I-395 Express Lanes Virginia Complete Guide: Pentagon Access, Washington D.C. Connection 2025
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I-395 Express Lanes Virginia Complete Guide
System: High-Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes with Pentagon access
Operator: Transurban (50% ownership), Virginia Department of Transportation
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Length: 8 miles from Edsall Road to 14th Street Bridge (Washington D.C.)
Technology: E-ZPass electronic tolling, reversible lanes, 55 mph minimum speeds
Do I Need E-ZPass for I-395 Express Lanes? 2025 Update
Yes, E-ZPass is mandatory for all I-395 Express Lanes travel, including all access ramps and the Pentagon connection. The lanes operate 24/7 with electronic tolling only.
Key Requirements:
- Standard E-ZPass: Required for solo drivers and 2-person vehicles (pays dynamic tolls)
- E-ZPass Flex: Required for HOV 3+ free travel (must be set to "HOV ON")
- All access ramps: E-ZPass required even to enter Express Lanes from Eads Street
- Pentagon access: Dedicated left-hand exit ramp for Pentagon, right-hand for Pentagon City
2025 Update: I-395 Express Lanes opened November 2019 and provide seamless connection from I-95 Express Lanes to Washington D.C. Seminary Road ramp conversion study ongoing to potentially allow toll-paying vehicles.
I-395 Express Lanes Toll Costs: Dynamic Pricing
I-395 Express Lanes use dynamic pricing that adjusts every 10 minutes based on traffic speed and density to maintain minimum speeds of 55 mph toward Washington D.C.
Current Toll Pricing Structure (2025)
| Traffic Conditions | Full Length (8 miles) | Pentagon Area Only | HOV 3+ Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Traffic (Free Flow) | $2.00 - $5.00 | $0.50 - $2.00 | FREE |
| Moderate Congestion | $5.00 - $12.00 | $2.00 - $6.00 | FREE |
| Heavy Congestion (Rush Hour) | $12.00 - $20.00 | $6.00 - $12.00 | FREE |
| Pentagon Entrance/Exit Only | $2.00 - $20.00 | Up to $10.00 | FREE |
Operating Schedule & Direction
I-395 Express Lanes are reversible and connect seamlessly with I-95 Express Lanes:
- Northbound (toward D.C.): Weekdays 5:30 AM - 11:00 AM
- Southbound (from D.C.): Weekdays 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- 24/7 operation: Unlike former HOV lanes, toll rules apply at all times
- Weekend operations: Follow traffic demand patterns
How to Pay I-395 Express Lanes Tolls
Payment is exclusively electronic through E-ZPass transponders for all lanes and access points:
1. E-ZPass Standard ($35 initial cost):
- For vehicles with 1-2 occupants paying dynamic tolls
- Required for Pentagon and Pentagon City access
- Average $8 toll for full-length trips (Transurban estimate)
2. E-ZPass Flex (same $35 cost):
- Required for HOV 3+ free travel when switched to "HOV ON"
- Special provision: Pentagon carpool drop-off allows toll-free return
- Must switch settings before entering lanes, not while driving
3. Free Travel Categories:
- Vehicles with 3+ occupants and E-ZPass Flex in HOV mode
- Motorcycles (no E-ZPass required, always free)
- Buses with properly classified E-ZPass accounts
- Sluggers (informal carpooling) traveling to/from Pentagon
Recent Changes (2025)
System Maturity & Performance:
- I-395 Express Lanes operational since November 2019
- Fully integrated with I-95 Express Lanes network
- Pentagon access optimized with dedicated exit configurations
- 24/7 operation provides consistent travel options
Seminary Road Ramp Study:
- Ongoing evaluation to convert HOV-only ramp to Express Lanes access
- Currently remains HOV-only for 3+ occupant vehicles
- VDOT, Transurban, and Alexandria studying conversion
- Would provide additional Express Lanes access point
Transit Integration & Benefits:
- $15 million annually from toll revenues supports transit improvements
- Enhanced bus services via DASH, OmniRide, and Fairfax Connector
- Free bus travel for Pentagon and L'Enfant Plaza routes
- Slug line compatibility maintained for informal carpooling
Access Points & Pentagon Connection
Southern Connection (Edsall Road Area):
- Seamless connection from I-95 Express Lanes at Turkeycock interchange
- Edsall Road access point for local Northern Virginia traffic
- Fourth general purpose lane added between Duke Street and Edsall Road
Pentagon Area Access (Eads Street Interchange):
- Pentagon exit: Left-hand ramp for Pentagon access with traffic signals
