metro travel times washington dc

Navigating Washington, DC with Metro

Find out everything you need to know to ride dc’s world-class metrorail system, get a metro map, check operating hours, ride fares and more..

Washington, DC’s Metro   is one of the busiest public transportation systems in the country. Its expansive network of tunnels and above ground tracks connect all four quadrants of DC with suburban Virginia and Maryland. The system is heavily used by local commuters and it’s a popular, convenient and affordable way for visitors to DC to get around the region, now so more than ever. Metro has opened its new Silver Line extension, which allows riders to connect to Dulles International Airport and explore Loudoun County. Visit Metro's website for more information about the extension.  

Find information about the Washington, DC Metro system:

DC Metro Map

• How Metro Works & Metro Trip Planner  
• Metro Fares
• Metro Hours
• Metro Etiquette

Please download the touch-free SmarTrip app for iPhone and Android .

A Metrorail system map will help you navigate the nation's capital during your trip. Click the Washington, DC Metro map below to view a larger version.  

How does the Washington, DC Metro work? How do I plan my trip? 

The Metro consists of six color-coded lines: Red, Blue, Orange, Yellow, Green and Silver. The lines are connected to each other via transfer stations and many Metro stops are serviced by more than one color. Each train car has an exterior electronic sign that marks the color and the direction of the train. Direction is indicated by the final station of that line.

Popular sightseeing Metro stops include the Smithsonian (Orange, Silver and Blue lines), Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan (Red line) and Gallery Place-Chinatown (Red, Green and Yellow lines). You can plan your trip and find the best route using Metro's Trip Planner .

Worried about internet connectivity while traveling on Metro? Currently, most Metro stations have free Wi-Fi .

How much are Metro fares and how do you use SmarTrip?

Metro fares are calculated by how many stops you travel and vary during peak and off-peak hours. During peak hours, most fares range from $2.25 to $6 per trip. During off-peak hours, fares typically range from $1.85 to $3.85. 

Metro riders must pay via  SmarTrip card  or the  SmarTrip app on  iPhone and Apple Watch . SmarTrip cards are plastic, rechargeable fare cards that can be purchased by cash or credit at any Metro station or in advance on  wmata.com . You can calculate your fare between two stops using Metro’s  Trip Planner .

The SmarTrip app can be used anywhere the SmarTrip card is accepted, including rail, buses and Metro-operated parking lots. Metro is the first rail system in the U.S. to offer a full-service, touch-free payment option at every single stop. See below for more information about how to use SmarTrip in your Apple Wallet .

What are the Metro's hours and when does it close?

DC Metro trains run Monday - Thursday, 5 a.m. until 12 a.m.; Friday, 5 a.m. until 1 a.m.; Saturday: 7 a.m. until 1 a.m.; Sunday: 7 a.m. until 12 a.m.

Metro etiquette

The Washington, DC Metro serves thousands of commuters and visitors each day. Because the train system is so heavily used by busy local commuters, there are a number of unspoken rules that visitors should be aware of. If possible, you may want to ride at off-peak hours when the train system is much less hectic.

When riding the escalator, stand to your right, walk to your left. Standing in a twosome that blocks the left side is strongly (and often loudly) discouraged by your fellow Metro riders.

When waiting to board a train, let riders exit the train first before trying to board. If the train is particularly crowded and you are standing in a doorway, step just outside the train doorway to allow your fellow riders room to exit.

Another important note if the train is crowded: move to the middle of the car so others can board. You will have time to exit when you arrive at your stop.

During peak hours, trains arrive often. Don’t try to board a train that is too full. The automatic doors are very sensitive and if they can’t close, the train operator may offload the entire train because a door stopped working.

Each car usually has several seats for handicapped riders. Please don’t use these seats if there is a rider that needs to sit down.

Be sure and have your SmarTrip card out and ready to swipe when you go through the gate. Riders move through quickly and holding up the line is discouraged.

While the Metro can be a very busy place, most of your fellow riders are friendly and will point you in the right direction. There is also a station manager at each station. Don’t be afraid to ask if you have questions about navigating the Metro!

Now that you have read up on the Metrorail experience, learn about other ways to navigate DC. Check out the best transportation options  for getting around the District.

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Metro Lines

The DC Metro system consists of six lines serving Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland. For more information about the map above, see our page on the DC Metro Map .

See individual stations for more information about directions, attractions, parking, and live "Next Train" predictions:

The Red Line provides service between Shady Grove Station and GlenMontStation, both in Montgomery County, MD, via downtown Washington DC. Popular destinations include Union Station (Washington DC's rail transportation hub), the National Zoo , the Verizon Center, and Dupont Circle.

The Blue Line provides service between Franconia-Springfield Station (Fairfax County, VA) and Largo Town Center Station (Prince George's County, MD), via downtown Washington DC. Popular destinations include Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport , Arlington National Cemetery, the Smithsonian Institution , the National Mall , and the US Capitol Building .

Orange Line

The Orange Line provides service between Vienna Station (Fairfax County, VA) and New Carrollton Station (Prince George's County, MD), via downtown Washington DC. Additionally, some trains service Largo Town Center Station (Prince George's County, MD) during rush hour. Popular destinations include the Smithsonian Institution , the National Mall , and the US Capitol Building .

Silver Line

The Silver Line provides service between WiehleRestonStation (Fairfax County, VA) and Largo Town Center Station (Prince George's County, MD), via downtown Washington DC. Popular destinations include the Smithsonian Institution , the National Mall , and the US Capitol Building

Yellow Line

The Yellow Line provides service between Huntington Station (Fairfax County, VA) and Fort Totten Station (Washington DC), via downtown Washington DC. Additionally, some trains service Franconia-Springfield Station (Fairfax County, VA), and Greenbelt Station (Prince George's County, MD). Popular destinations include U Street, the Verizon Center, the National Mall , and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport .

The Green Line provides service between BranceAveStation and Greenbelt Station , both in Prince George's County, MD. Popular destinations include U Street, the Verizon Center, the National Mall , and Washington Nationals Park.

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Easy to Understand

The interface is easy to navigate and provides many options for determining the travel modes available. Designed to allow you to plan your trip in a way that makes sense to you. The menus and map are interactive so you can find options using the lookup, making selections in the menus or finding the destination on the map and selecting it to plan your trip. You can lookup destinations by name, or my finding it on the map. Apparently this app is new to the Washington DC area, but is well established in other metropolitan locations. Highly recommend.

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Using the Washington, D.C. Metro Subway System

Hours, Fares, Rules, and More

Tim Santimore / Getty Images

The Washington Metro, the District's regional subway system, provides a clean, safe, and reliable way to get around almost all of the major attractions in Washington, D.C. The Metro also extends to the suburbs of Maryland and Virginia.

Although the trains can be crowded with commuters during rush hour and when there is a big event downtown, taking the Washington Metro is usually cheaper and easier than finding a place to park in the city. Several Metro stations are helpful sightseeing stops.

The Metro Lines

Since opening in 1976, the Washington Metro (previously, the Metrorail) network has grown to include six lines, 91 stations, and 117 miles of track. It is the second busiest rapid transit system in the United States in the number of passenger trips after New York City. It is administered by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA).

The Metro lines intersect so that passengers can change trains and travel anywhere on the system. A seventh line is proposed, the Purple Line, with service to Maryland, which is expected for completion by 2022.

• Red : Glenmont to Shady Grove
• Orange : New Carrollton to Vienna/Fairfax-GMU
• Blue : Franconia-Springfield to Largo Town Center
• Green : Branch Avenue to Greenbelt
• Yellow : Huntington to Greenbelt
• Silver : Wiehle-Reston East to Largo Town Center

The Metro begins operation at 5 a.m. on weekdays, 7 a.m. on Saturdays, and 8 a.m. on Sundays. Service ends at 11:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 p.m. on Sundays, although the last trains leave the terminals about 30 minutes before these listed times.

Trains frequently run, averaging four to 10 minutes between trains with frequency increasing during rush hour times. Night and weekend service varies between eight and 20 minutes, with trains generally scheduled every 20 minutes.

Metro Farecards

A SmarTrip card is required to ride the Metro. The rechargeable, proximity card is encoded with any amount up to $300. If you register your card, and you lose it, or it is stolen, you do not lose the value of the card.

Fares range from $2 to $6, depending on your destination and the time of day. Fares are cheaper after 9:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. and after 7 p.m. until close. An all-day Metro pass is available for $13.00. The Metro charges reduced fares on all federal holidays.

