Wondering what your daily trip from Ashburn will really look like now that the Silver Line is here? Between parking rules, tolls, and changing train patterns, there is a lot to sort out. You want a commute that is predictable, affordable, and easy to navigate. This guide gives you the essentials on Ashburn’s Metro stations, parking costs, EV charging, and practical tips so you can plan with confidence. Let’s dive in.
What the Silver Line offers today
The Silver Line extension to Loudoun County opened in November 2022, with Ashburn as the western terminus. For station facts and maps, start with the official Ashburn Station page from Metro. You will see two pedestrian bridges, bike facilities, and clear connections on both sides of the Dulles Greenway.
Metro adjusted service patterns and hours in 2025, including expanded weekend hours and a split pattern where every other Silver Line train continues to New Carrollton instead of Downtown Largo. Headways typically run about 6 to 10 minutes in rush and 10 to 15 minutes off-peak, depending on the time of day. Always check Metro’s service changes page before you go for the latest routing and frequency updates.
How long will your trip take?
Door-to-door from Ashburn into central DC commonly runs about 60 to 90 minutes. Your exact time depends on your destination, wait times, and transfers. For a specific morning or evening window, use Metro’s Trip Planner or your preferred maps app to lock in the details.
Ashburn and Loudoun Gateway at a glance
Ashburn Station basics
Ashburn Station sits in the median of the Dulles Greenway near Ryan Road and features entrances on both sides connected by pedestrian bridges. The station offers bike racks and lockers, plus kiss-and-ride areas on both sides. Station guidance notes no hourly parking in kiss-and-ride spaces.
Parking here is large by Metro standards, with roughly 3,000 spaces split between two garages. The south garage is county operated. The north garage is privately operated by a developer. Ownership affects rules, hours, and fees, so read the signs before you park.
Loudoun Gateway as a plan B
The next station east, Loudoun Gateway, is backed by a large station garage plus nearby Dulles North park-and-ride capacity. It has been one of the system’s lower-ridership stops, which often means easier parking availability. If Ashburn fills up or you prefer a different route to the station, consider Loudoun Gateway and confirm its posted rules.
Parking costs, EV charging, and rules
Daily rates and hours
At the county-run Ashburn South garage, weekday parking is $4.95 per day. County pages list current hours and note that overnight parking is generally not permitted. Not every Silver Line garage is operated by Metro, so pricing and enforcement can vary by facility. Always follow posted signs for your specific garage.
Monthly reserved options
If you ride most weekdays, a monthly reserved space can save time. Metro’s reserved-parking program is managed through LAZ and typically costs $45 or $65 per month depending on the station. Most permit holders still pay the daily parking fee when they park. Apply early, since some locations use waitlists.
EV charging
County-operated garages provide EV charging. Loudoun’s current policy lists a $2.10 per-session fee and a per-kWh charge that began July 1, 2025. Pricing and availability can change, so confirm details before you depend on a charger.
On-street parking near the station
Moorefield Station and nearby streets use an on-street parking management program with metered zones and app-based payment. Fines and booting can occur for violations. If you opt for street parking, verify the zone, time limits, and payment method first.
Getting to the train without driving
Loudoun County Transit routes
Local Loudoun County Transit routes in the 330s and 390s series, including 331/332 and 333, connect neighborhoods, park-and-ride lots, and office parks to Ashburn and Loudoun Gateway. Schedules and stops vary by route and time of day. Check current timetables before you head out.
Employer shuttles and commuter services
Many employers in and around Dulles, Tysons, and Ashburn offer shuttles to Metro or major job centers. If your company has commuter benefits, look for a shuttle or subsidy option to simplify your trip.
Biking, drop-off, and ride-hail
Ashburn Station offers bike racks and lockers, which are a convenient option if you live within a short ride. Kiss-and-ride areas are available on both sides of the station for quick drop-offs. Ride-hail works well for early or late trips when bus frequency is lower.
Tolls, timing, and payment tips
Know your toll roads
Most drivers reach the station via the Dulles Greenway or the Dulles Toll Road, which are tolled facilities. E-ZPass or similar tools can lower costs compared to pay-by-plate and make payment smoother. Tolls vary by time and operator, so check current pricing if you drive daily.
Plan around rush windows
If your schedule is flexible, target off-peak travel. Midday and later-afternoon trains often have more open space, and parking can be easier. Metro’s timetables define AM and PM rush periods, with different scheduled frequencies.
Pay fares the easy way
SmarTrip remains the most complete tool for fares, passes, parking discounts, and SmartBenefits. In 2025, Metro added Tap. Ride. Go., which lets you pay rail fares with a contactless credit or debit card. SmarTrip is still required for certain discounts and programs, so choose what fits your routine.
Step-by-step commute checklist
- Before you leave: check Metro alerts for planned maintenance and any Silver Line routing changes. Have your SmarTrip or payment method ready.
- Choose your garage: confirm posted rules, daily fee, hours, overnight policy, and EV charging rates. If you commute most weekdays, consider applying for a monthly reserved space.
- Arrive with a plan: on busy mornings, arrive a bit earlier or try Loudoun Gateway if Ashburn is tight. Avoid private retail lots unless the signs clearly allow commuter parking.
- For EVs: expect a per-session fee and possible per-kWh charges. Have a backup plan in case chargers are in use.
- Safety basics: lock your car, remove valuables from sight, and follow posted rules.
When to consider a different station
If Ashburn’s garages are busier than usual, Loudoun Gateway is a reliable alternative. It often has open spaces and quick access to the platform. Rules and prices can differ by facility, so check signage before you park.
Final thoughts
Ashburn gives you a true plug-in to the DC region with a predictable rail ride and multiple ways to reach the platform. With the right parking strategy, smart payment tools, and a few backup options, your daily trip can be simpler and more consistent. If you are weighing neighborhoods, school-year timing, or hybrid schedules, the commute picture can help guide your home search.
Ready to talk through commute trade-offs as you plan a move in or around Ashburn? Reach out to the Susan & Joe Team for neighborhood-by-neighborhood advice and a tailored strategy.
FAQs
Is weekend parking free at Ashburn’s garages?
- Not necessarily. The county-run Ashburn South garage lists a $4.95 daily fee and posts specific hours. Always check the facility page or garage signage for current rules.
How long is the commute from Ashburn to downtown DC?
- Plan on about 60 to 90 minutes door-to-door, depending on wait times, transfers, and your exact destination.
Where can I confirm Silver Line service changes and hours?
- Metro’s service changes page provides current patterns, frequencies, and alerts. Check it before you go, especially on weekends or holidays.
Can I reserve a monthly parking space at Ashburn?
- Yes. Metro’s reserved parking program, managed by LAZ, offers monthly permits that typically cost $45 or $65 depending on the station. Most users still pay the daily parking fee when they park.
Are there EV chargers at Ashburn Station garages?
- Yes in county-operated facilities. Loudoun lists a per-session fee and a per-kWh charge, so confirm current pricing and availability before you rely on a charger.
Metro’s Ashburn Station page
Metro service changes and hours
Ashburn garage fees and EV charging
Parking capacity and ownership at Ashburn
Loudoun Gateway station overview
Moorefield Station on-street parking rules
