One of the biggest perks of living at The Point at McLean is just outside your door. Less than half a mile from the community, McLean Metro Station provides easy access to the Silver Line, connecting you to destinations from Ashburn, VA to New Carrollton and Largo, MD.
Whether you’re commuting to work, meeting friends in the city, catching a flight from Dulles, or exploring somewhere new on the weekend, Metro puts the region within easy reach. Here’s why it’s worth taking a short walk from your front door.
Why Choose Metro?
The Washington D.C. Metrorail system is one of the most advanced in the country. It might surprise you all the places you can get to on it, often without even having to transfer to a different line. From McLean Station, you can quickly reach a number of popular spots across the region.
Great for commuting to:
- Tysons
- Reston
- Ashburn
- Arlington
- Downtown Washington D.C.
Great for visiting:
- Smithsonian Museums
- Capital One Arena (Silver to Red Line)
- Nationals Park (Silver to Green Line)
- Dulles International Airport
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (Silver to Blue Line)
“Driving is just easier.”
It can be, but not always. If you’ve ever spent 45 minutes on I-66 in stop-and-go traffic or circled the block looking for a parking spot only to end up paying $25 for a garage, you know that driving isn’t always as convenient as it seems.
The Metro runs on a predictable schedule regardless of traffic, so you know what to expect before you leave.
There’s also an added benefit to taking transit that many people overlook: you can spend your travel time doing things other than just driving. Catch up on emails before the workday starts, listen to your favorite podcast, read a few chapters of a book, check in with friends on social media, or simply just relax and enjoy the ride.
“The Metro Costs Money”
It does, but so does driving. At first glance, it can feel like you’re spending more money every time you tap your SmarTrip card or credit/debit card to ride the Metro. The nice thing about riding the Metro though is that the cost of your trip is right in front of you.
The cost of driving is spread across gas, parking, tolls, maintenance, and everyday wear and tear on your vehicle, making it easy to underestimate what your commute really costs.
If you commute into Tysons or Washington, D.C. just two days a week, you could easily spend:
- Gas: $15 – $25 per week, depending on your commute
- Parking: $10 – $30 per day at many offices or destinations
- Tolls: Anywhere from $5 – $35 per day if you use express lanes or take I-66 during rush hour
- Vehicle wear and tear: More miles mean more frequent oil changes, tire replacements, and maintenance
Taking Metro for those same trips can often cost less, especially if your employer offers a transit benefit. Many employers offer pre-tax commuter programs, like SmartBenefits, often through a quick sign-up in your HR or benefits portal.
Fairfax County employees can take advantage of the SmartBenefits Plu$50 program that offers employees a free $50 SmarTrip card to try transit by enrolling in their employers’ monthly commuter benefits program.
Even taking Metro one or two days a week can add up to meaningful savings. That’s money you could spend on dinner, a weekend outing, or whatever matters most to you.
“I Like the Flexibility of Driving”
Many people assume driving gives them more flexibility, but Metro is designed with commuters in mind.
During peak travel times, trains arrive every few minutes, and real-time apps make it easy to check exactly when the next train is coming before you leave home or the office. WMATA has also expanded Metro’s operating hours, making it easier to fit transit into your schedule.
Metrorail Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 5 a.m. – midnight
- Friday: 5 a.m. – 2 a.m.
- Saturday: 6 a.m. – 2 a.m.
- Sunday: 6 a.m. – midnight
Need extra peace of mind? If an unexpected emergency comes up, the Guaranteed Ride Home program through Commuter Connections can help. This program ensures that if an unexpected situation arises — like a personal illness, a sick child, family emergency, or mandatory unscheduled overtime — participants can get home safely and quickly without relying on their usual commute mode.
When an eligible emergency occurs, you can request a ride via phone or online. The service will arrange transportation using taxi, rideshare (Uber/Lyft), rental car, or public transit.
Get Rewarded for Your Commute
Living at The Point at McLean gives you easy access to one of the region’s greatest transportation advantages. If you’ve been thinking about taking Metro to work more often, there’s never been a better time to start—and you’ll be rewarded for making the switch.
From August 17 – October 31, residents at The Point at McLean can get rewarded for taking transit to work. All you need to get started is your phone.
To learn about how to sign up, what rewards you can earn, and for even more Metro resources, visit our McLean Crossing Ride Rewards page.