Discounted fares are available for school children, handicapped passengers , and the elderly. Up to two children, age four and under, ride free with each adult paying full fare. Children 5 and older pay adult fares.

The fare is automatically deducted from your card when you exit the gates. You can keep reusing the same card and add money to it at the SmarTrip vending machine.

You may add value to a SmarTrip card from the convenience of a computer. To use the online reload feature, you must have a registered SmarTrip card and an online account. To complete the transaction, you must touch your SmarTrip card to a Metrorail fare gate, vending machine, or bus farebox. The same card can be used to pay for Metrobus fare.

Employers may provide free transportation as a fringe benefit to their employees. Employers can assign transit benefits directly to their employees' SmarTrip card.

Parking at Metro Lots

Metro operates parking facilities at 44 stations. You can use your SmarTrip card to pay for parking at the Metro Stations. Major credit cards are accepted at most parking facilities.

The cost of parking at a Metro parking lot ranges from $1.00 short-term parking (per hour) to $5.20 for the day during the week. On weekends and holidays, parking is free (except during special events). Reserved monthly parking permits are available for $45 to $65 at all stations, and this fee is paid in addition to the regular daily parking rate. 

No eating or drinking is allowed on the Metro. As a courtesy, handicap seating must be available for the disabled or elderly. To assist with the flow of passengers, allow people to get off the train before you board.

• The most crowded times are 7:45 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
• The busiest days are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
• If you have flexibility in your schedule, consider riding Metro during the reduced fare hours: after 9:30 a.m., before 3 p.m., and after 7 p.m. on weekdays.
• Save time by keeping enough fare on your card so that you do not have to add money at the vending machine each time you ride.
• Keep your money and valuables out of sight.

Metro Security

Safety call boxes (dial "0") are located at the end of each rail car and every 800 feet along the tracks if you need to report an emergency. Always be aware of your surroundings. For your security, Metro Transit police officers are at the stations and on trains and buses.

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How to Use the Washington DC Metro

This post covers how to use the Metro subway in Washington, D.C., including tips on SmartTrip Cards, tourist passes, and how to navigate the public transport system.

While the DC Metro is great for getting you around the city, it can't get you around the National Mall.

Let DC by Foot be your guide on one of our pay-what-you-like tours .

• Paying for Trips
• DC Metro Rail Map, Lines, and Stations
• How to Ride the DC Metro
• Other Travel Options
• Tips from Locals and Travelers
• Things to Do in DC
• Tourist Passes

PAYING FOR TRIPS

There are a few ways you can pay for your trips on the metro.

The information below will tell you about each.

SmarTrip Cards

You will need a SmarTrip card to enter and exit the DC Metro system. 

A SmarTrip card is required for each rider aged 5 and older. Cards cannot be shared so each rider needs their own.

Note that up to two children under age five may travel free with each fare-paying adult.

SmarTrip cards with fare loaded on them can be used on the:

• DC Circulator bus
• ART (Arlington) bus
• CUE (Fairfax) bus
• DASH (Alexandria) bus
• Fairfax Connector bus
• RideOn (Montgomery County) bus

SmartTrip cards can be  ordered online  or you may buy a card at the station. They cost $15 each, with the price covering $2 for the card itself and a preloaded $13 credit.

They can be purchased from SmartTrip card vending machines like the one below, found at every Metro station.

If you don't want to carry around a physical card, you can instead add a virtual card to your phone/mobile device using Apple Wallet or Google Pay. 

There are also apps you can download onto your phone to do a number of things including purchasing cards, checking for trains, looking at maps, etc.

We recommend DCMetro Transit and  MetroHero , however all of the apps over the same services. You only need too download one.

Pay-As-You-Go On The Metro

Another way to travel is by paying as you go. 

There is no set fare for all trips as fares between stations depend on distance, the day, and the time.

Fares are based on the distance you'll be traveling between stations.

Each vending machine will show you what it costs to go from one station to another station in the system.  

As far as times go, although the system does not have peak and off-peak hours, it does charge less at certain times.

From 5:00 am until 9:30 pm on weekdays the cost will land somewhere between $2 and $6.

After 9:30 pm on weekdays and over weekends, there will be a flat rate of $2.

Important Note:  You can only use the same debit/card three times in one day before the machines will stop taking it. Metro machines do accept bills and coins though so you can always top things up that way.

1-Day and 3-Day Passes

If you don't want to worry about loading your card throughout the day, you can purchase a  1-day pass for $13/person or a 3-day pass for $28/person.

There are no travel restrictions, which means that you could use this pass anytime and without any additional charges.

While this may seem like a great deal, you'll want to do the math on how much you'll be traveling. The farther out your hotel or accommodations are, the better off this deal will be.

Passes will only work on Metrorail and Metrobus travel - passes are not accepted on regional buses, including the popular DC Circulator.

For most people, a 1 or 3-day pass really only makes sense if you plan on making more than 2 longer distance round trips per day.

Keep in mind that all Metrorail trips are a flat $2 fare on Saturdays and Sundays, so if you are mostly using Metro on a weekend, a pass is usually not the best deal. You are better off paying as you go.

If you're moving to DC or going to be spending a while in DC, there are 7-day pass and monthly commuter pass options.

These packages are specifically tailored to you and will give you unlimited rides for a set price. To learn more, click here . 

DC METRO RAIL MAP, LINES, AND STATIONS

Metro stations are dotted throughout the city some stations have multiple entrances/exits.

You can locate them easily by looking for the tall brown post with the large letter M at the top.

The name of the station will be written on the side and the color of the lines that service that station will be encircled at the top of the post.

The Metro Lines

There are six lines, each represented by a different color.

• Red: serves the northern part of the city. The main stations are Union Station, Metro Center, Chinatown, and Dupont Circle.
• Blue : runs west-east through the city and then south. The main stations are Capitol South, Smithsonian, McPherson Square (White House), Arlington National Cemetery, and National Airport.
• Silver : runs west-east through the city. You can take this line all the way to Dulles Airport .
• Orange : runs east-west through the city. The orange/silver/blue lines follow the same tracks inside downtown. You will only need to pay attention to which train you're on if you're leaving the central area of the city.
• Green : runs north-south. Take the Green line to get to Navy-Yard/Nats Park Baseball Stadium.
• Yellow : runs north-south. The yellow line shares a track with Green for most of downtown. Both lines visit L'Enfant Plaza but Yellow continues south into Virginia to the Pentagon , National Airport , and King Street for Old Town Alexandria .

Washington DC Metro Map 

HOW TO RIDE THE DC METRO

The D.C. Metro system is a reliable and safe way to get around the nation's capital city.

Below is information that will help you plan and make your trip.

DC Metro Hours of Operation

In the table below, you'll find Metro's normal operating hours.

Please note that the schedules can be different on holidays.

You can find a full Metro schedule here . 

Savings With the SmarTrip Card

Metrobus charges $2 a trip no matter the time or distance, but if you use a SmarTrip card you'll save .20 cents a ride.

Also note that if you use SmarTrip card, there's a two-hour window in which you can make as many bus rides as you want without being charged again.

And if you use the SmartTrip during a transfer from a train to a bus (and vice versa), Metro will credit back to you the fare you paid entering the system.

How Much To Put On Your SmarTrip Card

Metro’s Trip Planner will help you find the best way between destinations.

You enter the address or location of each end of your trip.

For example, you might want to enter "White House" and "Capitol Hill" as the two locations you'd like to travel between.

The system also allows you to enter advanced options such as the time, date, the distance you're willing to walk, and more.

It then provides you with a few itineraries to choose from. Each itinerary includes the length of the trip, walking and riding directions, and the cost of the trip.

Note that if you parked at a Metro parking lot, you can also use your SmartTrip card to pay for that.

You may want to figure that into your calculations.

How To Use Your SmarTrip Card

If you're riding a bus, you'll tap your card on the bus farebox near the driver as you enter.

For a metro ride, look for a fare gate inside a station with a green light on it. Those are the gates that are in use.

They will have a circular target on top where you'll touch your SmarTrip card. This opens the gate and allows you to go further into the station.

Note that at the end of your trip, you also have to tap the fare gate on the way out of the station. Don't forget to tap out or it will charge you extra !

When exiting, if you take a look at the small digital display on the fare gate. It will tell you how much money you still have left on your card.

Getting To Your Platform

Depending on the station, you'll usually have to go to the lower level to get to the train platform.

If the platform is in the center, there will be an escalator in the center as well.

