Tysons and the 495 Express Lanes offer travel tips to navigate the Center’s most congested time of year

December 10, 2018

Tysons, Va. – Throughout December, millions of shoppers will descend on Tysons Corner Center, increasing traffic in a roughly one-square mile area packed with stores and dining. Tysons, the region’s largest mall and home to nearly 300 stores, is a popular destination for holiday shopping and seasonal events. 

“Educating our customers on the most convenient travel and parking options only improves the shopping experience. Less time in the car means more time in the Center to enjoy holiday shopping, spend time with family and friends, and get all of the items on your wish lists,” said Becca Willcox, Marketing, at Tysons Corner Center. 

“Shoppers driving to the mall can save time by taking the 495 Express Lanes and using Westpark Drive for direct access to Tysons Corner Center,” said Elisa Bell, Marketing Director, North America, Transurban, operator of the 495 and 95 Express Lanes.

When to go:

  • The best time to shop, avoiding crowded parking lots and gridlocked roads, is before noon, Monday through Thursday, between December 10 and 20. 
  • Winter break for area school systems starts as early as December 21 and lasts until January 4 – expect even mornings to be crowded then. 

How to get there:

  • If driving, the quickest route is to access Garage E near Barnes and Noble using Westpark Drive from the 495 Express Lanes.
  • A new bridge opening on December 15 will make it even easier to get to Tysons. The Jones Branch Connector will provide a crossing over I-495 from Route 123 near the McLean Metro station to Jones Branch Drive, just north of Tysons.
  • The Tysons Corner metro stop lets you off on The Plaza at Tysons Corner Center, only a short walk to the Center.
  • If ridesharing, ask your driver to enter the Center near the entrances to Rt. 7 or International Drive off Fletcher Street to avoid time in traffic around the Center. 

Where to park:

  • If you want to get in and out quickly, take the 495 Express Lanes to Westpark Drive and use Garage E and park for free.
  • Valet parking is available for $12 near Coastal Flats outside of Garage E and Bloomingdale’s. This option offers the easiest parking experience, earns shoppers discounts at Tysons Corner Center retailers and restaurants, gives shoppers a free voucher for future valet parking and supports those in need. A portion of the valet proceeds will be donated to Northern Virginia Family Services. 
  • Front & Center Parking for $7 is located in Garage C. This conveniently located parking option is a great option if you are interested in parking yourself for a nominal fee.  Using this service, shoppers will earn discounts at Tysons Corner Center retailers and restaurants. 
  • Don’t mind a longer walk and want quick access to the roads to get out of Tysons, try the free parking towards the exits of the Center at Garage B or C.  

How to stay updated:

About Tysons Corner Center

One of the nation’s top-performing malls, the 2 million square-foot Tysons Corner Center is anchored by Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Macy’s, Lord & Taylor, L.L.Bean and a 16-screen AMC Theatres. The shopping center offers more than 300 specialty stores, including popular digitally native brands, plus restaurants, and attracts more than 25 million visitors annually.

About the Express Lanes operated by Transurban

The 95 and 495 Express Lanes provide drivers in Northern Virginia with faster and more predictable travel options. The Express Lanes stretch more than 40 miles from north of the Dulles Toll Road to Stafford County. Thanks to a public-private partnership between the Virginia Department of Transportation and Transurban, the Express Lanes give drivers reliable travel choices on two of northern Virginia’s most congested roadways. For more information, please visit ExpressLanes.com.

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