- Pentagon City exit: Right-hand ramp for Pentagon City and Crystal City
- Northbound entry: From Eads Street requires E-ZPass (toll applies)
- Carpool drop-off provision: Free return trip after Pentagon passenger drop-off
Seminary Road (Alexandria) - HOV Only:
- South-facing ramp remains HOV-only (3+ occupants required)
- E-ZPass Flex required, must be set to "HOV ON"
- Under study for potential conversion to Express Lanes access
Northern Terminus (14th Street Bridge to Washington D.C.):
- Direct connection to Washington D.C. via 14th Street Bridge complex
- Middle bridge lanes included in Express Lanes operation
- Boundary Channel Drive exit for regular lanes (southbound)
- Express Lanes rules apply all the way to D.C. line
Planning Your Journey
Pentagon Access Strategy:
- Pentagon workers: Left-hand exit, watch for traffic signals at Eads Street
- Pentagon City: Right-hand exit for shopping, dining, business district
- From Pentagon: E-ZPass required for northbound entry to Express Lanes
- Sluggers/carpools: Drop-off provision allows toll-free return trip
Cost vs. Time Analysis:
- Average toll: $8 for full 8-mile trip (Transurban estimate)
- Pentagon-only trips: $2-10 depending on congestion
- Time savings: 10-25 minutes during peak hours vs. regular I-395
- Reliability: Consistent 55 mph minimum speeds maintained
Free Travel Optimization:
- Organize 3+ person carpools for free Express Lanes access
- Use slug lines (informal carpooling) to/from Pentagon
- Consider OmniRide bus services with Express Lanes access
- Motorcycle commuting provides free Express Lanes access
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to access the Pentagon via Express Lanes?
Pentagon access costs $2-10 depending on traffic conditions. Using only the Pentagon entrance/exit ramps can cost up to $10 for short distances due to demand management, but full-trip costs average around $8.
Can I drop off Pentagon workers and return toll-free?
Yes, if you have an E-ZPass Flex set to "HOV ON" for the carpool trip to Pentagon, you can exit at Eads Street, drop off passengers, switch to toll mode, and return toll-free. This accommodation supports slug lines and carpooling.
Do I need E-ZPass just to enter from Eads Street?
Yes, all access ramps to I-395 Express Lanes require E-ZPass, including the northbound entry from Eads Street near the Pentagon. This applies even for short trips within the Express Lanes system.
What's the difference between Pentagon and Pentagon City exits?
Pentagon exit is the left-hand ramp leading directly to the Pentagon facility with new traffic signals. Pentagon City exit is the right-hand ramp serving the Pentagon City area, Crystal City, and shopping/business districts.
Are tolls charged 24/7 on I-395 Express Lanes?
Yes, unlike the former HOV lanes that only had restrictions during peak hours, I-395 Express Lanes operate with toll and HOV requirements 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Can I use Seminary Road to access Express Lanes?
Currently, Seminary Road access remains HOV-only, requiring 3+ occupants and E-ZPass Flex in HOV mode. VDOT, Transurban, and Alexandria are studying conversion to full Express Lanes access allowing toll-paying vehicles.
I-395 Express Lanes vs. Regional Express Lanes
| Express Lanes | Length | Average Toll | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-395 Express Lanes | 8 miles | $8 average | Pentagon access, D.C. connection |
| I-95 Express Lanes | 40+ miles | $8.33 average | Fredericksburg Extension, longest |
| I-495 Express Lanes | 14 miles (16.5 soon) | $5.19 average | Capital Beltway, Northern Extension |
| I-66 Express Lanes | 35+ miles | $8-25 typical | Inside/Outside Beltway, truck access |
| I-64 Express Lanes | 6 miles | $2-6 typical | Hampton Roads, 24/7 operation |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- Virginia Toll Roads - Complete Virginia toll system overview
- I-95 Express Lanes - Southern connection and network extension
- I-495 Express Lanes - Capital Beltway network
- I-66 Express Lanes - Western Virginia Express Lanes
- Express Lanes Virginia - Complete network overview
Regional Toll Systems:
- US Toll Roads - National toll road network
- Maryland Toll Roads - Adjacent state system
Official Resources:
- Express Lanes Customer Service: 1-855-495-LANE (5263)
- E-ZPass Virginia: 1-877-762-7824
- Pentagon Force Protection Agency: (703) 697-1001
- Virginia State Police: HOV/Express Lanes enforcement