Once you are at the bottom, you can check the signs for which side of the platform you need to stand on to access your train.

Center Platform

If the train tracks are in the center, and the platforms are on the sides, you'll need to take either or right or left escalator to get to that platform.

Again, check the signs to find which one you want to go down.

See below for more information on reading those signs correctly.

vs Center Tracks

Where to Stand To Catch the Correct Train

To decide which platform to stand on, you need to look for the name of the end-of-line.

There are maps in the stations to help you figure out the end of the line closest to your stop.

Then, find the platform that lists the corresponding final stop and head to it.

For stations with platforms on the sides, signs are usually listed at the top of the escalators so you know which side to go down to.

For stations with center platforms, you'll find signs at the bottom of the escalator.

Trains will also arrive with the end-of-the line station it's heading towards listed electronically on the front of it as well.

For example, as the picture above shows, the end-of-line for that half of the red line is Shady Grove.

You may want to get off at the Rockville stop, but you'll still need to know the name of last stop to ensure you're heading in the correct direction on that line.

If you were to get on the Red Line train to Glenmont instead of Shady Grove, you'd be going in the wrong direction and wouldn't find your stop along the way.

Trust us, it'll make sense once you're in the system!

Note: Sometimes trains don't go all the way to the end of the line but they will announce their last station stop.

As long as you're going in the right direction, and your stop is before that particular station, you'll be fine!

Reading the Signs On the Platform

When on the platform, signs will list the next three or four trains arriving.

The information tells you four things:

• LN (Line) - which color line that train is on.

This matters if there are multiple colors of lines running through a station.

For example, Arlington National Cemetery is only on the Blue Line, but you may see Orange Line trains coming through on the same tracks. You'll want to be sure you are getting on a Blue Line train.

• CAR - how many cars are on that particular train.

If you stand at the very end of the platform, a shorter 6-car train may stop a distance from you. You'll then have to run to it to get on before the doors close.

Tip: If you check the platform's floor, there are sometimes decals to show you where those shorter 6-car trains end.

• DEST (Destination) - the last stop for this particular train.

Check this to make sure you're going in the right direction and on the correct line.

• MIN (Minutes) - how long until the train arrives.

During peak hours trains will come more frequently and in the evening they will come less often.

Keep this in mind if you're staying out late, as you might have to wait up to 20 minutes for the next train.

Getting on Your Train and Finding Your Stop

When a train is approaching, the circular lights at the edge of the platform will flash letting you know the train will be arriving soon.

Go up to the door and stand to the side. This lets people departing the train get off easily. Once they are off, you can more easily enter the train.

Once you are on the train, pay attention to the stops.

There are maps in each car and you'll be able to count out how many stops there are until you need to get off.

Note that some older trains won't electronically list the next stop in the route inside the car like the newer cars will.

And although train operators will announce stops it can sometimes be difficult to hear.

However, you can see which station you're arriving at as the train pulls in because the name of the station will be on the wall outside.

Getting to and From the Airport

DCA (Reagan National) and IAD (Dulles) airports are accessible by Metro though you may need to walk a bit to reach your terminal.

Our blogs posts below will tell you more about that.

• DCA National Airport
• Dulles (IAD) Airport

While the BWI (Baltimore Washington) Airport is no longer accessible directly by metro, click here to see our blog post about getting to and from BWI.

OTHER TRAVEL OPTIONS

If you're running late or worried about being stranded thanks to a Metro breakdown, don't fret. 

Trains are only one piece of the complex transit system of Washington, DC.

Buses serve even more territory than trains and they are cheap, clean (mainly), and frequent.

Most are operated by Metro, though the Circulator routes are operated by the DC Department of Transportation.

With that said, your SmarTrip card works on all Metrobuses.

Of course, you can always opt for ride-hailing services like Uber or Lyft or Cabs.

Hop On Hop Off Buses

The Metro is a great way to get around the city, but as visitors, it may not get you everywhere you need to go.

For example, in the entire 5 square miles of the National Mall, there is only one Metro Station. And there is no station on the Tidal Basin.

Hop-On-Hop-Off buses can come in handy in this case.

There are many bus companies and ticketing options. Read our post on choosing the best one for you.

They all have stops at the main sites around the city such as the Lincoln Memorial , WWII Memorial , Jefferson Memorial , and the US Capitol Building . These four sites are at least a 15-minute walk, if not more, from a Metro station.

Most Hop On Hop Off buses are included for free with the purchase of most tourist passes.

And don't forget our walking tours!

All of our tours start and end within walking distance of a Metro station.

And our guides can make sure you know the best way to get to and from any place you want to see in the most direct route.

TIPS FROM LOCALS AND TRAVELERS

While we do our best to provide all the information you'll need to ride the DC Metro, sometimes you need answers to specific questions related to your personal experience.

DC by Foot has a Washington, DC Travel Trips group on Facebook with over 55,000 members. It's a great place to post a question you'd like an answer to.

Here are a few other examples of interesting and helpful tips and tricks provided by staff and travelers, ones that will make things easier for you and your fellow riders.

• Don't stand on the left side of an escalator! The motto is: stand on the right, walk on the left. Some locals like to run up the steps of the escalator, so they are likely to be irritated (and vocal) if you're blocking the left side.
• Stand to the side of a bus or train door until everyone gets off. Standing smack in the middle of the door where people will get off the train is the quickest way to signal that you are a tourist. It's also a good way to get knocked around by all the bodies departing the train.
• Don't push your stroller through train doors to hold them open so you or others can get on. Doors have closed with children on one side and parents on the other. If the doors are closing, it's best to wait for the next train.
• If you have wheels, use the metro elevator. This means strollers, bikes, and wheelchairs. You may not want to wait for the elevator but trust us, the escalators are not made for anything with wheels. It's dangerous for all. Note also that all stations have elevators, though it's best to leave them for those who need them.
• Stand back from the side of the track. Yes, it's fun to see the train light coming through the darkness of a tunnel, and people are anxious about quickly getting on the train but it's dangerous to get too close. You could get jostled and fall onto the track, or your stroller could roll onto the trains due to the strong wind that comes through the station as the train arrives.
• Give up your seat to those who need them. If you see a pregnant person standing on the bus or metro...give her your seat. If you see someone leaning on crutches...give him your seat. If you see an octogenarian struggling against the forces of inertia and gravity...give up your seat!
• On the weekends, transferring to another Metro train isn't always the best option. Weekends are for track work, and that often means delays. Instead of transferring, see if there's a stop on the line you're already traveling on that's within striking distance of your destination. For example, if you're heading to the National Mall on the Red Line, skip the transfer over to the Blue/Orange/Silver lines by getting off at Metro Center. Sure, the Smithsonian Metro stop is smack in the middle of the Mall, but by the time you make the transfer, wait for a train, and then get back up to the surface, you could have already walked down from Metro Center.
• Check the time of the last train! If you're out late, be sure you remember to check when the trains stop running so you're not waiting on the platform for a train that won't come.
• Load before you go. If you're in town for a busy event, like the Fourth of July, a sporting event, or an inauguration, go ahead and load up the SmarTrip card with enough for the return trip as well. It'll save you from waiting in a massive line after the event.

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How to get around DC amid significant road, sidewalk closures for NATO Summit

Jessica Kronzer | [email protected]

July 8, 2024, 5:27 AM

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Listen live to WTOP for traffic updates on the 8s.

Prepare for significant road and sidewalk closures this week in downtown D.C. for the 75th Anniversary 2024 North Atlantic Treaty Organization Summit.

It’s the first time in 25 years D.C. has hosted the NATO Summit, and in an effort to keep the event spaces secure for world leaders and other attendees, law enforcement and the D.C. mayor’s office have announced additional security measures that will impact drivers, pedestrians and those riding public transit.

Those closures will be nearby Mellon Auditorium and the White House, as well as around the Washington Convention Center, where the summit will be held.

A couple of Metro stations will be closed temporarily and more than 20 bus routes will be affected. Even still, officials are encouraging those traveling in the area to opt for public transit for traveling through downtown D.C. rather than driving.

“We know that getting through downtown next week will require extra time, patience and planning,” Mayor Muriel Bowser said at a news conference last Monday. “There will be road closures, extra security and delays around the Washington Convention Center and Federal Triangle.”

The summit runs from July 9-11, but closures kick off ahead of time. Here’s what you need to know:

• Roadway closures start on July 8 as anti-scale fencing is installed.
• The area around the Mellon Auditorium will be closed on July 9, but it should reopen by the end of the day.
• Areas around the White House complex will have enhanced security and rolling street closures during the afternoon and evening of July 10.
• The area around the Washington Convention Center, Carnegie Library and Mount Vernon Square will be closed from July 8-11.

