The guide below was designed to help to plan your first ride. Don't worry - it is easy. You won't even have to leave your chair to get your tickets if you don't want to!

As you go through these simple steps, we have included many informative links. Be sure to use your "back" key to return to this page after you surf. As with most things in life there are lots of different options to choose from when buying your ticket; you can make the ticket purchase as easy or complicated as you want. Because you are new to the system, we have tried to give you lots of information, while guiding you in the easiest and least time consuming direction. If at any time you feel like you want to discuss your needs with a live person, please call our office at (703) 684-1001 or, if you prefer, you can email us at gotrains@vre.org with any questions.

First, you need to pick the station you want to travel from and to. Look at our System Map and pick the station closest to your house, then choose the station closest to your office. Don't worry if your office isn't right next to a station, we connect with METRO(the subway and bus system) at five of our convenient locations. Take note of the zone that your station starts in (originating station) and the one you will end at (destination station). The zone pairing will determine your fare. Trying to decide between two stations? Look at the amenities and a map. This will tell you not only how to get there, but what "extras" are offered there.

So now you know what stations your origination and destination are. This is your zone pair.

Next question is: how much will this cost? There are 6 different ticket options including Monthly (unlimited rides in a calendar month), Five-Day (valid for 5 consecutive service days), Ten-Ride (ten single trips - a week's worth of round trips, but they don't have to be used consecutively), Single-ride (this is a single-one-way ride), discounts for seniors, disabled and youths under 18, and a special Transit Link Card (TLC) ticket that offers unlimited VRE and Metro usage for a calendar month. To determine the cost of your ticket look at the fare chart. Find your origination station zone and your destination zone to find your fare.

Trains run approximately every half hour during rush hour. Since we are a commuter rail, we run north in the morning and south in the afternoon and evening. Trains begin running as early as 5:05 a.m. and leave in the afternoon as late as 6:50 p.m.

Look at the schedule or request a pocket schedule be sent to you. Then pick the time that works best for you. Remember to give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. If you have to be at work at 8:00 a.m. and the train is scheduled to arrive at 7:55 a.m., it might be a bit too close!

Since you have chosen your station, and you know ticket type you want, the next step is…the ticket itself! You can purchase VRE tickets several ways, including at the platform (with a debit card or major credit card), at one of vendors (with checks, cash, SmartBenefit Vouchers, credit and debit cards), or by sitting right in your chair over the Internet. If you want to start using VRE right away, the easiest and quickest way to get your tickets is to purchase them on the platform at the Ticket Vending Machines (TVM) with a debit or credit card. Keep in mind that tickets are NOT sold on the trains.

Riding Virginia Railway Express is the best part. Our friendly, helpful staff are glad to assist you. Be sure to arrive at the station early, so that you have time to park, purchase your ticket (if you need to), and validate your ticket.

What is validate, you ask? If you have a Single Ride, or Ten-Ride ticket you must punch (like you would a time clock) your ticket to make it valid. The ticket vending machines at each platform are also validators. You simply insert the end of your ticket with the arrows in the validator and it will punch the ticket. If you purchased a Transit Link Card (TLC) or a Monthly ticket you validate it simply by signing it. Five-Day passes must be "activated" once before use.

When the train arrives, you simply board and insert your valid (validated) ticket in the strap in front of you (the conductor will be come by to check it), sit back and relax. If you want, let the conductor know this is your first ride. He or she will be sure to help you with any questions or concerns you might have.

Before each stop the conductor will announce the next station. When yours arrives, be sure to pick up your ticket and belongings and simply walk on to work. (Or take a short stroll to Metrorail, DASH bus, Metro bus or any of our other partners to get to work.) (Don't worry, if you forget something we have a terrific lost and found system - just call our offices at (703) 684-1001 to report the item)

Coming home: Simply repeat the earlier steps. If necessary, be sure to validate your ticket for the return trip.

• VRE doesn't run on weekends.
• VRE doesn't run on Federal Holidays. Amtrak trains are available for some holidays; see the Amtrak page for more details. NOTE: VRE may make changes to their operating schedule. Please visit the operations calendar page for detailed information on limited and/or no service dates.
• Delays do happen. To find out if your train is delayed, visit "Rail Time" on our website or call (703) 684-0400 or 1-800-RIDE-VRE. (Our automated phone system is also a great way to get schedule, fare, special events, and more information about VRE). Finally, sign up for our e-news service, Train Talk, to get the latest information about VRE.
• Need to get home early? Take advantage of our early afternoon trains. They leave midday Monday - Friday -- see our schedule for departure times.
• Have an emergency and need to get home in the middle of the day? You can! Commuter Connections offers a Guaranteed Ride Home Program that will get you home in case of a medical or other emergency for you or your family, or unscheduled overtime.

If you need more information, please contact us by email at gotrains@vre.org or call us at (703) 684-1001.

VRE's New Rider Guide is jam packed with tons of information every first time rider needs and wants! Welcome aboard and thank you for riding VRE! We also offer a printable version of this great tool!