Fairfax travel guide

Fairfax Tourism | Fairfax Guide

You're Going to Love Fairfax

With a population of 22,565, Fairfax is a must-see destination in Virginia, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. We recommend you stay at least 3 days in order to fully appreciate everything Fairfax has to offer.

Where to Eat in Fairfax

If you’re looking for affordable options, Villa Mozart Restaurant (4009 Chain Bridge Road) and Uncle Julio's - Fairfax Corner (4251 Fairfax Corner Ave) are great picks. For delicious green meals, Earp's Ordinary (10420 Main Street Suite 210) and Mackenzie's Tunes & Tonics (3950 University Dr) are recommended spots to get vegetarian or vegan food in Fairfax.

When to visit Fairfax

Fairfax in January
Estimated hotel price
$115
1 night at 3-star hotel
Fairfax in January
Estimated hotel price
$115
1 night at 3-star hotel

How to Get to Fairfax

Plane

When flying to Fairfax, you’ll arrive at Washington Dulles Airport (IAD), which is located 10 miles from the city center. The shortest domestic flight to Fairfax departs from Boston and takes around 1h 28m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving Fairfax, followed by Acela. The train journey from Fairfax to Baltimore takes 0h 29m and costs around $11 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Richmond, expect to pay about $18 for a 1h 48m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Fairfax is to pick up a car rental from Washington, D.C., which is about 15 miles from Fairfax. You’ll find branches of Sixt and Hertz, among others, in Washington, D.C..

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Fairfax, including Peter Pan Bus Lines, Washington Deluxe and Bus. From Philadelphia, the bus ride to Fairfax takes 170 miles and will cost you around $28. From New York, the ticket costs about $60 for a journey of 210 miles. Fairfax’s bus station is located 3 miles from the city center.

Plane

When flying to Fairfax, you’ll arrive at Washington Dulles Airport (IAD), which is located 10 miles from the city center. The shortest domestic flight to Fairfax departs from Boston and takes around 1h 28m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving Fairfax, followed by Acela. The train journey from Fairfax to Baltimore takes 0h 29m and costs around $11 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Richmond, expect to pay about $18 for a 1h 48m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Fairfax is to pick up a car rental from Washington, D.C., which is about 15 miles from Fairfax. You’ll find branches of Sixt and Hertz, among others, in Washington, D.C..

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Fairfax, including Peter Pan Bus Lines, Washington Deluxe and Bus. From Philadelphia, the bus ride to Fairfax takes 170 miles and will cost you around $28. From New York, the ticket costs about $60 for a journey of 210 miles. Fairfax’s bus station is located 3 miles from the city center.

Airports near Fairfax

Airlines serving Fairfax

KLM
Good (1,352 reviews)
British Airways
Good (6,843 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (8,835 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,551 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,670 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,531 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,900 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,235 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (8,095 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,318 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (9,420 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,338 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,237 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,202 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,300 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (877 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,906 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (886 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (3,514 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (307 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Fairfax

If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Holiday Inn Express Fairfax - Arlington Boulevard and Comfort Inn University Center.

Where to stay in popular areas of Fairfax

Most booked hotels in Fairfax

Hyatt Regency Tysons Corner Center
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, 958 reviews)
$160+
Hyatt Regency Dulles
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, 1271 reviews)
$131+
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Fairfax Fair Oaks
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 684 reviews)
$128+
Hilton Garden Inn Fairfax
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 262 reviews)
$108+
Wingate by Wyndham Chantilly / Dulles Airport
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, 2186 reviews)
$88+
Hilton Fairfax
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, 2009 reviews)
$122+

Renting a car in Fairfax

Renting a car in Fairfax costs $54 per day, on average, or $163 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

Expect to pay $3.71 per gallon in Fairfax (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $44.52 and $59.36. The most frequently booked car type in Fairfax is Mini (Dodge Grand Caravan or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Standard rental cars (Class Commercial Truck or similar) are, on average, 64% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Fairfax costs $54 per day, on average, or $163 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

Expect to pay $3.71 per gallon in Fairfax (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $44.52 and $59.36. The most frequently booked car type in Fairfax is Mini (Dodge Grand Caravan or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Standard rental cars (Class Commercial Truck or similar) are, on average, 64% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.