Most of the closures will go from Tuesday, July 9 through Thursday, July 11.

An intelligence analyst with the FBI said there are no credible threats to the NATO Summit, but it’s all hands on deck for law enforcement working to keep attendees out of harm’s way, among which are 37 world leaders. D.C. police, U.S. Secret Service officers and other agencies are helping to keep the closure points secure.

“It should be lost on no one that D.C. on a normal day is a target-rich environment for potential threat actors,” said Nikki Flores, the intelligence analyst with the FBI’s Washington Field Office. “As such, we would like to remind the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.”

How to prepare

Officials are encouraging anyone headed to D.C. this week to sign up for alerts by texting NATODC to 888-777.

Those alerts will provide information on safety, street closures, weather and transit in real-time.

There’s an interactive map showing the closures on the District’s website.

At the news conference last Monday, officials asked people to plan ahead and budget extra time for traveling in restricted zones.

“We are working to minimize these impacts while ensuring the maximum security. We are leaning on Washingtonians to do what they have done time and time again — exercise patience and understand that these impacts are needed to keep both summit attendees visitors and all of our D.C. residents safe,” said D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith.

Vehicle restricted zones

Drivers headed to a destination within the vehicle screening perimeter will need to enter through a checkpoint.

Ride share vehicles, taxis or food delivery workers will be able to get through too, as long as they get their vehicles screened.

“Please note that not all areas within the vehicle screening perimeter are accessible from every vehicle access point. So we recommend using the access point closest to your destination,” said special agent Matthew Stoller, with the U.S. Secret Service.

Anyone on foot or riding a bike can enter the perimeter from any area; they don’t need to use a checkpoint or have any special credentials.

Pedestrian restricted zones

There are some areas that are also restricted to pedestrians, unless they are event staff or attendees and have the proper credentials.

Personal vehicles won’t be allowed to enter — which includes ride-share, taxi or food delivery drivers.

Trash services and mail delivery will continue in both perimeters during the summit but their schedules will be shifted to on overnight or early in the morning. Those delivery trucks will be screened at New York Avenue NW at 6th Street NW.

Parking, traffic restrictions details on closures

In addition to the planned closures, there could be rolling traffic closures in the area near Rhode Island Avenue, 7th Street, O Street and 10th Street, NW.

Those closures would be aimed at addressing traffic congestion. People on foot would sill be able to pass through.

Near Mellon Auditorium and White House

These streets will be designated as emergency no-parking areas from Saturday, July 6 at 6 a.m. through Wednesday July 10 at 6 a.m. The roads will also be rolling traffic closures from July 6-July 8.

• Constitution Avenue from 9th Street to 15th Street, NW
• Pennsylvania Avenue from 9th Street to 15th Street, NW
• 12th Street from E Street to Madison Drive, NW
• 13th Street from F Street to Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
• 14th Street from F Street to Independence Avenue, SW
• Street from 12th Street to 14th Street, NW

Parking isn’t allowed on these streets from Monday, July 8 at noon until Thursday, July 11 at 11:59 p.m.

• H Street from 15th Street to 17th Street, NW
• Connecticut Avenue from H Street to I Street, NW
• 16th Street from H Street to I Street, NW

Vehicles can’t drive on these streets from Monday, July 8 at noon through Thursday, July 11 at 11:59 p.m.

• H Street from Vermont Avenue to 17th Street, NW

No parking is allowed on these streets from Monday, July 8 at 6:30 p.m. through Tuesday, July 9 at 11:59 p.m.

• Constitution Avenue from 15th Street to 17th Street, NW
• 11th Street from E Street to Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
• 10th Street from Pennsylvania Avenue to Constitution Avenue, NW
• New York Avenue from 14th Street to 15th Street, NW
• Street from 14th Street to 15th Street, NW

These streets will be closed to vehicle traffic on Tuesday, July 9, from 4 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.:

• 10th Street from E Street to Constitution Avenue, NW
• 14th Street from F Street, NW to Independence Avenue, SW
• Upper Pennsylvania Avenue from 14th Street to 15th Street, NW
• Inbound 14th Street Bridge ramp to Exit 1 (14th Street / National Mall to Independence Avenue, SW)
• Inbound 14th Street Bridge HOV ramp to 14th Street / National Mall to Independence Avenue, SW
• Inbound I395 Exit 3 to 12th Street Expressway/Tunnel
• Westbound I395/Maine Avenue Split at Exit 4B – 12th Street Expressway/Tunnel ramp

Traffic will be blocked on these streets on Tuesday, July 9, from 2 p.m. until 11:59 p.m.:

• 15th Street from H Street to Constitution Avenue, NW

Drivers won’t be able to travel on these streets on Tuesday, July 9, from 4 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.:

These streets are closed to vehicles on Tuesday, July 9, from 2 p.m. until 11:59 p.m.:

Vehicles won’t be allowed to park on these streets from Wednesday, July 10 at 6 a.m. through Thursday, July 11 at 11:59 p.m.:

• Pennsylvania Avenue from 10th Street to 12th Street, NW (south side only)
• 12th Street from Constitution Avenue to Pennsylvania Avenue, NW (east side only)
• 10th Street from Constitution Avenue to Pennsylvania Avenue, NW (west side only)

These streets will be designated as emergency no parking on Wednesday, July 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.:

• 17th Street from H Street to Constitution Avenue, NW
• 18th Street from E Street to Constitution Avenue, NW
• Street from 17th Street to 19th Street, NW
• Street from 17th Street to 18th Street, NW
• C Street from 17th Street to 18th Street, NW

These streets are closed to vehicle traffic on Wednesday, July 10, from 2 p.m. until 11:59 p.m.:

• 17th Street from I Street to Constitution Avenue, NW
• New York Avenue from 17th Street to 18th Street, NW
• F Street from 17th Street to 18th Street, NW
• G Street from 17th Street to 18th Street, NW
• Pennsylvania Avenue from 17th Street to 18th Street, NW
• H Street from 17th Street to 18th Street, NW
• E Street from 17th Street to 19th Street, NW
• D Street from 17th Street to 18th Street, NW

Near Washington Convention Center

No parking is allowed on these streets from Saturday, July 6 at 6 a.m. through Friday, July 12 at 6 p.m.:

• 7th Street from I Street to O Street, NW
• 8th Street from N Street to O Street, NW
• 9th Street from H Street to O Street, NW
• 10th Street from H Street to O Street, NW
• Street from 6th Street to 11th Street, NW
• Allen Y. Lew Place from 7th Street to 9th Street, NW
• L Street from 6th Street to 11th Street, NW
• New York Avenue from 6th Street to 10th Street, NW
• Massachusetts Avenue from 6th Street to 10th Street, NW

These streets will be designated as emergency no parking from Monday, July 8 at 9:30 a.m. through Friday, July 12 at 6 p.m.:

• I Street from 6th Street to 10th Street, NW
• New York Avenue from 10th Street to 13th Street, NW
• Massachusetts Avenue from 10th Street to 13th Street, NW

This street will be closed to all vehicles on Monday, July 8 at 9 a.m. through Friday, July 12 at noon:

• L Street from 7th Street to 9th Street, NW

The Federal Triangle station will be closed on Tuesday, July 9 from 8 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. The Mt. Vernon Square Station will close from Tuesday, July 9 at 11 a.m. through Friday, July 12 at 5 a.m.

Trains will be able to pass through the stations, but riders won’t be able to get off.

Riders could use the Gallery Place-Chinatown or Shaw-Howard U stations instead, according to a traffic advisory from D.C. police.

Some of Metro’s busiest bus lines will also be detoured.

These bus routes will be detoured starting on Monday, July 8 at 8 p.m. and lasting through Friday, July 12 at 5 a.m.: 3F, 3Y, 11Y, 16E, 16Y, 32, 33, 36, 52, 59, 63, 64, 70, 74, 79, D4, D6, G2, G8, P6, S2, Red Line Shuttle

Metro’s real-time service information through BusETA and Metro’s Trip Planner may not take the detours into consideration. Riders should budget extra time for their trips, officials said.

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Jessica Kronzer graduated from James Madison University in May 2021 after studying media and politics. She enjoys covering politics, advocacy and compelling human-interest stories.

