If you find yourself without a car, you might be surprised to learn that traveling the Reston area is easier than you think. Whether your car is in the shop, you’re new to the area, or you are living a car-free lifestyle, there are plenty of ways to get to where you want to go. Trains, buses, rideshare, and scooters are all transportation options that can help you maximize your budget or schedule.
Reston has a good public transit system and bicycle and pedestrian friendly transit options. With the Silver Line, Fairfax Connector buses, and an increasing number of car-share vehicles available, getting around Reston without a car is fairly easy.
The following guide presents the most common transportation options for both residents and visitors who have temporarily or permanently foregone living with a car in Reston. The guide also touches briefly on dealing with errands and day-to-day appointments.
Who Can Benefit From Learning How to Get Around Reston Without a Car?
There are a number of reasons for why someone may need to know how to get around Reston without a vehicle. Here are a few examples:
- Locals temporarily without a car due to an accident/breakdown
- New Reston residents who don’t own a car
- Commuters working in or near Reston using Metro or buses
- Students attending local colleges without cars
- Tourists visiting Reston or nearby areas like Tysons or DC
- Seniors who no longer drive
- Teens and young adults not yet licensed
- Eco-conscious residents looking to reduce car use
- People with suspended licenses needing options
- Low-income residents without reliable vehicle access
- Urban planners or transit advocates studying Reston’s mobility options
How Do I Get Around Reston on the Metro Access via Silver Line?
Reston is serviced by the Silver Line of the Washington Metro, meaning you can get around without needing a car. The main Metro station in the area is Reston Town Center Station, and from there you can head east to Tysons, Arlington, and Washington, D.C. The Metro runs regularly during rush hour and less regularly during the evening or on weekends.
Metro Station: Reston Town Center
You can pay your fare using a SmarTrip card. You can buy your SmarTrip card online or at the station’s vending machines or most local retailers. Fares depend on both the time of day as well as the distance.
All Silver Line Metro stations have bike racks, kiss-and-ride parking, and bus transfers. If you live a reasonble distance, ridesharing services or scooters (discussed below) can have you at the station in a matter of minutes for a seamless transfer.
Is Fairfax Connector Bus a Good Way to Get Around Reston?
Fairfax Connector is the primary bus service serving Reston and has many routes across Fairfax County, including stops at the area’s Metro stations – Reston Town Center, Wiehle-Reston East, and Herndon. Relying on a bus system is a very affordable and reliable way of getting around Reston or the surrounding area if you do not own a car.
Fairfax Connector: Reston-Herndon Route
You can pay for rides using a SmarTrip card or with exact fare (in coins) on the bus. Most bus service runs in the early morning through late evening, and there is generally reduced service on weekends. The most frequently visited bus routes in Reston are the 505, 574, and 950 bus, allowing you to get to local shopping centers, office parks, and residential neighborhoods.
Bus stops are often well-marked, and many provide real-time information about a bus’ arrival. You can find route schedules and maps on their website or through apps using your mobile device, like Transit or Google Maps.
When you are waiting for a bus, please wave to the operator as a signal you would like to board when a bus is approaching a stop, especially at bus stops less heavily traveled by riders.
Are Rideshare Services the Most Convenient Way to Travel Around Reston?
Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are easily accessible in Reston.
Rideshare Apps:
These services give folks who don’t have a vehicle an easy way to get to where they want to go, whether for a quick ride to work, a visit to the store, or a way to access the Metro. You can get a ride within minutes of booking one or schedule one in advance using the required app on your phone.
Prices are determined by distance, time of day, and demand. During rush hour or bad weather, rides will cost more. Both apps allow you to see estimates of fares before booking the ride. You also have a choice of ride types, ranging from standard cars to larger vehicles if you’re traveling with a group of individuals or if you have bags.
How to Taxis & Local Shuttle Services Compare to Reston’s Other Transportation Options?
Taxis provide a viable car-free transport option in Reston. You can find them at Reston Town Center, hotels, and Metrorail stations. Most taxi companies in the area let you schedule a trip by phone or online.
