What train station from Union Station NYC?

[Anonymous]

My best friend from college is coming to visit me, DH and DD this weekend with her 1 yo and they wanted to know which station to arrive at. I know Union Station in DC is a definite possibility, but we live in Fairfax, VA, and I was wondering if there are any other stations...Alexandria somewhere perhaps? Or is Union St. the only one?

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I bet Union Station is the easiest one. Check Amtrak.com

[Anonymous]

I think there are stations in Springfield, Woodbridge, and Alexandria, but not every train will stop at them.

[Anonymous]

King Street Metro has an Amtrak station as does the Manassas VRE station. But coming from NYC, it is most likely that they'd be on a train that ends at Union Station and would therefore have to change trains there anyway, so even using the Metro or VRE would become just as reasonable (not to mention likely cheaper). There are very few trains that go out of DC to the west (or south), compared to the north-bound traffic, so the travel options become much more limited.

[Anonymous]

PP is right - not many Amtrak trains from NY continue on after Union Station, and those that do typically have a lot more stops between NY and DC too, making them a much longer ride. Your guests should take Amtrak from NY-DC, then switch to Metro or VRE.

[Anonymous]

Also, I haven't been on Amtrak between Union Station and King Street recently but I have been on it between New Carrollton metro and Union Station and you spend a lot of extra time just going a few extra miles. Best to get off at Union.