• @kronzer_news

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How to Ride DC Metro: 10 Dos and Don’ts

Every visitor to Washington, DC should brush up on how to ride DC Metro. There are a lot of written and unwritten rules, but don’t worry, follow these dos and don’ts and you will become a Metro pro in no time.

1. Do get a SmarTrip card

This used to be a suggestion but now it is a requirement. If you visited DC prior to 2016 you probably paid for the Metro using a paper fare card. It was a piece of cardboard, had a couple cute pandas on it, and would print your balance on the card every time that you used it. Go ahead and put it in a scrapbook because you’re not going to need it anymore. The good news is that SmarTrip cards are just as easy to get at the old paper fare card.  

When you arrive at your first Metro station look for one of the orange and blue colored fare machines. You’ll need to decide if you want a single fare card or multiple. If you’re traveling with a family, you will need multiple cards. Unlike in other cities, every person in the group needs their own SmarTrip card. Then you’ll need to decide if you want to add money or buy a pass.  

For a typical tourist we recommend starting off by adding the $8 default value and topping up your card as you go. Unless you’re going to ride the Metro all the time a pass probably isn’t worth the money. You can pay using either cash Or credit or debit card. Try to use exact change if you have it.

Once you’ve got your card, walk up to the fare gate, tap it against the target and go through once it opens. When you get to your destination you’ll do the exact same thing to exit.

2. Don’t stand on the left

This is probably the single most important piece of advice you’re going to get when it comes to how to ride DC Metro. When you’re riding a Metro escalator, never, ever stand on the left side. If you’re walking you walk up on the left side and if you’re standing you stand on the right side. Simple enough!  

One of the reasons why tourists get such a bad reputation among locals here is because they don’t follow this simple rule. On a similar note, if you’re coming from the airport or Union Station when you’re riding the escalator, put your suitcase in front or behind you. That way if someone’s trying to walk up they’re not going to get blocked by your luggage. Or find an elevator and use it.

3. Do download a Metro app

There are a lot of Metro apps out there and people have varying opinions on which one is the best. Some apps have more bells and whistles than others, but at the end of the day they all basically do the same thing: tell you how long you have to wait for your train.

Yes, there are electronic boards in every station that technically give you this information; but they have a really annoying habit of scrolling through a bunch of announcements when all you’re really looking for is the amount of time until the next train.

Our favorite Metro app is called MetroHero . Regardless of which app you choose, just make sure you also download a jpeg of the Metro map to your phone. That way if you’re in a tunnel, or you have spotty service you will always be able to access the map even when you’re online.

4. Don’t ride during rush hour

There are two reasons to avoid riding the DC Metro during rush hour.

First, it actually costs more money to ride Metro during rush hour than it does at any other time. That’s because metro fares are based on the distance that you travel and whether it’s rush hour or not. More importantly, DC is a working city and people commute so it gets slammed and can feel pretty miserable to ride during rush hour.

5. Do plan for delays

A lot of people come to DC absolutely love our Metro system. Typicall that’s because it is so much better than what they have back home. That hardly means that it’s perfect though and the truth is that Metro is in pretty bad shape. Unfortunately, some locals now consider Metro unreliable.

So if you have tickets to an event, dinner reservation, or a scheduled tour, just plan to arrive a few minutes before it’s supposed to start. It’s much better to arrive early than it is to be disappointed because Metro let you down.

6. Don’t block or hold the doors

Other than standing on the left this is one of the biggest offenses that someone can make on the Metro. The important thing to know is that Metro train doors are not like elevator doors. You can’t hold them open by putting your hand in. And if you do try to hold it open the door is going to close right on your arm. Metro operators usually try to get the doors closed a few times before they eventually give up and kick everybody off the train. Trust us, you don’t want to be the one who inconvenienced hundreds or even possibly thousands of travelers because you messed with the doors.

7. Do wait for people to get off the train before you try to board

When a train pulls into the station and you see some empty seats it is tempting to rush in as fast as you can and grab them before anybody else can. However you really need to wait until everybody is off the train first before you can try to get on. Metro doors are not very wide and it becomes a huge mess when people aren’t even off the train yet and other people are already rushing into the car. So just have a little patience you’ll get on the train. Don’t worry.

8. Don’t wait for the fare gates to close in front of you before you go through

This trip hack is particularly useful during rush hour or after a game or any other busy period when there are a lot of people trying to move through the Metro at the same time. All you have to do is stand behind the person in front of you who’s going through the fare gate. Once they’ve tapped their SmarTrip card, tap yours and go on through. You don’t actually have to wait for the gate to close before you can tap. Doing it this way will save a lot of time. Locals will also really appreciate that you’ve been clued in to this little hack.

9. Do avoid transfers and bad routes

Sometimes transfers are unavoidable and that’s OK. But a lot of times people actually make unnecessary transfers. A lot of the problem stems from the fact that the Metro map is not to scale. It doesn’t help that some stations have names that are confusing and make you think you need to use one station when you should really use another.

Say you want to ride the Metro from U Street to the Air and Space Museum. A lot of folks would look at the Metro map, ride the green line to L’Enfant Plaza, transfer to the Orange, Blue, or Silver lines, then get off at the Smithsonian station. This is a total rookie mistake! The walk from the Smithsonian station to the Air and space Museum is actually twice as far as the walk from the L’Enfant Plaza station, not to mention the time that you wasted making a transfer to a line and riding a train that you didn’t have to.

This is the reason why apps like Citymapper are so helpful. They do all the work for you. So, you don’t need to know all this information to figure out which station is actually closest to the destination where you’re trying to go.

10. Don’t stop at the top of a Metro escalator

It can be disorienting when you are at a new Metro station in a new neighborhood. The first thing you want to do when you get off the escalator is pull out your phone and use Google Maps to figure out where you are. But people are still coming up the escalator behind you and if you don’t move you’ll cause a pileup!

It’s totally fine if you need to check your surroundings once you get off the Metro. However, make sure to walk a few yards away from the station and away from the escalators before you take out your phone or take out your map to figure out where you are.

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What to know about DC road closures, free Metro rides and getting around the National Mall on July 4

I ndependence Day is around the corner, and D.C.'s leaders are making preparations for a secure, smooth and accessible celebration.

Thousands of people are expected to flock to downtown D.C. on July 4 for events including the National Independence Day Parade , A Capitol Fourth concert and watch parties for the extravagant National Park Service fireworks. The 17-minute fireworks display is set to begin at 9:09 p.m. From 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., The Sylvan Theater near the Washington Monument is set to host activities for kids.

D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith told News4 that preparations are underway, and police will speak to the public soon about safety and transit tips.

"We encourage people to come to the District to observe and watch the fireworks," Smith said.

National Mall access limited on July 4

On most days, you can wander onto the National Mall easily. But crowds and security measures on July 4 mean you'll want to make a plan.

The Lincoln Memorial will be closed on July 4, and the National Mall will be closed between 14th Street and the Lincoln Memorial from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. (see a full list of closures below). If you're looking for something to do in the area on the morning of July 4, check out the parade or the National Archives' Fourth of July festival , which will feature family-friendly activities. The Smithsonian museums will also be open.

Access points to the National Mall are set to open at 1 p.m. Visitors and fireworks spectators can access the National Mall through certain access points. Be ready for a security screening and bag check!

These fireworks viewing entry points will be open until 9 p.m., according to the National Park Service:

• Constitution Avenue NW at Henry Bacon Drive NW
• Constitution Avenue NW and 17th Street NW
• 15th Street NW at Madison Drive NW
• 14th Street SW at Jefferson Drive SW

You can set up on the National Mall between 14th and the U.S. Capitol without going through security checkpoints.

To watch fireworks from near the Tidal Basin, go to the entry point at East Basin Drive just south of the Jefferson Memorial. The National Park Service says visitors will not be able to access the National Mall from here.

Best Metro stations for D.C.'s July 4 fireworks

With D.C. expecting a high volume of foot and car traffic, use of public transportation is highly encouraged.

Metro will be free after 5 p.m. on July 4.

The Smithsonian/National Mall or Federal Triangle (both on the Orange, Blue, Silver lines) are very close to the National Mall, but the National Park Service recommends considering other stations that are a little further, but less crowded.

L’Enfant Plaza (Silver, Orange, Blue, Green, Yellow lines), Metro Center (Red, Blue, Orange, Silver lines), Judiciary Square (Red Line) and Archives/Navy Memorial (Green, Yellow lines) are all within walking distance of the National Mall.

Metro CEO Randy Clarke suggested riders look to L'Enfant Plaza.

