Overview
Lorton is a community in Fairfax County, Virginia. This article also covers the nearby areas of Fort Belvoir and Mason Neck.
11 sights · 1 things to do · 2 places to eat · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Lorton
Gunston Hall
The Colonial estate of George Mason, author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights.
Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge
Mason Neck State Park
Pohick Church
Historic Episcopal church affiliated with major figures in Virginia history; George Washington and George Mason both had administrative roles there
Belvoir
Formerly George Fairfax's home, and now Fort Belvoir Army Corps of Engineer base
Woodlawn Plantation
A former part of Mount Vernon
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 90°F; winter lows dip to about 30°F. Very hot (Jul) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jul and Jun. (climate data from nearby Washington, D.C.)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- DCA Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington — 15 mi away (major hub). Directions
- IAD Washington Dulles International Airport, Dulles — 20 mi away (major hub). Directions
Lorton is the northern terminus of the Amtrak Auto Train which carries passengers and automobiles between Sanford, Florida and Lorton, effectively serving as a car-rail link from the Washington, D.C. Metro Area to Orlando. Lorton Station is located on 8006 Lorton Rd. The station, which opened in 2000, features a large waiting area with high glass walls, a small gift shop, snack bar, and a children's playground. There is one long low level platform designed for Auto Train boarding and 6 vehicle ramps for boarding vehicles onto the 20+ autoracks that are on the Auto Train. Lorton is also served by Virginia Railway Express (VRE) which has runs commuter trains from Washington, D.C and Fredericksburg. Confusingly, VRE does not share station with Amtrak but uses the Lorton VRE station, located on 8990 Lorton Station Blvd, about a mile north.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Gunston Hall, Pirate's Cove Waterpark, Pohick Bay Regional Park
- Lunch Las Colinas Restaurant
- Afternoon Mason Neck State Park, Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge
- Dinner Fireside Grill
Day 2
- Morning Pohick Church, National Museum of the United States Army
- Afternoon Cranford Church
Day 3
- Morning Woodlawn Plantation
- Afternoon Mt. Vernon
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
It's a little known fact that Lorton is the headquarter city for Five Guys, a nationally-recognized hamburger/hotdog chain with locations all over America.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By car
- Interstate 95 (I-95) Lorton is accessed from exits #161 ("US 1 Mt Vernon Ft Belvoir") through #166A&B ("VA-286 Fairfax Pkwy") along I-95. There are three exits from I-95 into town with exit 163 ("VA-642 Lorton") as the primary exit to Lorton.
- Richmond Highway goes north towards Mount Vernon and south towards Woodbridge. It intersects and is accessible from I-95 from exit #161, 2 mi south of town.
- Lorton Road Serves as a primary east-west road across Lorton, connecting US-1 in the east and OX Rd (VA-Hwy 123) in the west. It crosses I-95 at exit 163.
By train
Lorton is the northern terminus of the Amtrak Auto Train which carries passengers and automobiles between Sanford, Florida and Lorton, effectively serving as a car-rail link from the Washington, D.C. Metro Area to Orlando. Lorton Station is located on 8006 Lorton Rd. The station, which opened in 2000, features a large waiting area with high glass walls, a small gift shop, snack bar, and a children's playground. There is one long low level platform designed for Auto Train boarding and 6 vehicle ramps for boarding vehicles onto the 20+ autoracks that are on the Auto Train. Lorton is also served by Virginia Railway Express (VRE) which has runs commuter trains from Washington, D.C and Fredericksburg. Confusingly, VRE does not share station with Amtrak but uses the Lorton VRE station, located on 8990 Lorton Station Blvd, about a mile north.
By bus
The Lorton (VRE) Station at 8990 Lorton Station Blvd also serves as a park & ride and central bus station for:
Go Vamoose
Goes up to NYC Penn Station via Arlington Rosslyn Station and Bethesda, MD. Transfer to other Amtrak trains, Greyhound and/or other bus lines in Arlington or New New York to reach other places.
* 171 Richmond Highway (US 1) * 305 Newington - Silverbrook Rd * 371 Lorton - Franconia-Springfield Metro * 372 Lorton - Alban Rd * 373 Lorton - Fullerton Rd * 494 Lorton - Springfield - Tysons
See
Historic landmarks include:
See Pohick Church
Historic Episcopal church affiliated with major figures in Virginia history; George Washington and George Mason both had administrative roles there
See Cranford Church
See National Museum of the United States Army
Large, modern museum chronicling the Army's history, from its roots as the Continental Army during the American Revolution through every conflict the nation has fought in. Several exhibits focus on the Army's focus today on combatting global terror and cyberwarfare. Cafe and gift shop on-site.
Do
Buy
Gunston Plaza Shopping Center is the largest shopping center in the vicinity. The plaza includes a medical clinic, space for several business offices, grocery, restaurants, gymnasium, a senior citizen's center, and a number of shops and the post office.
Eat
It's a little known fact that Lorton is the headquarter city for Five Guys, a nationally-recognized hamburger/hotdog chain with locations all over America.
- Gennaro's Restaurant, 8170 Silverbrook Road, Phone: 703-690-7901.
- Hong Kong Cafe, 9441 Lorton Market Street, Phone: (703) 372-1577.
- Polo Grill Restaurant & Tap Room, 7784 Gunston Plaza. Phone (703) 550-0002. CLOSED. Now International House of Pancakes.
Eat Las Colinas Restaurant
Outstanding Mexican food.
Eat Fireside Grill
Good but pricey food.
Drink
- Skinifatz Restaurant & Nightclub, 10712 Richmond Highway. Phone: (703) 550-9252.
Sleep
Stay Comfort Inn Gunston Corner
Complimentary shuttle service to and from Springfield Metro station, free daily hot breakfast and free internet access.
- Boneyard Inn, 5941 Kentia Trail. Phone: (703) 550-9022.
- Hunter Motel & Restaurant, 8100 Loisdale Road. Phone: (703) 339-5400.
Go next
Nearby
Woodbridge
City / town · 23 listings · 4 mi away
Burke
City / town · 6 mi away
Springfield
City / town · 8 listings · 6 mi away
Mount Vernon
City / town · 15 listings · 8 mi away
South Alexandria
City / town · 10 listings · 8 mi away
Annandale
City / town · 6 listings · 9 mi away
Fairfax
City / town · 28 listings · 11 mi away
Triangle
City / town · 2 listings · 12 mi away
My experience
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