Taxi Companies Serving Reston:
- Reston Taxi Services, LLC
- Patriot Taxicab
- Chantilly Taxi Sedan
- Fairfax Yellow Cab
- Fairfax Red Top Cab
- American Taxi
Although not as hip as ride-sharing applications, taxis are normally competitively priced and tend to be found at fixed locations (which is very convenient).
Taxis are a viable choice should you not own a smartphone or if you would rather pay with cash. Some companies also provide flat fees to nearby airports, thus being convenient for tourists and residents budgeting for travel to and from work.
What Should I Know About Car Rental & Short-Term Car Options in Reston?
If you need a car for a short time, Reston has many car rental options. Just about every large car rental company has local lots nearby where you can rent a car by the day, week, or longer. This is a good option if you need a rental after an accident or plan on going to a location outside of public transport routes.
Car Rental Companies in Reston:
There are also very short-term rentals like Zipcar in Reston. They have cars stationed at set locations and rent them by the hour or day using their app. Zipcar pays for the gas and insurance, so it’s a very handy and flexible option compared to conventional rental locations.
You need to have a valid driving license and credit card to rent a car. Some rental companies insist on you being over a certain age and/or having a clean record of driving.
Does Reston Have Shared Street Rental Scooters & Bikes?
Reston has app-based bikes and scooters that you can rent right off the street. You find them grouped at Metro stations, shopping areas, parks, and intersections with a lot of traffic. You unlock them using a smartphone app and are charged based on the time you use them.
Reston Shared Scooter & Bike Services:
These rentals are ideal for quick rides across town. They help you get to areas that are too distant to walk, but not near enough for a car or bus. Most utilize them to get to public transportation, grab food, or get back home from a nearby stop.
Be sure to always travel to the right side of the road or in a bike lane if there is one. Try not to ride on busy sidewalks. When you’re finished, leave the bike or scooter where it will not block doorways or pathways.
How Can I Get Grocery & Pharmacy Products Delivered in Reston?
Reston provides a number of grocery and pharmacy car-free pickup and delivery options. Online ordering and home delivery are available from big-box chains such as Safeway, Giant, and Harris Teeter. You can choose convenient times and pay using a credit card or electronic wallet. Delivery fees fluctuate with store and order size, but subscription plans may lower the cost.
Food & Drug Store Delivery Apps:
These apps enable shopping at several different stores in a single order. They also enable direct contact with your shopper for substitutions or questions. The delivery is typically ready in one or two hours or at your specified time.
Pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS offer prescription delivery. You can refill online or via their app and receive medications at your doorstep. Some pharmacies offer free delivery on refill prescriptions or a small fee for single prescriptions.
Does Reston Have Medical & Senior Transportation Services?
Reston and Fairfax County provide transportation programs for seniors and people with medical conditions. Fairfax County also has the Access Fairfax program, which provides door to door rides for individuals unable to ride fixed-route bus service. Trips can be scheduled by phone or online with this service. The rides are inexpensive, and are for doctor visits, wellness check-ups, and other errands.
Several area nonprofits and faith communities also help older adults get to medical appointments by driving. They have volunteers, often have flexible routes for rides, and some have shortened lead times in arranging rides.
Most health care providers have contracts with ride companies or medical transportation businesses. They provide wheelchair vans and often vetted drivers, including some with specialized training. Payment is often made through insurance, or for a fee, you may pay directly. To get more information on these services, contact your health plan or check the county website.
Where Can I Sell a Broken Down or Crashed Car in Reston?
If you find yourself in a position no longer wishing to use a vehicle, or no longer believing your vehicle is worth it, you can quickly sell your vehicle in Reston. Virginia Car Buyers is a Reston car buyer that will purchase your vehicle, whether it is used, junk, damaged, or abandoned.
Virginia Car Buyers makes selling your car easy. They deliver free quotes, same-day pickup, and payment at pickup. There is no pressure to sell, and you can get a quote in minutes through the website or by calling.
Whether you want to transition to public transportation, transition to one car, or you experienced an auto accident, selling your vehicle is an easy way to receive compensation and be on your way with downpayment for a replacement.
