If you’re the parent of a teen, you want them to travel around the DC Metro area safely and affordably for work or fun outings with friends.
Below, we’ve listed the top travel choices for teens in Fairfax County, along with the cost and any discounts or programs available.
Bus
If your teen is enrolled at a middle or high school in Fairfax County, they’re eligible for a free student bus pass for Fairfax Connector and Fairfax CUE buses.
Fairfax Connector and Fairfax CUE operate bus routes all around Fairfax County and the City of Fairfax – see a full list of routes at Highgate Connect.
The free student bus pass permits students to ride Fairfax Connector and Fairfax CUE buses free of charge from 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM, seven days a week, all year. Outside of these hours, fare payment is required via a standard SmarTrip card or cash. To apply, download the application and return the completed form to your school’s administration office. Private or home-schooled students can send their applications via email.
Capital Bikeshare
For teens 16 or older, Capital Bikeshare is an affordable option for trips nearby. With docking stations located all over Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, bikeshare also provides a fun activity at certain destinations like Reston Town Center, Tysons, and Washington, DC. Your nearest docking station is at Westpark & Jones Branch Dr.
Rides on classic bikes start at just $0.05 per minute, with e-bikes available for $0.10 per minute. Annual and 30-day memberships are also available and reduce your cost per ride.
Metro
Metro is the quickest and most affordable option for longer trips to destinations like Washington, DC, or Old Town Alexandria. To ride the Metro, head to your nearest stop, the McLean Metro Station on the Silver Line.
The Silver Line includes destinations like Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Tysons, and Washington, DC. Transfers to the Orange Line can be made at East Falls Church Metro Station for destinations like Merrifield and Vienna.
To reach destinations like Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Arlington and Old Town Alexandria, transfer to the Blue Line at Rosslyn Metro Station.
Beginning July 1, weekday fares on Metro will range from $2.25 – $6.75 depending on the length of your trip. On weekends and after 9:30 PM on weekdays, fares range between $2.25 – $2.50.
Let us plan your trip!
If you or your teen are planning an outing, try our personalized commute plan tool to see which travel option is best, with step-by-step directions to any destination in the DC Metro area.