How Much to Pay For VRE Fares and Tickets

Virginia Railway Express (VRE) provides commuter rail service in Northern Virginia, connecting suburban communities with employment centers in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. This service helps thousands of daily commuters travel between their homes and workplaces, offering an alternative to road congestion. Understanding VRE’s fare structure and various ticket options is important for maximizing convenience and managing travel expenses.

VRE Fare Structure

VRE employs a zone-based system to determine the cost of a trip, where the fare typically increases with the number of zones traversed. Each station along VRE’s two lines, Manassas and Fredericksburg, is assigned to a specific zone, ranging from Zone 1 to Zone 9. The fare for any given journey is calculated based on the starting and ending zones. As of July 1, 2024, VRE implemented a 5% increase in adult fares. A flat $5 fare applies for travel entirely within or between Zones 1, 2, and 3, including stations like Union Station, L’Enfant, Crystal City, Alexandria, Franconia-Springfield, and Backlick Road.

Individual Ticket Options

For those who travel occasionally, VRE offers several individual ticket choices. A “one-way” ticket permits a single journey between two specified fare zones. It remains valid for one year from purchase, is transferable, but cannot be refunded.

A “Day Pass” allows for round-trip travel on a single calendar day between indicated fare zones. Like the one-way ticket, it expires one year from purchase, is transferable, and is non-refundable.

For more frequent travel, the “10-ride ticket” provides ten one-way trips, offering an approximate 8% discount compared to purchasing ten individual one-way tickets. This ticket is also transferable and non-refundable, expiring one year after purchase. For example, a single-ride fare from Spotsylvania (Zone 9) to L’Enfant (Zone 1) is $13.00, while a 10-ride ticket for the same journey costs $117.00.

VRE Pass Programs

VRE provides various pass programs for regular commuters. The “Monthly Pass,” available in paper format, allows for unlimited travel between specified fare zones for an entire calendar month. This pass offers a 34% discount compared to single-ride tickets. Monthly passes are non-transferable and can be refunded 100% before the month begins, with partial refunds available early in the month, but no refunds after the 13th.

A “31-Day Pass” is available exclusively through the VRE Mobile app, providing unlimited travel for 31 consecutive days from activation. This mobile-only option also provides a 34% discount and can be purchased and activated on any day. For example, a monthly or 31-Day pass from Manassas (Zone 6) to Crystal City (Zone 2) might cost around $150.00.

VRE also offers a “Seven-Day Pass,” available in both mobile and paper formats. For commuters utilizing multiple transit systems, the “Transit Link Card” (TLC) combines a VRE monthly pass with Metrorail travel. This joint-use fare card includes the 34% VRE discount and bundles Metrorail rides.

Payment Methods and Purchase Points

Acquiring VRE tickets and passes involves several convenient options. Passengers can purchase single-ride, day pass, 10-ride, and paper monthly tickets from Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) at VRE stations. The VRE Mobile app supports the purchase of all ticket types, including the 31-Day Pass, which is exclusively available through the app. The mobile app also accepts SmartBenefits.

Reduced fare tickets cannot be purchased at TVMs; they must be acquired through the VRE Mobile app or from select authorized vendors. For specialized passes like the Transit Link Card (TLC), purchases can be made at Arlington Commuter Stores or through CommuterDirect.com. Single-ride and 10-ride tickets require validation at a TVM within one hour of boarding, while mobile tickets must be activated and displayed in “active” status to conductors.

Available Fare Discounts

VRE provides several fare discount programs for eligible riders. Seniors (aged 65 or older) qualify for a 50% reduction on a single-ride ticket. To receive this discount, seniors must present a VRE-issued Reduced Fare ID or a valid Medicare Card.

Individuals with disabilities are also eligible for a 50% discount off single-ride fares. Obtaining this reduced fare requires a VRE-issued Reduced Fare ID, which involves an application process including physician certification and review panel approval. An attendant pass is available for disabled riders who require assistance.

Youths aged 11 to 18 can receive a 50% discount on single-ride tickets. Unaccompanied youth in this age group must present a school ID, a state-issued ID, or a VRE-issued Reduced Fare ID. As of July 1, 2024, all children aged 18 and under can ride VRE trains for free when accompanied by a paying adult. Children aged 10 and under do not require identification when accompanied, while youth aged 11-18 who are accompanied also do not need an ID.