explore without ever needing a car. So leave the traffic behind and enjoy everything this charming historic city has to offer—car-free!
Plan Your Car-Free Trip to Alexandria Today!
Need help finding the best hotels, restaurants, and experiences for your stay? Destination Alexandria has all the resources you need to plan a seamless, stress-free visit. Contact us today! 🚶♀️✨
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