Definition
Rosslyn station is a rapid transit station on the Washington Metro system, serving the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines. It is located in the Rosslyn neighborhood of Arlington, Virginia, United States.
Overview
Opened on July 1 1977, Rosslyn station is one of the busiest stations in the Metro network, providing a key interchange point for commuters traveling between the District of Columbia and the Arlington/Great Falls region. The station is situated underground beneath the intersection of Rosslyn Boulevard and Wilson Boulevard, adjacent to the Rosslyn Business District and the nearby commercial, residential, and governmental complexes. It offers direct access to the Rosslyn Metro Center shopping area and connects with multiple bus routes operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) and the Arlington County Department of Transportation.
Etymology/Origin
The station derives its name from the Rosslyn neighborhood, which in turn was named after the historic "Roslyn" estate owned by the family of John R. Rosslyn in the 19th century. The spelling “Rosslyn” reflects the local usage that became standard for the area and consequently for the station.
Characteristics
- Structure: Two-level underground station with an island platform serving two tracks.
- Accessibility: Fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); equipped with elevators, tactile warning strips, and audible announcements.
- Facilities: Ticket vending machines, fare gates, restrooms, a small retail kiosk, and bicycle racks.
- Ridership: According to WMATA’s fiscal year 2023 data, Rosslyn station recorded an average weekday ridership of approximately 9,000 boardings and alightings.
- Connections: Transfers to several Metrobus routes, the Arlington Transit (ART) system, and nearby rideshare pick‑up zones.
- Design Elements: Features standard Washington Metro architectural characteristics, including the vaulted concrete ceiling and orange ceramic tiles in the platform area, consistent with the system’s Brutalist design aesthetic.
Related Topics
- Washington Metro (WMATA)
- Blue, Orange, and Silver lines (Washington Metro)
- Rosslyn, Virginia (neighborhood)
- Arlington County, Virginia transportation infrastructure
- List of Washington Metro stations
All information presented is based on publicly available records from the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority and established municipal sources.