Introduction
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Hiring a car

Alexandria travel guide

Alexandria Tourism | Alexandria Guide

You're Going to Love Alexandria

With a population of 139,966, Alexandria is a must-see destination in Virginia, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. We recommend you stay at least 6 days in order to fully appreciate everything Alexandria has to offer.

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Where to Eat in Alexandria

Old Town is the neighbourhood with the most restaurants in Alexandria. These include popular favourites such as Mia's Italian Kitchen (100 King St.), Ada's on the River (3 Pioneer Mill Way) and The Warehouse (214 King St). If you’re looking for affordable options, Josephine - Old Town (109 S St Asaph St) and Matt and Tony's All Day Kitchen + Bar (1501 Mt Vernon Ave) are great picks.

When to visit Alexandria

Alexandria in August
Estimated hotel price
$222
1 night at 3-star hotel
Alexandria in August
Estimated hotel price
$222
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Alexandria in July, when the average temperature is 26 °C, and the highest can go up to 31 °C. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as -2 °C, with an average temperature of 2 °C. You’re likely to see more rain in May, when precipitation is around 97 mm. In contrast, February is usually the driest month of the year in Alexandria, with an average rainfall of 66 mm.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Alexandria

Plane

When flying to Alexandria, you’ll arrive at Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), which is located 5 km from the city centre. The shortest flight to Alexandria from Australia departs from Sydney and takes around 20h 12m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving Alexandria, followed by Acela. The train journey from Alexandria to Baltimore takes 0h 28m and costs around $9 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Wilmington, expect to pay about $26 for a 1h 44m trip. The train station in Alexandria is called Alexandria, and is located 1.6 km from the city centre.

Car

Another option to get to Alexandria is to pick up a car hire from Washington, D.C., which is about 11 km from Alexandria. You’ll find branches of Hertz and Thrifty, among others, in Washington, D.C..

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Alexandria, including Peter Pan Bus Lines, OurBus and Bus. From New York, the bus ride to Alexandria takes 338 km and will cost you around $44. From Norfolk, the ticket costs about $41 for a journey of 443 km. Alexandria’s bus station is located 2.4 km from the city centre.

Plane

When flying to Alexandria, you’ll arrive at Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), which is located 5 km from the city centre. The shortest flight to Alexandria from Australia departs from Sydney and takes around 20h 12m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving Alexandria, followed by Acela. The train journey from Alexandria to Baltimore takes 0h 28m and costs around $9 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Wilmington, expect to pay about $26 for a 1h 44m trip. The train station in Alexandria is called Alexandria, and is located 1.6 km from the city centre.

Car

Another option to get to Alexandria is to pick up a car hire from Washington, D.C., which is about 11 km from Alexandria. You’ll find branches of Hertz and Thrifty, among others, in Washington, D.C..

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Alexandria, including Peter Pan Bus Lines, OurBus and Bus. From New York, the bus ride to Alexandria takes 338 km and will cost you around $44. From Norfolk, the ticket costs about $41 for a journey of 443 km. Alexandria’s bus station is located 2.4 km from the city centre.

Airports near Alexandria

Airlines serving Alexandria

KLM
Good (1,428 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,557 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,011 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,072 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,038 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,678 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,432 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,065 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,500 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,498 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,326 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,591 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,082 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,334 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,143 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,393 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,081 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (281 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (2,900 reviews)
LATAM Airlines
Good (1,891 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Alexandria

If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Fort Belvoir Alexandria South and Comfort Inn and Suites Alexandria West. There are also lots of holiday rental options in Alexandria, with prices from $85 to $2,160 per night. Old Town is the neighbourhood with the highest amount of rentals to choose from. On average, holiday rentals in Alexandria are about 14% more expensive than a hotel room in the city.

Eisenhower East - Here you’ll find travellers’ favourites such as Holiday Inn Alexandria - Carlyle By IHG, Residence Inn by Marriott Alexandria Old Town South at Carlyle and The Westin Alexandria Old Town. The average nightly price for a double room in Eisenhower East is $139.

Old Town - Hilton Garden Inn Alexandria Old Town National Harbor, Morrison House Old Town Alexandria, Autograph Collection and Hotel Indigo Old Town Alexandria By IHG have some of the best reviews among hotels in this area. A 3-star room in Old Town will cost you about $144 per night.

Eisenhower East - Here you’ll find travellers’ favourites such as Holiday Inn Alexandria - Carlyle By IHG, Residence Inn by Marriott Alexandria Old Town South at Carlyle and The Westin Alexandria Old Town. The average nightly price for a double room in Eisenhower East is $139.
Old Town - Hilton Garden Inn Alexandria Old Town National Harbor, Morrison House Old Town Alexandria, Autograph Collection and Hotel Indigo Old Town Alexandria By IHG have some of the best reviews among hotels in this area. A 3-star room in Old Town will cost you about $144 per night.
Most popular hotel in Alexandria by neighbourhood

Where to stay in popular areas of Alexandria

Most booked hotels in Alexandria

Hotel Indigo Old Town Alexandria By IHG
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, Excellent reviews)
$240+
Washington Plaza Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
$165+
Omni Shoreham Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
$194+
Hampton Inn & Suites Alexandria Old Town Area South
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
$137+
Hilton Alexandria-Old Town
4 stars
Excellent (8.2, Excellent reviews)
$200+
Hamilton Hotel - Washington DC
4 stars
Excellent (8.1, Excellent reviews)
$159+

Hiring a car in Alexandria

Expect to pay $1.38 per litre in Alexandria (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between $16.48 and $21.97. The most frequently booked car type in Alexandria is Compact (Nissan Sentra or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Mini car hire (Fiat 500 or similar) is, on average, 68% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

Expect to pay $1.38 per litre in Alexandria (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between $16.48 and $21.97. The most frequently booked car type in Alexandria is Compact (Nissan Sentra or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Mini car hire (Fiat 500 or similar) is, on average, 68% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.