July 4 road closures near the National Mall

Here's what the National Park Service says about road closures: 

Closed from 4 a.m. until approximately 10 p.m. on July 4:

• Arlington Memorial Bridge and Arlington Memorial Circle on the Virginia end, to and including Lincoln Memorial Circle in the District
• Rock Creek Parkway south of Virginia Avenue NW to Lincoln Memorial Circle, including all approaches and ramps
• Parkway Drive from Rock Creek Parkway to Lincoln Memorial Circle
• Henry Bacon Drive NW
• Daniel Chester French Drive SW
• Lincoln Memorial Circle and all approaches and ramps into and out of Lincoln Memorial Circle, including Henry Bacon Drive N, Daniel Chester French Drive SW, 23rd Street NW and 23rd Street SW
• Ramp from Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Bridge to Constitution Avenue NW and Independence Avenue SW and Ohio Drive SW; all inbound traffic from the bridge will be directed to the E Street Expressway
• Constitution Avenue NW from 23rd Street NW to 14th Street NW
• 7th Street NW from Constitution Avenue NW to Independence Avenue SW
• 4th Street NW from Constitution Avenue NW to Independence Avenue SW
• 15th Street NW from E Street NW south to Raoul Wallenberg Place SW
• 17th Street, NW from E Street NW south to Independence Avenue SW
• 18th Street NW between Constitution Avenue NW and Virginia Avenue NW
• 19th Street NW from Constitution Avenue NW to C Street NW
• 20th Street NW from Constitution Avenue NW to C Street NW
• 21st Street NW from Constitution Avenue NW to C Street NW
• 22nd Street NW from Constitution Avenue NW to C Street NW
• Virginia Avenue NW from Constitution Avenue NW to 18th Street NW
• C Street NW from 17th Street NW to 18th Streets NW
• D Street NW from 17th Street NW to 18th Street NW
• Raoul Wallenberg Place SW to Maine Avenue SW
• Independence Avenue SW from 14th Street SW to 23rd Street SW, including merge with Rock Creek Parkway
• Madison Drive NW from 15th Street NW to 3rd Street NW
• Jefferson Drive SW from 15th Street SW to 3rd Street SW 
• Ohio Drive, SW from the Inlet Bridge to Independence Avenue, SW
• West Basin Drive SW from Ohio Drive SW to Independence Avenue, SW
• East Basin Drive SW east of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial to Ohio Drive SW
• Ramp from southbound and northbound George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP) to Memorial Avenue /Circle
• Ramp from northbound Va. Route 110 to Memorial Avenue/Circle
• Ramp from Va. Route 27 to Memorial Avenue/Circle
• The right lane of northbound George Washington Memorial Parkway from the 14th Street Bridge to Theodore Roosevelt Island.

  Closed from 11 a.m. until approximately 10 p.m.

• 3rd Street from Pennsylvania Avenue NW to Maryland Avenue SW
• Constitution Avenue NW from Pennsylvania Avenue NW to 14th Street NW
• 14th Street NW from Pennsylvania Avenue NW to Independence Avenue SW

Closed from 3 p.m. until approximately midnight, July 5

• Eastbound U.S. Route 50 ramps to GWMP and roads in the immediate area of the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial;      
• Southbound GWMP ramp to 14th Street Bridge (9 p.m. – 9:45 p.m. as necessary)
• Northbound GWMP ramp to 14th Street Bridge (9 p.m. – 9:45 p.m. as necessary)

Access to many memorials will be limited on July 4

Here's a rundown of other closures that visitors should know about, provided by the National Park Service:

• The National Mall will be closed between 14th Street and the Lincoln Memorial from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 4 for a security sweep. All visitors entering that area after 1 p.m. will be screened.
• Due to limited access and safety concerns caused by construction, the Lincoln Memorial, including the steps and access ramp, will be closed on July 4.
• The World War II Memorial will close at 4 p.m. on July 4 as part of the fireworks safety zone. Cleanup of the World War II Memorial will begin immediately following the fireworks show and the site will open as soon as the cleanup is complete.
• Access to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial will be limited after 8 p.m.  The memorial will remain open, but the public will not be able to access the memorial from Independence Ave. after 8 p.m.  Access will be available from West Basin and Ohio Drives.
• The Washington Monument will be closed from noon on July 3 until 9 a.m. on July 5.
• Paddle boats at the Tidal Basin will not operate.
• Big Bus Tours will not operate on the Mall on July 4.
• The D.C. Circulator’s National Mall route will not operate on July 4.
• East Potomac Golf Course will remain open for normal operating hours (6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.).
• East Potomac Tennis Center will close at 3 p.m.

Sign up for The Weekend Scene for our full guide to Fourth of July weekend in D.C.

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY and TRANSIT IMPACTS: 75th Anniversary NATO Summit

Created 7/2/2024

From Tuesday, July 9, 2024, through Thursday, July 11, 2024, the United States will host the 75th Anniversary of the NATO Summit in the District of Columbia. Numerous agencies, including the Metropolitan Police Department, the United States Secret Service, United States Park Police, and other law enforcement agencies will be providing security for the event to ensure the safety of visiting dignitaries, attendees, and members of the public. 

From Saturday, July 6, 2024, through Friday, July 12, 2024, due to this event and the necessary security measures, there will be numerous impacts to vehicular traffic, pedestrians, and public transportation in the area of the Washington Convention Center, Mellon Auditorium, and The White House.  Please plan accordingly and expect delays throughout the week. 

• NATO Summit Road Closure Maps
• INTERACTIVE MAP: Road Closures, Parking Restrictions and Vehicle Checkpoints  

The following restrictions will impact the area of the Mellon Auditorium and the White House: 

The following streets will be posted as Emergency No Parking from Saturday, July 6, 2024, at 6:00 a.m. through Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at 6:00 a.m. From Saturday, July 6, 2024, through Monday, July 8, 2024, there is the potential for intermittent traffic closures in these areas: 

• Constitution Avenue from 9th Street to 15th Street, NW 
• Pennsylvania Avenue from 9th Street to 15th Street, NW 
• 12th Street from E Street to Madison Drive, NW 
• 13th Street from F Street to Pennsylvania Avenue, NW 
• 14th Street from F Street to Independence Avenue, SW 
• Street from 12th Street to 14th Street, NW 

The following streets will be posted as Emergency No Parking from Monday, July 8, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. through Thursday, July 11, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.:   

• H Street from 15th Street to 17th Street, NW 
• Connecticut Avenue from H Street to I Street, NW 
• 16th Street from H Street to I Street, NW 

The following streets will be closed to vehicle traffic from Monday, July 8, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. through Thursday, July 11, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.:   

• H Street from Vermont Avenue to 17th Street, NW 

The following streets will be posted as Emergency No Parking from Monday, July 8, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. through Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.: 

• 15th Street from H Street to Constitution Avenue, NW 

The following streets will be posted as Emergency No Parking from Monday, July 8, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. through Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.:   

• Constitution Avenue from 15th Street to 17th Street, NW 
• 11th Street from E Street to Pennsylvania Avenue, NW  
• 10th Street from Pennsylvania Avenue to Constitution Avenue, NW 
• New York Avenue from 14th Street to 15th Street, NW 
• Street from 14th Street to 15th Street, NW 

The following streets will be closed to vehicle traffic on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.: 

• 10th Street from E Street to Constitution Avenue, NW 
• 11th Street from E Street to Pennsylvania Avenue, NW 
• 14th Street from F Street, NW to Independence Avenue, SW 
• Upper Pennsylvania Avenue from 14th Street to 15th Street, NW  
• Inbound 14th Street Bridge ramp to Exit 1 (14th Street / National Mall to Independence Avenue, SW) 
• Inbound 14th Street Bridge HOV ramp to 14th Street / National Mall to Independence Avenue, SW 
• Inbound I395 Exit 3 to 12th Street Expressway/Tunnel 
• Westbound I395/Maine Avenue Split at Exit 4B – 12th Street Expressway/Tunnel ramp 

The following streets will be closed to vehicle traffic on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.: 

The following streets will be posted as Emergency No Parking from Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at 6:00 a.m. through Thursday, July 11, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.:   

• Pennsylvania Avenue from 10th Street to 12th Street, NW (south side only) 
• 12th Street from Constitution Avenue to Pennsylvania Avenue, NW (east side only) 
• 10th Street from Constitution Avenue to Pennsylvania Avenue, NW (west side only) 

The following streets will be posted as Emergency No Parking on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.:   

