Thinking about relocating to Herndon to be closer to the Metro? With two nearby Silver Line stations and a mix of walkable streets, suburban neighborhoods, and newer mixed-use areas, you have great options to match your commute and lifestyle. If you want quick trips to Tysons, an easy rail link to Dulles Airport, or a bike-friendly route to the train, you can find it here. This guide breaks down station access, neighborhood tradeoffs, last-mile tips, and what to expect day to day. Let’s dive in.
Silver Line access at a glance
Herndon is served by two Silver Line stations: Herndon and Innovation Center. You can ride directly to Dulles Airport and connect through the broader Metrorail network. The Phase 2 extension opened on November 15, 2022, which expanded rail reach through the Dulles corridor.
- Check current train frequencies and operating hours on the Silver Line schedules.
- Review station details for Herndon and Innovation Center before your first commute.
Neighborhoods by station proximity
Use these snapshots to compare walk and bike times, housing patterns, and daily convenience. Times are approximations. Always validate your specific route with a mapping tool, especially for crossings and sidewalk continuity.
Historic Downtown Herndon
Centered on Elden Street, downtown offers a compact, walkable core with shops and cafés. Most blocks sit about 0.2 to 0.6 miles from the Herndon station, which can be a 5 to 12 minute walk for many addresses. Biking downtown to the station can be 2 to 6 minutes.
You will find older single-family homes, small-lot detached houses, townhomes, and some low-rise condos or apartments over shops. Residents often walk to the Herndon station, and downtown street or municipal parking serves the restaurants and retail. This is a strong fit if you value a neighborhood feel and a quick walk to rail over larger yards.
West and Northwest Herndon
Subdivisions along the Fox Mill Road and Dranesville Road corridors deliver larger lots and more space. The tradeoff is station access. Expect an 8 to 20 minute bike, often 1.5 to 4 miles, or a 5 to 12 minute drive to either station. On-street parking is residential and not intended for commuter use.
Homes are primarily single-family detached with some townhomes and limited condo options. This area suits you if you want more square footage and yard space and you are comfortable driving or biking to the train.
Herndon, Monroe Street, and South Herndon
South and southeast of downtown, these blocks sit closer to the Dulles Toll Road and parts of the business park corridor. Walk and bike times to the Herndon station are variable, generally 10 to 25 minutes depending on exact location and crossings. Some routes may be closer to Innovation Center by bike or a short drive.
Housing is a mix of mid-century single-family homes, garden-style apartments, and newer townhome clusters. Many residents use a quick drive or local bus service to reach either station.
Innovation Center and the Dulles Corridor
Near the Innovation Center station you will see newer apartments and condos integrated with office parks and mixed-use development. Many buildings sit within a 5 to 15 minute walk of the station, which makes commuting simple. Walking to the Herndon station is generally not practical from here, but biking or driving works.
Buildings typically include parking, though commuter parking can be managed differently by station and changes over time. This area is ideal if you prefer newer construction, work in the Dulles corridor, or fly frequently and want a short hop to Dulles via the Silver Line.
Getting to the stations day to day
Walking and sidewalks
Sidewalks are common in downtown and newer developments, while some suburban streets have gaps. For safety and comfort, map your exact route and check crossings. Try your walk both in daylight and after dark to get a feel for lighting and traffic patterns.
Biking and the W&OD Trail
The Washington and Old Dominion Trail runs through Herndon and is a low-stress backbone for local biking. If you plan to bike to a station, explore the W&OD Trail overview and map to spot convenient access points. WMATA stations generally offer bike racks or lockers. Review options on Bike and Ride and the individual station pages.
Fairfax Connector and shuttles
Fairfax Connector provides bus feeder routes that link neighborhoods to Herndon and Innovation Center. Routes and schedules change, so confirm current lines before you rely on a transfer. Start with the Fairfax Connector site for updates.
Park and ride, kiss and ride
Station parking and drop-off zones vary by location and can change with demand. Confirm current availability and any permit requirements on the Herndon station page and Innovation Center station page. You can also review county-managed options via Fairfax County Park and Ride. Rideshare, taxis, and employer shuttles are common, especially around Innovation Center.
Quick reference times
Use these as ballpark guides, then test your exact route.
- Downtown Herndon to Herndon station: walk 5 to 12 minutes, bike 2 to 6 minutes.
- Downtown Herndon to Innovation Center: bike 10 to 20 minutes, drive 5 to 12 minutes.
- Innovation Center-area apartments to Innovation Center: walk 5 to 15 minutes, bike 2 to 6 minutes.
- West Herndon to Herndon station: bike 10 to 25 minutes, drive 5 to 12 minutes.
- West Herndon to Innovation Center: bike 12 to 30 minutes, drive 6 to 15 minutes.
Who benefits from each area
Daily commuter to Tysons or DC
If you want reliable rail and a short first mile, downtown Herndon puts you within a comfortable walk of the Herndon station. Innovation Center-adjacent buildings work well if your office is in the Dulles tech corridor. West Herndon offers more space, but you may prefer to drive or bike to rail.
Frequent flier using Dulles Airport
Innovation Center’s location makes the airport transfer simple on the same Silver Line. Parts of south or east Herndon can also offer slightly shorter road access to the Dulles Toll Road. If you travel with luggage often, consider how you will reach the station comfortably.
Hybrid or remote worker
If you go to the office a few days a week, a balance of lifestyle and access may win out. Walkable downtown or mixed-use communities near Innovation Center pair local amenities with easy rail trips when needed.
Plan your commute with the Trip Planner
Your actual travel time depends on time of day, headways, and transfers. For precise estimates to Tysons, Rosslyn, or Downtown DC, use the WMATA Trip Planner. It reflects current schedules and alerts, which is essential for accurate timing.
How to choose your best-fit spot
- List your top priorities. Rank walkability, yard size, home type, and airport access.
- Map your last mile. Test a walking or biking route to each station that applies to your address.
- Try a dry run. Ride during your usual commute window to gauge crowding and timing.
- Check parking. Review station and county park-and-ride info if you plan to drive.
- Balance tradeoffs. Closer-in walkability usually means smaller lots, while outer neighborhoods offer more space with a short drive to rail.
Ready to compare specific addresses or plan a smooth relocation to Herndon? Connect with the local team that knows these tradeoffs block by block. Reach out to Marnie Schaar & Associates for neighborhood guidance, on-the-ground commute tests, and a clear plan for your move.
FAQs
How long is the Silver Line commute from Herndon to Tysons, Rosslyn, or Downtown DC?
- Use the WMATA Trip Planner for current times, since headways and transfers vary by day and time.
Is there parking at the Herndon and Innovation Center stations?
- Check live details on the Herndon station page and Innovation Center station page, and review county options via Fairfax County Park and Ride.
Can I bike to the Herndon-area stations and park my bike securely?
- Yes, many riders use the W&OD Trail and WMATA provides bike facilities; confirm specifics on Bike and Ride and station pages.
Are the walks to the stations comfortable at night?
- Conditions vary by block, so walk your route after dark to assess lighting and crossings, and review local station area plans before deciding.
Which Herndon neighborhoods are best if I fly often from Dulles?
- Areas near Innovation Center offer the simplest Silver Line transfer to Dulles, while south or east Herndon can provide slightly shorter road access to the Dulles Toll Road.