Huntington DC Metro: Schedule, Parking, Nearby Hotels
Huntington DC Metro is the Yellow Line’s southern terminus of the Washington Metro, situated in Fairfax County, Virginia. It was opened on December 17, 1983, and was the initial station built outside the Capital Beltway and Fairfax County. It has a distinctive hillside open-cut design and is the only station in the Metro system with an incline elevator, as well as a single island platform for two tracks.
The station provides more than 3,600 parking spots, earning it widespread use among suburban commuters. It has a smooth connection to Metrobus and Fairfax Connector routes that span out to the surrounding neighbourhoods and the larger DC area. On an average day, it carries around 2,500 riders, placing it in the middle range of ridership within the system. The Huntington DC Metro is also of historical note, situated close to the remains of Fort Lyon, a site from the Civil War. Renovated in 2019–2020, it continues to be a busy commuter point with up-to-date facilities and good transit connections.
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DC Metro Huntington Station
Huntington DC Metro is the Yellow Line’s southern terminus in Fairfax County, Virginia, and a key commuter point for the Washington D.C. region. Opened in 1983, it was the first Metrorail station outside of the Capital Beltway. Distinctive in its planning, Huntington is partially elevated and constructed on a hillside, incorporating an incline elevator. It is one of the biggest transfer points, providing extensive parking (more than 3,600 spaces) and access to many bus lines, making regional transit easier and accommodating substantial transit-oriented growth in the area.
Huntington Metro Station DC Schedule
Huntington DC Metro Station along the Yellow Line has the routine Metro service schedule. Rush hour (approximately 7–9 a.m. and 4–6 p.m.) features trains every 6 minutes or so to accommodate the heavy traffic of commuting passengers. Off-peak periods, such as mid-days and weekends, have trains every 7–8 minutes, while late nights have cutback service at around 10–12 minutes between trains. This predictable routine—busy during rush hours and less busy off-hours—allows passengers to plan without requiring an elaborate schedule.
| Rail Line | Destination | Mon–Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Train | Mt Vernon Sq 7th St–Convention Center | 5:00 AM | 6:00 AM | 6:00 AM |
| Last Train | Mt Vernon Sq 7th St–Convention Center | 11:25 PM (Mon–Thu) 1:25 AM (Fri) | 1:32 AM | 11:32 PM |
Huntington Metro Station DC Parking
The Huntington DC Metro Station, which is at 2701 Huntington Avenue, Alexandria, VA, has one of the biggest parking facilities within the Metro system with approximately 3,600 spaces dispersed across several garages and lots.
Parking Access
The Middle Garage (Huntington III) is the primary business parking facility, entering from Huntington Avenue and Fenwick Drive. The North Garage is shut down for emergency structural work as of February 2025, with no return date posted. The South Garage is closed for good.
Parking Fees
- Monday through Friday:
- Metro riders (parking and rail on the same SmarTrip card): $4.95/day
Non-riders: $8.95/day - Cars have to depart within 2 hours of finishing a rail journey to be eligible for the rider rate.
- Weekends & Federal Holidays: Free parking for all.
Reserved & Short-Term Parking
Reserved parking spots at Huntington DC Metro Station are available for $45 per month in reserved rows, although the number of spots that may be available could be limited by continuing garage closures. There are also about 32 metered spots available, close to entrances to the stations, offering convenient access for short-stay parking or easy drop-offs.
Travelling to Washington, D.C.
The Yellow Line offers a direct journey from Huntington DC Metro to Washington, D.C., traversing Arlington and over the Potomac River. Travel to central D.C. stations such as Gallery Place–Chinatown or Mt. Vernon Square takes approximately 25–30 minutes, with typical fares around $2 to $4 using SmarTrip or contactless payment.
- Rush hours (weekday mornings/evenings): trains depart around every 6 minutes
- Off-peak and weekends: around every 7–8 minutes
- Late nights: service reduces to approximately 20-minute frequencies
Riders can transfer to other Metro lines or buses for easy travel to other areas of the city.
How to Get from Huntington Metro to Washington, DC Attractions
One of the most convenient launching points for commuters and tourists into Washington, DC is the Huntington DC Metro Station, providing direct Yellow Line access in the heart of the city. After an easy ride away from the Huntington station, major attractions DC—in 25-30 minutes, the National Mall, Smithsonian, and White House leave plenty to admire. For the Capitol Building or Capitol South, transfer from Yellow Line to Blue or Orange Line. Transfer at Gallery Place–Chinatown for the National Gallery of Art, Union Station or Capital One Arena Those traveling to Navy Yard–Ballpark can transfer to the Green Line. Huntington Metro saves you the trouble and makes it easy to navigate you to Washington, DC with frequent trains, inexpensive fares ($2–$4 using SmarTrip®), and easy transfers.
