If you don’t have to park that timing is fine. I would do 15 mins but you seem nervous so do 30.

If checking bags, they do actually close the bag check 30 minutes before.
Otherwise, agree that 30 min is more than enough.

Ten minutes because you have a kid. Without a kid, five minutes.

Plan to be dropped off (if you’re not coming by metro), and plan for traffic around the station.

It’s a little different than metro because they use both tracks for both directions, depending on traffic. They won’t announce which track the train is coming on until right before it arrives so pay attention to the announcements, because you might need to switch sides.

That time of morning, the rails will be busy because you have a bunch of Amtrak plus freight plus commuter trains coming through the area, so expect a delay and be pleasantly surprised if there isn’t one.

And yes, you will stop at Union Station to change the locomotive. They will shut the power down in the cars while they make the change, so it will get dark and a little bit hot.

we roll in 5 mins before departure when dropping off.

Anonymous wrote:If getting dropped off, 10 mins. There’s nothing to do and no need to be earlier

I generally agree, except traffic around there can be awful, especially if you’re coming on the beltway. I’d plan on the thirty minutes, then if there’s traffic, you’ll still be okay.

Anonymous wrote:Its basically like catching a metro train, but with a known departure time.

This.

If getting dropped off, 10 mins. There’s nothing to do and no need to be earlier

Its basically like catching a metro train, but with a known departure time.

The only tricky bit about that station is lack of parking. Only a handful of parking spots. If a drop off, then 30 minutes should be fine.

I’d get there 10 min early or less. It’s so small, there is literally nothing to do there. The hardest part is getting into the parking lot because drivers on Callahan often block the entrance.

I go there 5 times a week to drop a family member off to take the VRE.

15 minutes is fine.

Yes, we are getting dropped off. I wasn't expecting it to be so small, but I guess it makes sense if it's so close to DC that it wouldn't be large. Still easier than going into DC.

From the Alexandria station? It's small and extremely easy to navigate. We've rolled up 10 minutes before no problem. I assume you are getting dropped off? 30 minutes will be fine. Have fun!

If it makes you feel better, 45min. The station is petite, and if you are headed north be prepared for a long stop in DC to switch engines.

Going on the 7:58 AM Northeast Regional on a weekday with a child. How early would you get there? The website says 30 minutes, which seems late unless it's super easy to navigate. Thanks.