Trip to Alexandria, the United States: how to get there, how many days and when to go

Alexandria – Virgínia Destination Washington

How to get there

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) Arlington · 8 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

King St-Old Town, on the Blue and Yellow metro lines, provides access to the old town by foot or local transport along King Street.

How many days

One day covers the King Street axis and the Potomac waterfront.

When to go

May and September usually favor strolling King Street and the Potomac shore. From December to February, expect cold and reduced daylight.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

Old Town is walked on foot; use the metro to arrive from Washington and local transport if you want to avoid the walk from the station.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Alexandria

Morning
Old Town Alexandria
Dedicate the start of the itinerary to Old Town Alexandria. Prioritize the main part of the visit and arrival time, leaving a break before continuing in Alexandria.
Afternoon
Additional time in Old Town Alexandria
Use the afternoon to deepen the Old Town Alexandria circuit if you have the energy, or return to your base in Alexandria. If the Alexandria visit is short, preserve the remaining time for rest at your base.
Late afternoon
Return via the Old Town Alexandria sector
Finish walks in the area of Alexandria you have already visited and return to lodging before planning another transfer. Light and weather can alter the length of this stage.
Evening
Free evening in Alexandria
Dine near your base in Alexandria and keep the evening free to rest after the Old Town Alexandria walk.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

How to get to Alexandria and start the visit?

Get off at King St-Old Town to start on King Street.

How many days to allocate for Alexandria?

Allocate one day for the old town and the Potomac shore.

How to get around during your stay in Alexandria?

The historic blocks favor walking.

Is it worth staying in Alexandria to visit Washington?

Old Town suits those who prefer a base with restaurants and an evening stroll; add the metro trip and the distance between lodging and the station.

Your trip to Alexandria.