Is there a direct train from Hagerstown to Arlington?

No, there is no direct rail service; you must drive or take a bus to a Metro station.

How long is the drive from Hagerstown to Arlington?

It typically takes 90 minutes without traffic, but can take over 2 hours during rush hour.

Are there tolls on this route?

Yes, the I-270 Express Lanes and certain Virginia roads require an E-ZPass.

What is the best time to leave Hagerstown?

Departing before 6 AM or after 10 AM avoids the worst of the D.C. commuter traffic.

Can I take a bus directly to Arlington?

Most buses terminate at Union Station in D.C., requiring a short Metro ride to reach Arlington.

Hagerstown

Arlington

Bus Driving

Hagerstown to Arlington

Updated: 30 May 2026

The journey from Hagerstown to Arlington spans approximately 75 miles through the heart of Maryland. Most travelers utilize I-70 East to I-270 South to bypass the worst of the Washington D.C. congestion. Driving typically takes 90 minutes, though peak rush hour can double this duration. Public transit options include regional bus services connecting to the Metro system. This route serves as a primary artery for commuters moving between the Appalachian foothills and the D.C. metro area.

Total Distance: 120 km driving, 105 km air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving via I-270 during off-peak hours takes approximately 90 minutes.

Cheapest Way

Driving is the most cost-effective if traveling with passengers, costing roughly $20 in fuel.

Compare Hagerstown to Arlington Routes

	Bus Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	2 hours 30 minutes	1 hour 30 minutes
Avg Price	$20-$40	$15-$25 in fuel
Operator	Greyhound	Personal Vehicle
Route	Hagerstown Bus Terminal to Union Station D.C. then Metro.	I-70 E to I-270 S to I-495 E to VA-267 E.
Tip	Transfer at Union Station to the Metro Orange or Silver line for direct access to Arlington.	Use the I-270 Express Lanes to save significant time during morning and evening rush hours.

Travel Tips

Avoid Peak Hours
Traffic on I-270 is notoriously heavy between 7 AM and 9 AM, and 4 PM and 6 PM.
Metro SmarTrip
Purchase a SmarTrip card or use the mobile app for seamless travel on the D.C. Metro system.
Parking in Arlington
Street parking is limited; use public parking garages in Rosslyn or Clarendon to avoid tickets.
Weather Awareness
Hagerstown is at a higher elevation; check for snow or ice in the mountains before departing in winter.
Toll Roads
Keep an E-ZPass handy as many routes into Northern Virginia involve toll roads.

Safety Tips

Highway Vigilance
I-495 (the Beltway) has high-speed traffic; maintain a safe following distance at all times.
Emergency Kits
Keep a basic emergency kit in your car, especially during winter months when mountain passes can freeze.
Metro Safety
Stay aware of your surroundings when using public transit late at night.
Road Construction
Check the Maryland Department of Transportation website for real-time construction updates on I-70.