Commuter Tips
Many people prefer Huntington DC Metro as a departure point for excursions due to its expansive parking lot and consistent train frequency. Commuters taking off to Reagan National Airport (DCA) can arrive in approximately 10 minutes via Metro, which is great for early morning departures. Taking the Metro compared to driving is often deemed cheaper and less stressful, particularly during rush hour.
Hotels close to Huntington Metro Station Washington DC
There are many hotels surrounding Huntington DC Metro Station in Alexandria, VA, ranging from modest choices to higher-end hotels.
Recommended Hotels Around
| Hotel Name | Distance from Metro | Key Amenities | Price Range (per night) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SpringHill Suites by Marriott Alexandria Old Town/Southwest | 0.6 miles | Large suites, free hot breakfast, Wi-Fi, indoor pool, fitness center, free parking | $170 – $220 |
| Holiday Inn Express & Suites Alexandria – I-95/I-495 | 0.7 miles | Free breakfast, Wi-Fi, fitness room, free parking | $150 – $190 |
| Days Inn by Wyndham Alexandria South / Budget Host Travellers Motel | 0.6 miles | Free Wi-Fi, breakfast, parking, pet-friendly, budget stay | $90 – $120 |
| Red Roof Plus+ Inn Alexandria | ~0.6 miles | Free Wi-Fi, free parking, budget-friendly, no-frills | $95 – $125 |
| Residence Inn by Marriott Alexandria Old Town/Duke Street | 1 mile | Suites with kitchenettes, free breakfast, Wi-Fi, fitness center | $180 – $240 |
| Hotel Heron Old Town Alexandria | ~1.2 miles | Boutique, chic rooms, rooftop bar, in-house restaurant | $220 – $300 |
Which One to Choose?
For convenience and comfort close to the Metro, SpringHill Suites or Holiday Inn Express are great mid-range picks. Travellers on a budget can opt for Days Inn, Budget Host, or Red Roof Plus+. If you’re planning a longer stay, the Residence Inn is ideal with its full-suite amenities. For a boutique, upscale experience, Hotel Heron in Old Town offers a stylish alternative.
Things to do near Huntington DC Metro
The Huntington Metro Station on the Yellow Line is in Alexandria, Virginia and is ideal for access to a range of attractions and activities. Old Town Alexandria, with its waterfront views, cobblestone streets and boutique shopping, is just a short drive (or metro ride) away. It’s further within walking distance of nearby Huntington Park, a local bit of green space that serves be a spot to stroll or really just chill. History buffs will love the proximity to the George Washington Masonic National Memorial and the scenic Mount Vernon Trail bursting with cultural landmarks. Huntington Metro is located among casual dining chains and international restaurants, making it convenient for food lovers to stop by.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Huntington DC Metro Station closed or having service problems right now?
Huntington DC Metro Station is open and in normal operating condition as the Yellow Line terminal. The North parking garage is closed for structural repairs with no definite date for reopening. The Middle Garage is still open, and users should follow directions from the signs posted on the parking spaces.
2. What are the parking alternatives at Huntington Metro Station?
The station provides more than 3,600 spaces, with daily parking and approximately 32 metered spaces. Metro customers pay $4.95 per day, and non-customer riders pay $8.95. Parking is free on weekends and federal holidays, while reserved spaces charge $45/month. Most parking is in the Middle Garage, with the North Garage closed.
3. How do I get from Huntington DC Metro Station to Capital One Arena, and how much does it cost?
You can ride the Yellow Line straight to Gallery Place–Chinatown Station, which is connected to Capital One Arena. The ride lasts approximately 25 minutes, and fares typically cost between $2 and $4, based on when you travel.
4. Is it easy to travel from Huntington DC Metro Station, to Capitol South or Navy Yard stations?
Yes. To Capitol South, ride the Yellow Line and change to the Blue or Orange Line; it is approximately 25 minutes. To get to Navy Yard–Ballpark, take the Yellow Line to Gallery Place and change to the Green Line, for a total of approximately 25–30 minutes. Both trips cost $2–$4.
5. What should I know about the location and facilities of Huntington DC Metro Station?
Huntington DC Metro Station is located at 2701 Huntington Avenue, Alexandria, VA and is the Yellow Line’s southern endpoint. It features a special incline elevator, bus service, bike racks, and a huge commuter parking lot, making it an easy beginning point for commutes into D.C.