• 17th Street from H Street to Constitution Avenue, NW 
• 18th Street from E Street to Constitution Avenue, NW 
• Street from 17th Street to 19th Street, NW 
• Street from 17th Street to 18th Street, NW 
• C Street from 17th Street to 18th Street, NW 

The following streets will be closed to vehicle traffic on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.:   

• 17th Street from I Street to Constitution Avenue, NW 
• New York Avenue from 17th Street to 18th Street, NW 
• F Street from 17th Street to 18th Street, NW 
• G Street from 17th Street to 18th Street, NW 
• Pennsylvania Avenue from 17th Street to 18th Street, NW 
• H Street from 17th Street to 18th Street, NW 
• E Street from 17th Street to 19th Street, NW 
• D Street from 17th Street to 18th Street, NW 

The following restrictions will impact the area of the Washington Convention Center: 

The following streets will be posted as Emergency No Parking from Saturday, July 6, 2024, at 6:00 a.m. through Friday, July 12, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.:   

• 7th Street from I Street to O Street, NW 
• 8th Street from N Street to O Street, NW 
• 9th Street from H Street to O Street, NW 
• 10th Street from H Street to O Street, NW 
• Street from 6th Street to 11th Street, NW 
• Allen Y. Lew Place from 7th Street to 9th Street, NW 
• L Street from 6th Street to 11th Street, NW 
• New York Avenue from 6th Street to 10th Street, NW 
• Massachusetts Avenue from 6th Street to 10th Street, NW 

The following streets will be posted as Emergency No Parking from Monday, July 8, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. through Friday, July 12, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.: 

• I Street from 6th Street to 10th Street, NW 
• New York Avenue from 10th Street to 13th Street, NW 
• Massachusetts Avenue from 10th Street to 13th Street, NW 

The following street will be closed to all vehicles on Monday, July 8, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. through Friday, July 12, 2024, at 12:00 p.m.: 

• L Street from 7th Street to 9th Street, NW 

The following streets will be closed to all vehicles on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. through Friday, July 12, 2024, at 12:00 p.m.:   

• I Street from 8th Street to 10th Street, NW 
• I Street from 6th Street to 8th Street, NW (No traffic west on I Street) 
• K Street from 6th Street to 11th Street, NW 
• Allen Y Lew Place from 7th Street to 9th Street, NW 
• L Street from 6th Street to 7th Street, NW 
• L Street from 9th Street to 11th Street, NW 
• M Street from 6th Street to 11th Street, NW 
• N Street from 6th Street to 11th Street, NW 
• New York Avenue from 6th Street to 12th Street, NW 
• Massachusetts Avenue from 6th Street to 11th Street, NW 

It should be noted, there may be additional intermittent traffic closures in the area bounded by Rhode Island Avenue, 7th Street, O Street, and 10th Street, NW.  These intermittent closures will be implemented for any traffic congestion/mitigation measures. If these temporary closures are made, residents and visitors requiring access will be able to pass through the intermittent traffic closures. 

Access for Residences and Businesses around the Washington Convention Center 

Residences and businesses inside the closure area will be accessible to the public, but vehicles and pedestrians may be required to undergo a security sweep prior to entering the area around the Washington Convention Center. Please see the list below on how to access businesses, restaurants, and residences within the closure area. 

Other street closures may be implemented throughout the week depending on pedestrian, vehicular, and dignitary traffic. 

For people traveling by vehicle that require access to residential parking lots and business parking lots within the closure area, drivers will be required to enter at certain locations, show identification, and vehicles will be subject to inspection by law enforcement personnel. 

Vehicle Access 

Pedestrian Access  

For people wishing to visit businesses, restaurants, or attending events within the closure area, you must walk into the closure area and enter at specific locations. Pedestrians may be subject to search by law enforcement personnel.    

Public Transportation Detours and Closures 

Metrobus, Metrorail, and MetroAccess services will also be impacted in the area around the Washington Convention Center. Customers who use stations or bus routes in this area should allow additional travel time to account for detours and delays.  

Metrobus Bus routes will be detoured beginning on Monday, July 8, 2024, at 8:00 p.m. and will remain in effect through Friday, July 12, 2024, at 5:00 a.m. 

• Routes detoured: 3F, 3Y, 11Y, 16E,16Y, 32, 33, 36, 52, 59, 63, 64, 70, 74, 79, D4, D6, G2, G8, P6, S2, X2,  Red Line Shuttle.   

Additional signage is being posted at all bus stops within the security perimeter to alert customers of detours and nearby alternatives. Emergency rail transfers will be made available for bus customers wishing to use rail as an alternative through the security zone. 

Customers on these routes should allow additional travel time to account for detours and delays. As a result of the road closures, Metro’s real-time service information through BusETA and Metro’s Trip Planner may not accurately reflect the detoured service.  

Metrorail The Federal Triangle will be closed ALL DAY on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 .   and Mt. Vernon Sq Station will be closed beginning on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at 11 a.m. and will remain closed through Friday, July 12, 2024, at 5:00 a.m. Green Line trains will pass through the station without stopping, with normal service to all other stations. Rail service to the station is expected to resume with the start of service on Friday, July 12. 

Customers are encouraged to use the Gallery Place-Chinatown or Shaw-Howard U stations as an alternative. 

• Gallery Place is approximately four blocks from the Mt Vernon Sq Station and about a 5-7 minute walk. Exit at the 7th Street and H street entrance at Gallery Place Station and walk directly north on 7th Street to reach Mt Vernon Sq. 

MetroAccess Customers are advised that door-to-door service will not be available within the security perimeter and delays are possible due to road closures in the area. Efforts will be made to provide drop-off service as close as possible if traveling to/from a location in the restricted area. MetroAccess will operate normal service outside of the Mt Vernon Square area and is notifying customers of the potential impacts. 

For timely traffic information, please visit twitter.com/DCPoliceTraffic . 

All street closures and listed times are subject to change based upon prevailing or unexpected conditions. 

The public should expect parking restrictions along the street and should be guided by the posted emergency no parking signage.  All vehicles that are parked in violation of the emergency no parking signs will be ticketed and towed. 

Motorists could encounter possible delays if operating in the vicinity of this event and may wish to consider alternative routes.  The Metropolitan Police Department and the D.C. Department of Transportation also wishes to remind motorists in the vicinity of this event to proceed with caution as increased pedestrian traffic can be anticipated. 

Capital Bikeshare

The following Capital Bikeshare locations will be deactivated beginning the evening of July 7 through the evening of July 12:

• 15th & Pennsylvania Ave NW
• 14th & D Street NW
• 15th & Constitution Ave NW
• 7th & K Street NW
• 7th & M Street NW

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• Washington, D.C. - Baltimore, MD
• line METRORAIL RED LINE

Metrorail Red Line

Wmata metrorail red line metro line map - towards glenmont.

WMATA METRORAIL RED LINE Metro Route Schedule and Stops (Updated)

The METRORAIL RED LINE metro (Towards Glenmont) has 23 stations departing from Shady Grove and ending at Takoma.

Choose any of the METRORAIL RED LINE metro stations below to find updated real-time schedules and to see their route map.

View on Map

Direction: Towards Glenmont (23 stops)

Shady grove, twinbrook metro station, north bethesda, grosvenor metro station, medical center metro, bethesda metro station, friendship heights, tenleytown metro station, van ness-udc metro station, cleveland park metro station, woodley park-zoo/adams morgan, dupont circle metro station, farragut north, metro center, gallery place-chinatown, judiciary square, union station, noma-gallaudet u, rhode island metro station, brookland-cua, fort totten, metrorail red line faq, what time does the metrorail red line metro start operating.

Services on the METRORAIL RED LINE metro start at 5:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.

What time does the METRORAIL RED LINE metro stop working?

Services on the METRORAIL RED LINE metro stop at 12:27 AM on Friday, Saturday.

What time does the METRORAIL RED LINE metro arrive?

When does the Metrorail Red Line metro line come? Check Live Arrival Times for live arrival times and to see the full schedule for the Metrorail Red Line metro line that is closest to your location.

Is there a METRORAIL RED LINE metro station near me?

Click here to view the nearest METRORAIL RED LINE metro station.

METRORAIL RED LINE Metro Schedule

METRORAIL RED LINE metro line operates everyday. Regular schedule hours: 5:00 AM - 11:51 PM

WMATA Metro Service Alerts

See all updates on METRORAIL RED LINE (from Shady Grove), including real-time status info, metro delays, changes of routes, changes of stops locations, and any other service changes. Get a real-time map view of METRORAIL RED LINE (Towards Glenmont) and track the metro as it moves on the map. Download the app for all WMATA info now.

