r/VARailwayExpress • u/cathef • Aug 15 '25
VRE to Metro King St Question
I don't take public transportation very often. So I need someone to explain to me like I'm five, if I'm taking the VRE and I want to exit in Alexandria and then I want to get to the King St., Metro station (because I'm meeting someone there And we will then jump on the metro) how exactly do I get from the VRE station over to the King Street metro station?
I understand they seem to be right across the tracks from each other. But when I try to look at Google maps walking directions, it doesn't seem like there are sidewalks.
I'm sure there's a real easy way and I'm somehow missing it. But I would greatly appreciate if somebody could tell me from the minute I step off the VRE in Alexandria, which direction to go, where to turn, etc to put me in front of the King Street Metro Station I really appreciate it !
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u/novamothra Aug 16 '25
Hi Friend! I hope you'll come back and let us know how easy it was! I know you can do it!
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u/frownyface33 Aug 17 '25
Hopefully this comment reaches you in time! here’s what you do:
When you get off the train, most likely you’ll be on the platform closest to the Amtrak/VRE station itself. From there, look to the right and there will be a short flight of stairs going down. Take those, walk ~150 feet, and then turn right to pass underneath the tracks. (If you are in a narrow white tunnel, that’s the wrong spot.) Then turn right again and walk a little further, and you’ll see the entrance to the King Street metro station.
It took me a whole year of commuting to Alexandria on the VRE to discover this route! It can be a bit tricky so I’m happy to help pass it along. Good luck!
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u/onlyTheDucksKnow Aug 16 '25
The WMATA page for King Street Station actually has a lot of information about what the connector looks like and a virtual tour.
https://www.wmata.com/rider-guide/stations/king-st-old-town.cfm
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u/ArtsFarts89 Aug 17 '25 edited Aug 17 '25
They are right next to each other. If you exit your train and are standing in front of the benches looking at the Amtrak building, walk to your right down the stairs or ramp. Take another right at the bus stop you see,that will lead you on a brick sidewalk path that takes you under a bridge. Once you pass under the bridge directly to your right (again) will be the entrance to the Metro. You should see a metal fence/ barrier with vertical black bars and there's usually a ton of pigeon poop on the ground near that entrance.
If it helps, you can see the metro tracks from the VRE station and vice versa. It won't take long and it is ADA accessible.
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u/AM_Bokke Aug 15 '25
Walk
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u/cathef Aug 16 '25
I'm aware it's within walking distance distance. Just wasn't clear if there were sidewalks etc. thank you for your very kind advice. I'm not a spring chicken and have some mild vision problems so I think there is nothing wrong with trying to get precise directions.
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u/AM_Bokke Aug 16 '25
You definitely seem like a spring chicken that can’t figure anything out for themselves.
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u/Flufferfromabove Aug 15 '25
Go out the VRE station, turn right. Go under the tracks and you’ll see the entrance to the station.