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VRE & Amtrak Step-Up Program
Step Up Your Commuter Game
Missed your regular train or ready to roll early from work? For just $4, you can hop on select Amtrak trains with your VRE pass as part of the Amtrak Step-Up Program. It’s your ticket to more commuter options in the DC and Virginia area.
How to Step Up & Ride:
- Ensure You Have an Active VRE Pass: In the VRE Mobile App, you must have either a Monthly (31-Day Pass) or a 10-Trip Pass.
- Check the Train Number: Look for the VRE Logo on Amtrak schedules to ensure your train participates in the Step-Up Program.
- Open the VRE Mobile App: Ensure you have your active Monthly or 10-Trip pass ready.
- Validate Your VRE Ticket: You must validate your base VRE ticket before purchasing the upgrade.
- Purchase the $4 Step-Up: Find the "Step-Up" ticket in the app’s ticket store.
- Validate the Step-Up: Do this on the platform right before boarding. Note: Step-Up tickets are only valid for a limited time once activated.
- Board and Show: Have both QR codes (your VRE Pass + your Step-Up ticket) ready to show the Amtrak conductor.
More Tips for a Smooth Trip
- Check Your Zones: Your VRE ticket must cover the same zones as your Amtrak trip (e.g., Zone 9 to Zone 1).
- Select Stations Only: Amtrak stops at specific VRE stations including Union Station, Alexandria, Burke Centre, Manassas, Woodbridge and Fredericksburg.
- Traveling with a Group? You can use a 10-trip pass for multiple riders — just be sure to validate a ticket and a $4 Step-Up for every person in your party.
- Kids Policy: Unlike standard VRE rules, Amtrak requires all passengers (including children) to have a validated VRE ticket and a Step-Up ticket.
Troubleshooting
If your Step-Up ticket won't validate, double-check these common issues:
- Did you validate your VRE ticket first?
- Does your VRE ticket cover the correct zones?
- Is the Amtrak train you are boarding a participating "Step-Up" train?
Still need help? Email gotrains@vre.org or call 800-743-3873.
Resources & Downloads
- Official Step-Up Rules & Eligible Trains
- Latest VRE Schedules (Effective Jan 2026)
- VRE System Map & Zones
Download the VRE Mobile App:
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