Your Commuting Options From Belle Haven

Commuting is a big part of everyday life, and living in Belle Haven gives you real choices. Whether you head to downtown D.C., the Pentagon, National Landing, or Old Town Alexandria, you can pick the mode that fits your schedule and budget. In this guide, you’ll learn how to use Metro, bus, VRE, driving routes, and the Mount Vernon Trail, plus where to park and which tools make planning easy. Let’s dive in.

Belle Haven’s location and access

Belle Haven sits on the Potomac’s west bank just south of Old Town Alexandria and north of Mount Vernon. You have quick access to Richmond Highway (US‑1), the George Washington Memorial Parkway, and the Mount Vernon Trail. Locally, most people reach major roads and transit via Fort Hunt Road, Belle View Boulevard, and Huntington Avenue. This close-in location makes car, rail, bus, and bike commutes all realistic.

Metrorail: Yellow Line from Huntington

Huntington is the nearest Metrorail station and a common starting point for Belle Haven commuters. The Yellow Line runs north into the District with straightforward access to the Pentagon and downtown transfers, and you can review the general service pattern on the Yellow Line page. Always check for planned service updates before you go.

• Learn more about Huntington station features and parking: Huntington Station overview
• Review Yellow Line service context: Yellow Line details

Park and ride at Huntington

Huntington is a major park‑and‑ride hub with multi‑level garages and roughly 3,600 parking spaces. It also has multiple bus bays that make transfers simple. Confirm daily or monthly rates and payment methods on WMATA’s parking pages before you go, since policies can change.

Handy Metro tips

Use a SmarTrip card or mobile wallet for fares on Metrorail and Metrobus. If you prefer to transfer downtown or at the airport area, some riders also use King Street–Old Town or the station at Reagan National Airport depending on destination and schedule. Check WMATA’s current network updates for bus and rail changes around your route.

Buses: local links and Pentagon access

Fairfax Connector routes along the Belle View and Fort Hunt corridors connect you to Huntington Metro and nearby job centers. Routes like 101, 152, and 171 are commonly used in the Mount Vernon area. For real‑time arrivals, use the county’s BusTracker.

• Check live bus arrivals: Fairfax Connector BusTracker

If you work at the Pentagon or in National Landing, Metrobus A11 runs between Huntington and the Pentagon with service to parts of the Crystal City corridor. WMATA simplified parts of the bus network in June 2025, so confirm the latest stops and frequencies before you ride.

• Review direct Pentagon route info: Metrobus A11 route profile

VRE commuter rail and Amtrak options

If your destination is Union Station or the downtown D.C. core, Virginia Railway Express can be a comfortable peak‑hour alternative. The closest stations for Belle Haven residents include Alexandria and, for Fredericksburg Line riders, Franconia–Springfield or Lorton. VRE runs weekday, peak‑direction service to Washington Union Station, with station pages and schedules available online.

• Explore stations and schedules: VRE station list

Alexandria’s King Street Station also serves Amtrak for intercity trips. If you need parking at a VRE station, check the station details in advance for current availability and policies.

Driving: GW Parkway, US‑1, Beltway, and Express Lanes

Driving from Belle Haven is straightforward via several major corridors. The George Washington Memorial Parkway is a scenic, limited‑access route that is especially useful for reaching Reagan National Airport and parts of Arlington. US‑1 and the Capital Beltway (I‑495) connect you to I‑395 and other regional job centers. Expect typical Northern Virginia peak congestion and consider alternate departure windows.

Tolled Express Lanes on I‑495, I‑395, and I‑95 can offer more reliable travel during busy periods. You will need an E‑ZPass, and HOV rules and E‑ZPass Flex settings affect eligibility for discounted or free travel. Review current rules and pricing before you drive.

• Get Express Lanes rules and tips: Express Lanes traveler resources

Bike and walk: Mount Vernon Trail access

The Mount Vernon Trail runs right by Belle Haven and is a favorite for bike and walk commutes in warmer months. It connects Mount Vernon to Old Town, Reagan National Airport, Crystal City, and Arlington, which makes it practical for nearby jobs. The National Park Service provides trail access points, amenities, and planning details.

• Plan your route on the trail: Mount Vernon Trail information

Capital Bikeshare is expanding in the Mount Vernon District, with new stations planned near Belle View Boulevard and the trail to help with first‑mile and last‑mile connections. Check county updates as new docks come online.

• See local bikeshare expansion updates: Fairfax County Capital Bikeshare expansion

Quick planning checklist

• Choose your main destination and backup. Pentagon or National Landing often pair well with Yellow Line or Metrobus A11. Downtown D.C. pairs with Yellow Line plus transfers or VRE.

• Map your first mile. If you plan to park at Huntington, confirm parking details. If you plan to bike, locate your Mount Vernon Trail access point.

• Check live transit info before you go. Use Fairfax Connector BusTracker for buses and WMATA’s Better Bus route profiles for the latest network updates.

• Compare driving options. Look at Express Lanes rules and expected pricing if you need more predictable travel.

• Keep a flexible plan. Service changes and construction happen. Always verify the latest schedules and advisories.

• WMATA bus network updates: Better Bus program

Choose the commute that fits your life

From Huntington’s Yellow Line and robust park‑and‑ride to direct buses, VRE to Union Station, scenic drives on the Parkway, and the Mount Vernon Trail, you have strong options from Belle Haven. The right choice depends on your schedule, budget, and destination. If you are weighing neighborhoods or planning a move, aligning your commute with your next home can save time and stress.

Ready to match your home search with a commute that works? Reach out to Joan Shannon for local guidance on Belle Haven and nearby Alexandria neighborhoods.

FAQs

How close is Huntington Metro to Belle Haven?

• Huntington is a short drive from many parts of Belle Haven, and it serves as the primary Metrorail entry point for the neighborhood, with large parking garages on site.

Which bus goes directly from Belle Haven to the Pentagon?

• Metrobus A11 connects Huntington and the Pentagon with service into the Crystal City corridor; confirm the latest stops and frequency on WMATA’s route profile.

Is parking easy at Huntington or VRE stations?

• Huntington offers multi‑level garages with thousands of spaces, and several VRE stations provide on‑site parking; check current policies and availability before you go.

What are the main driving routes from Belle Haven to D.C. or the airport?

• Most drivers use the George Washington Memorial Parkway for Reagan National Airport and I‑395 or I‑495 for D.C. and regional job centers; Express Lanes can improve reliability at a toll.

Can I bike from Belle Haven to Old Town or Crystal City?

• Yes, the Mount Vernon Trail connects Belle Haven to Old Town and up to Reagan National Airport and Crystal City, making biking a realistic option for nearby jobs.

What should I know about paying fares on Metro and buses?

• Use a SmarTrip card or mobile wallet for Metrorail and Metrobus, and check the latest WMATA updates if you are riding after recent network changes.