Travel

Travel Note

Getting to Stafford, VA

The best way to get to the venue is by driving. There are no public transportation options that will take you directly to the venue, so if you use public transportation you will inevitably call an Uber/Lyft to get to the closest train/metro station. On the day of the wedding (November 11th) there is a VRE Train that will take you from Union Station (Washington D.C.) to Brooke Station (Stafford, VA) using the 301S train on the Fredericksburg Southbound Line at 1:00pm. This train can also pick you up at any of the following stops on that day: L'Enfant (1:08pm), Crystal City (1:15pm), Alexandria (1:23pm), and Franconia Springfield (1:34pm). Brooke Station is 2.5 miles from our venue. There are no other trains that day that will get you to Stafford, VA in enough time for the start of our ceremony. To return to the D.C. area using this train, you'll have to stay the night in Stafford, VA because the Fredericksburg Northbound train only operates in the morning. A one-way ticket will cost no more than $11.40 per person. If you are interested in this option, more information is located here: https://www.vre.org/service/schedules/#sched-fred-sb You can also cut down the cost of your Uber by taking the metro from your accommodations to the closest metro stop to Stafford, VA, which is Franconia-Springfield Station. Franconia-Springfield Station is approximately 36 miles away from our venue. An Uber from this station will cost around $55, one-way. Remember that the metro fare should also be calculated into this decision, which can be up to $5 for a one-way journey. Lastly, you can simply Uber/Lyft from Washington, D.C. to Stafford, VA. An Uber will cost you anywhere between $65-$90 one-way.

Travel Note

Best Plan Summary

Trying to figure out which option is good for you and your guest(s)? Here are the couple's recommendations: Most cost-efficient: Take the VRE train and spend the night in Stafford, VA. The hotels in Stafford, VA are less expensive than hotels in the Washington D.C. area. Logistically easy: Rent a car and book a hotel/Airbnb in Arlington, VA, Alexandria, VA, or other surrounding areas in VA. Parking is easier in these areas and if you book accommodations near a metro station then you can use public transportation to travel to touristy things while you're here. Feel free to reach out to Kelley and Marissa if you would like more information or advice!

Flight

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

This is the closest airport to Washington D.C., although it is actually located in Arlington, VA. Only the Potomac River divides this airport from the edge of Washington D.C. If you can swing it, this airport is the easiest to fly into if you're staying in the Washington D.C. area. There is a metro stop at the airport.

Flight

Dulles International Airport (IAD)

DO NOT BE FOOLED! This airport is far from Washington, D.C. It is located 28 miles to the west of D.C. This airport does have a metro stop now, but the trip will take about an hour to get to D.C. and the trains aren't as frequent. This airport also isn't any closer to Stafford, VA than Washington D.C. Ubers from here to D.C. are at least $40 one-way.

Flight

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

This airport is the furthest from Washington, D.C. (33 miles away) however, many people travel to D.C. using this airport. Upon arrival, you can Uber (around $67 one-way), drive an hour (without traffic), or take the MARC train into D.C. ($8 one-way).

Rental Car

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

The Reagan Airport is a great place to rent a car if you're only planning on renting the car for the day of our wedding. This airport has many car rental options (see link) and it is possible to return the car the same night as the wedding since the return window is open until 11:45pm for some of the rental companies. Returning the car on the same day wouldn't lower your daily rate however, it will allow you to avoid the cost of parking the car overnight in Washington D.C. The cost of parking a car in D.C. costs approximately $30-$50 per night, if there's parking available onsite at all (most accommodations recommended street parking as an option, which is still expensive and limited). If you're staying anywhere in Virginia you will most likely not have a problem finding affordable (if not free) parking.

Travel Note

Metro Info

If you plan on using the metro or bus while you're here, the couple recommends registering for a SmarTrip card before you arrive. If you buy a traditional card, it's an extra charge. If you download the SmarTrip app then you can use your phone as your "metro card." You can also connect this app to your Apple Pay or a credit card so you can reload your card anywhere, anytime. Just make sure your phone doesn't die while you're out!

Hotel

Home2 Suites by Hilton Stafford Quantico

If you and your guest(s) decide to stay in Stafford, VA here is a hotel recommendation.

Hotel

Hampton Inn Stafford/Quantico

If you and your guest(s) decide to stay in Stafford, VA here is a hotel recommendation.

Hotel

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Stafford/Quantico

If you and your guest(s) decide to stay in Stafford, VA here is a hotel recommendation.

Hotel

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Quantico Stafford

If you and your guest(s) decide to stay in Stafford, VA here is a hotel recommendation.