Live Your Best Lives
  1. Travel FAQs
  2. United States
  3. District of Columbia (DC)
  4. Washington DC

Washington Dulles to Fredericksburg Va

Without a car or using a limo service or Uber, what’s the best way to get from IAD to Fredericksburg, Virginia?

I understand there’s a subway from the airport but will that go directly to a train station without going into downtown DC?

Thanks so much for your help!

Traveling from Washington Dulles Airport (IAD) to Fredericksburg, Virginia without a car, Uber, or limo service is possible using public transit, but it requires a combination of shuttle, Metro, and train services. There is no direct subway or Metro line from Dulles to Fredericksburg without going through DC.

Recommended public transit route:

  • Silver Line Express Bus to Metro: From IAD, take the Metrobus Silver Line Express (Bus 5A) to the Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station on the Silver Line. This bus runs frequently and is a convenient way to connect to the Metro system.
  • Metro to Union Station: From Wiehle-Reston East, take the Silver Line toward Largo Town Center. Transfer to the Red Line at a transfer station (like Metro Center) if necessary to reach Union Station. Travel time is approximately 60–75 minutes depending on transfers.
  • Train to Fredericksburg: From Union Station, you can catch an Amtrak Northeast Regional train or a VRE (Virginia Railway Express) Fredericksburg Line train heading south to Fredericksburg. Amtrak is faster but slightly more expensive; VRE is commuter-focused and more affordable.

Notes and tips:

  • The total travel time can range from 2–3 hours, depending on wait times and connections.
  • Check the Amtrak or VRE schedule in advance, especially if you are traveling on weekends, as VRE trains may have limited service.
  • All connections require walking between buses, Metro platforms, and the train station, so allow extra time if you have luggage.
  • If flexibility is important, consider that Dulles also has shuttle services to Union Station, which can simplify the transfer to Amtrak but may require a small fare.

In summary, while there is no single direct subway or train from Dulles to Fredericksburg, the most budget-friendly route involves the Silver Line Express bus to Metro, followed by Metro to Union Station, and then Amtrak or VRE train to Fredericksburg.

More Washington DC Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Washington
Virginia

Popular Destinations

Nantian Shengniang Temple
Former Residence of Jiang Shoushan
Laolong Bay
Yantai Mountain Scenic Area

Popular Travel Questions