PP here. You'd *probably* be able to make a 4:18 train if you were on the metro platform by 4pm and there aren't any metro delays. Walking to/from will also add time.

VRE is SO much nicer than metro, but, it has limited hours and few trains. If you miss one, it can screw up your commute. I used to take the Fredericksburg Line from Lorton to Union Station and it was a breeze. I didn't have to transfer to/from the metro though. That's where the extra time will add up. It's still better than paying for uber, assuming you can get reimbursed from work.

Looking at houses in Burke and parts of the Woodson school district that are closer to VRE than metro. I would have about a ten minute drive to Burke Centre or Rolling Road, take the VRE to L'enfant, and then switch to the metro for two stops. Does that realistically take 60 minutes or 75 minutes or more? Does it take longer in the afternoon? If I end work at 4pm, is it realistic to take two metro stops and get on the VRE at L'enfant by the 4:18 train?

Also, is the VRE that much nicer than metro? I am concerned about being pregnant in the future and being on the metro with COVID/flu/possibly not getting a seat on the metro/etc. Would it be easier to have the VRE? Or I may need to plan to take an Uber during the whole pregnancy.