Exploring Old Town Alexandria is easy on the free King Street Trolley. The trolley connects the waterfront to the King Street–Old Town Metro Station, with convenient stops every couple of blocks along King Street’s historic shopping and dining district. Hop on, hop off!
If you’re visiting Alexandria or just want a no-stress way to get around, this guide covers everything you need to know about the King Street Trolley.
What Is the King Street Trolley?
The King Street Trolley (KST in Dashbus lingo) is a free public service operated by the City of Alexandria. It puts all of King Street within reach without worrying about parking or rideshares. The trolley runs the full mile of King Street, offering a comfortable, climate-controlled ride that’s free and accessible to everyone.
There is no fare to ride – it’s $0 to ride! That’s right…the King Street Trolley is free transportation around Old Town!
Many locals use it for quick trips, while visitors appreciate the chance to see Old Town without driving or using Uber or Lyft.
Where the Trolley Runs
The trolley route stretches from the Market Square at the 200 block of King Street to the King Street–Old Town Metro Station at the west end. The route map for the trolley, as well as Dashbus and Old Town Circulator (OTC) routes, can be found here: Dash Old Town Map.
Along the way, the trolley stops every two blocks near:
- Market Square City Hall and seasonal events
- Boutiques and restaurants throughout King Street
- Alexandria Visitor Center at 221 King Street
- Hotels and inns near the King Street Metro station
- Historic attractions like the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
King Street Guide
Where to Hop On or Hop Off
Stops are marked with trolley signs, and you can board or exit at any of them. Pull the cord near the window on the trolley to alert the driver to stop for you to hop off. See photos below:
King Street Trolley Hours
The trolley runs seven days a week, year-round. Keep in mind that although the trolley starts its route at 11am, it may be later than that before you are able to board at any given stop along the route. Likewise, the trolley will pick up the last riders prior to the 11pm end of service.
Hours of service are:
- Sunday–Thursday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. to midnight
Trolleys pick up passengers at stops roughly every 15 minutes, so you never have to wait long. Trolley service continues even on holidays.
Cost to Ride the King Street Trolley
Did we mention the best part? It’s completely free. There are no tickets, passes, or fares required. Simply step aboard and ride as often as you’d like.
Accessibility and Comfort
The King Street Trolley is built for comfort and accessibility. Each trolley has the following features:
- Wheelchair accessible with low-floor boarding
- Space for strollers and shopping bags, even luggage
- Climate-controlled with air conditioning in summer and heat in winter
- Seats and standing room available for riders of all ages
- Bike racks are available
- Service animals (only) welcome on board
It’s one of the easiest ways for families and groups to travel together through Old Town. We’ve even used it to get to and from the metro to go to the airport!
How to Ride the King Street Trolley
Wait time (approximate): 15 minutes
Cost to ride: FREE
The King Street Trolley is a free service in Old Town Alexandria that runs from the Potomac River waterfront to the King Street–Old Town Metro Station. Here’s a step-by-step guide to riding it.
- Find a trolley stop
Look for the King Street Trolley signs along King Street between the Metro station and the Visitor’s Center at the 200 block of King Street.
- Wait safely on the sidewalk
Stand where the trolley can pull over without blocking traffic. Stops are spaced every couple of blocks.
- Board the trolley
When the trolley arrives and the doors open, watch your footing, and step inside. No tickets or passes are required.
- Enjoy your ride
The trolley is free, climate-controlled, and wheelchair accessible. Ride as far as you’d like along King Street and stay on for as long as you like!
- Exit at your destination
Pull the cord or press the signal button to request a stop. Hold onto the handrails if the trolley is still in motion. Exit carefully once the trolley comes to a full stop.
Tips for Riding the Trolley
- Plan to hop on and off — it’s a great way to explore King Street in sections.
- Use it as a Metro connector if you’re staying in Old Town but heading into D.C.
- Catch the trolley early in the evening if you want to avoid parking on weekends.
- Pair it with a walking tour for the best experience of Old Town’s historic sites and shops.
- No smoking (or vaping), drinking or eating on the trolley
Why Ride the King Street Trolley?
For visitors: it’s the easiest way to explore Old Town without worrying about parking meters, it’s climate controlled and clean.
For locals: it’s a quick, free connection between the Metro and Alexandria’s busiest blocks, and a way to get around town without a car.
It’s a great photo opportunity, as well as a way to capture local King Street life in comfort.
FAQs about the King Street Trolley
Yes. The trolley is completely free to ride, no tickets or passes required.
It arrives approximately every 15 minutes, seven days a week.
Stops are marked along King Street between the Metro station and the Potomac River waterfront.
Yes. Service operates daily, including holidays, with climate-controlled comfort.
Yes. Strollers are welcome on board the King Street Trolley.
The trolleys are equipped with wheelchair ramps and secure locations on board. Service animals are welcome.
See More of Old Town on the Old Town Webcams
Old Town Alexandria’s Premiere Webcam Site
