Major city · United States
Reston
Give Reston one night as a Dulles base or a half-day for Lake Anne Plaza; its real draw is the Silver Line into Washington, DC, 45 min away.
Reston is a planned community of about 58,000 people, 32 km west of Washington, DC, built from 1964 around Lake Anne and now anchored by Reston Town Center and two Silver Line Metro stations. Sights are thin and spread out; the town works best as an airport-adjacent base or a quiet stop between DC and Dulles.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (heat and humidity)
- Airport
- IAD
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Reston911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Fairfax County non-emergency police703-691-2131
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Reston, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyReston is a low-crime suburban town; the real risks are traffic on the parkways and unlit path sections after dark.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 703-691-2131 Fairfax County non-emergency police
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportIAD Washington Dulles International (About a 10-min drive; the Silver Line also serves the airport.).
- Getting aroundThe Silver Line runs to Washington, DC in about 45 min and to Dulles airport in a few stops.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$4–7
- Sit-down mealReston Town Center dinner, mid-rangeBefore tax and tip.$25–45
- BeerDraught beer$7–10
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Rideshare, 5 km (3.1 mi)Rideshare, 3.1 mi (5 km)$12–20
- Metro or bus rideSilver Line Metro rideDistance-based; peak and off-peak differ.$2–6.75 (check)
- Budget bedFamily room or suite (up to 4), a night, per roomUS$180
- Mid-range bedMid-range hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$170
- High-end bedMid-range hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$280
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$90 · Mid US$145 · High US$260
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- IAD Washington Dulles International (About a 10-min drive; the Silver Line also serves the airport.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Feb
not flagged
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Apr
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
May
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jun
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Jul
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Aug
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Sep
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Oct
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Nov
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Dec
not flagged
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)), coolest Jan (−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C) low), wettest May (11 rain days), driest Sep (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Reston: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
10 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
9 rd
Mar
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
10 rd
Apr
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
10 rd
May
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
11 rd
Jun
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10 rd
Jul
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
11 rd
Aug
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
9 rd
Sep
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8 rd
Oct
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
8 rd
Nov
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
9 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
10 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The Silver Line runs to Washington, DC in about 45 min and to Dulles airport in a few stops. Fairfax Connector buses cover the town; Capital Bikeshare and the Reston path network suit short trips. Roads wind and a GPS helps.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 1 h
Silver Line Metro from Reston Town Center or Wiehle-Reston East
No driving or parking; the Smithsonian museums are free.
Herndon
goDoor to door: About 20–30 min
Fairfax Connector bus or a short drive west
Better budget and ethnic restaurants than Reston.
Door to door: About 30 min
Dulles Toll Road east, then Route 7
Restaurant strip worth an evening.
Mount Vernon
goDoor to door: About 50 min
Drive via the Beltway and Route 1
Half a day with the estate and grounds.
Lorton
cautionDoor to door: About 35 min
Drive south on Fairfax County Parkway
Workhouse Arts Center is the main stop; little else.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Reston Town Center
Hotels, restaurants and the ice rink on one walkable block; Silver Line station nearby.
Sunrise Valley Drive
Business hotels with airport shuttles; quieter, car-first.
Lake Anne
The original 1960s village; small, low-rise, best for a quiet night.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $70–110 excl. bed
- Mid
- $110–180 excl. bed
- High
- $180+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range hotel double room1 × 1 night × US$170 | US$170 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$145 | US$290 |
| Silver Line Metro, Reston to Washington, DC, both ways2 × US$13 · check | US$26 |
| Rideshare, Dulles airport to Reston Town Center1 × US$25 · check | US$25 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$15 | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$54 |
| Trip total≈ US$298 per person per day, bed included | US$595 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; sales tax is added at checkout. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $4–7 |
| Casual lunch | $12–20 |
| Reston Town Center dinner, mid-rangeBefore tax and tip. | $25–45 |
| Draught beer | $7–10 |
| Silver Line Metro rideDistance-based; peak and off-peak differ. | $2–6.75 (check) |
| Rideshare, 5 km | $12–20 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Reston is car-first outside Reston Town Center; pavements do not connect everything.
- Summer afternoons are hot and humid; plan indoor stops midday.
- Metro fares and hours change; check WMATA before a late return.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Fairfax County non-emergency police
- 703-691-2131
Pocket card
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RestonReston
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Fairfax County non-emergency police703-691-2131
Embassy
No embassies in Reston; they are in Washington, DC, about 45 min by Metro.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Metro Reston → Washington, DC: about $6.75 peak, 45 min (check)
- Rideshare Dulles → Reston: $20–30, about 15 min (check)
- Fairfax Connector bus: about $2, exact change or card (check)
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Where is the Metro station? — Where is the Metro station?
- The check, please — The check, please
Tipping is expected: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink, 15–20% for taxis.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Reston. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (heat and humidity) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
- officialReston Association
- officialFairfax County Park Authority
- officialWMATA — Metrorail
- officialWashington Dulles International Airport
- secondaryWikivoyage: Reston, revision 5310040 (CC BY-SA 4.0)