METRORAIL RED LINE line metro fare

WMATA METRORAIL RED LINE (Towards Glenmont) prices may change based on several factors. For more information about WMATA tickets costs please check the Moovit app or WMATA’s official website.

METRORAIL RED LINE (WMATA)

The first stop of the METRORAIL RED LINE metro route is Shady Grove and the last stop is Takoma. METRORAIL RED LINE (Towards Glenmont) is operational during everyday. Additional information: METRORAIL RED LINE has 23 stations and the total trip duration for this route is approximately 55 minutes.

On the go? See why over 1.5 million users trust Moovit as the best public transit app. Moovit gives you WMATA suggested routes, real-time metro tracker, live directions, line route maps in Washington, D.C. - Baltimore, MD, and helps to find the closest METRORAIL RED LINE metro stations near you. No internet available? Download an offline PDF map and metro schedule for the METRORAIL RED LINE metro to take on your trip.

METRORAIL RED LINE near me

Line METRORAIL RED LINE Real Time metro Tracker

Track line METRORAIL RED LINE (Towards Glenmont) on a live map in real time and follow its location as it moves between stations. Use Moovit as a line METRORAIL RED LINE metro tracker or a live WMATA metro tracker app and never miss your metro.

Use the app as a trip planner for WMATA or a trip planner for metro, bus, train, light rail or ferry to plan your route around Washington, D.C. - Baltimore, MD. The trip planner shows updated data for WMATA and any metro, including line METRORAIL RED LINE, in Washington, D.C. - Baltimore, MD

METRORAIL RED LINE - Alternative Directions

• METRORAIL RED LINE - Towards Shady Grove / Schedule

WMATA Lines in Washington, D.C. - Baltimore, MD

• METRORAIL SILVER LINE / Schedule
• METRORAIL BLUE LINE / Schedule
• METRORAIL ORANGE LINE / Schedule
• METRORAIL GREEN LINE / Schedule
• METRORAIL YELLOW LINE / Schedule
• Español (Latinoamérica)

DC Metro Map, Navigating Washington, DC with Metro

Washington DC’s metro system is the economical and convenient way of transportation for both locals and tourists to move around the nation’s capital, including Maryland and Virginia. If you are a visitor and want to get an overview of different metro stations and nearby tourist attractions such as the US Capitol Building, Washington Monument, National Mall, White House, etc., then you need an interactive metro map.

Here’s the updated version of the DC metro map. With this map, you can easily navigate around the city, plan your trips, and reach your final destination without getting lost. Let’s take a deep dive into the high-resolution Washington metro map with streets and explore its different routes and stations.

DC Metro Map, Click to Enlarge

Washington DC Metro Routes

How Does the DC Metro Map Work?

The DC metro is the busiest transportation network, with over 355,000 weekday entries recorded by 2023, according to WMATA . The metro network consists of six color-coded lines: Orange Line, Red Line, Silver Line, Blue Line, Green Line, and Yellow Line. There are a total of 98 stations indicated by small circles on the map, and 128 miles of track. Potomac Yard is the most recent station added to the metro network on May 19, 2023. Many stations are accessible by more than one line sharing track with each other. For example, if you are planning a visit to the White House, then the closest station to it is the Federal Triangle, accessible by three lines. The following table shows different lines sharing tracks between different stations.

Different metro lines are connected with the help of transfer stations(that allow you to change from one route to another), indicated by a double circle on the map. The metro network consists of 8 transfer stations. For example, to travel from Capital South station to the Zoo, you would need to take the silver, orange, or blue line to Metro Center station. From there, transfer to the red line and continue to the Zoo. Here’s the list of different transfer points:

• Fort Totten (Red, Green and Yellow)
• Metro Center (Red, Orange, Silver, and Blue)
• Rosslyn (Orange, Silver and Blue)
• East Falls Chruch (Silver and Orange)
• L’Enfant Plaza (Yellow, Green, Blue, Silver and Orange)
• Stadium-Armory (Orange, Silver and Blue)
• Pentagon (Yellow and Blue)
• King St-Old Town (Yellow and Blue)

While reading the map, the line on the top of the other lines shows it is physically on the top floor. For example, at the Metro Center station, the red line is upstairs and the blue, silver, and orange lines are downstairs. WATMA metro trip planner is the most convenient way to plan your trip around the capital. The other transit networks are easily accessible by Metrorail, including Dulles International Airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Baltimore Washington International Airport, and train services like MARC and Amtrak.

The following video will further guide you on how to read the DC Metro Map. Video credit: Trip Hack

Washington DC Metrorail Time Schedule

Metro trains run every day, but the timing may vary depending on specific lines and weekdays. However, in case of public holidays and special events, the metro’s regular operating schedule is modified. The Metrorail stops running at 12 AM, except on Fridays and Saturdays when it runs until 1 AM. The following table shows the rail hours for the whole week:

Now, how much the fare will be between the Washington DC metro stations? If I want to travel from Metro Center station to Rosslyn station, how much will it cost? The cost of the ticket depends on the length of the ride, the time you ride, and the day of the week. For details information about metro fares and how to buy tickets visit the page Fare and Tickets .

In this article, we comprehensively covered everything about the Washington DC Metro Map, which will help you in navigating the capital and planning your trips during your stay. We recommend using our interactive metro map during your journey and downloading a copy of the DC metro map on your phone. If you have any questions don’t forget to comment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

There are six metro lines in Washington DC: Red, Green, Yellow, Orange, Silver, and Blue

In densely populated areas, tracks are underground while in suburban tracks are elevated or at the surface.

The DC metro is designed for a top speed of 75mph, but the average speed of the metro is 33mph.

The DC metro closes at 12 AM on Monday-Thursday and Sunday, but on Friday and Saturday, it closes at 1 AM.

Traveling on the metro is super easy! you will need a SmarTrip physical card or its mobile application. For detailed information about SmarTrip, visit the page Fare and Tickets

The metro Silver Line is directly connected to Washington Dulles International Airport, following the sign of metro from the airport terminal you can easily get to the metro station.

The Ronald Reagan International Airport can be accessed by Metro Yellow and Blue lines.

There are a total of 98 stations in the DC metro network

The Metro Center station is the nearest station to the White House, Pentagon, and Washington Monument.

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See how long it takes to get from each Metro station to the downtown core

Transit By DW Rowlands (Contributor) January 30, 2017   39

A map of the travel time from Metro Center to each Metrorail station, based on Metro's online trip planner. Image by the author.

Like most American rail transit systems, Metrorail is arranged in a way that sends most trips toward a cluster of downtown stations where the lines converge. I made a map to show how long it takes to travel from each station to the system's downtown core.

In designing my map, I was inspired by this map of the Boston T created by Peter Dunn. However, the geometry of Metro is rather more complicated than the T, which is centered on a ring of four adjacent transfer stations and has no line crossings outside this ring.

Ridership data from PlanItMetro shows that the most common destinations for morning peak Metro rides are Metro Center and the Farragut stations, and the highest-ridership parts of the system seem to be the Red Line and the combined Orange/Blue/Silver line through downtown. Based on this, I decided to treat Metro Center as the system’s hub.

Each station's distance from Metro Center indicates the average travel time to that station, including transfers.

The four lines that pass through Metro Center show fairly simple radial patterns. It takes longer to get from stops on the Green and Yellow line to Metro Center than the physical distance between them because, to make the trip, passengers have to transfer.

That's why the line zigs and zags on the map, or, more specifically, why Archives is significantly farther from the center of the map than either L’Enfant Plaza or Gallery Place, and Georgia Avenue-Petworth is farther from the center than Fort Totten.

Likewise, the nearly five-minute gap between King Street and Eisenhower Avenue is significantly longer than the travel time between these stations. It is due to the fact that one can reach King Street and the stations north of it via the Blue Line from Metro Center without a transfer, but Eisenhower Avenue and Huntington require a transfer to reach from Metro Center.

Do you see anything interesting when you look at this map?

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July 1 brings new laws for D.C., Maryland and Virginia

Liquor delivery, increased prices for transportation, and college admissions changes are among some of the new laws and policies taking effect on Monday in the region.

A previous version of this article incorrectly reported that Metro fares went up Monday, July 1. They went up Sunday, June 30. The article has been corrected.

Liquor delivery, increased prices for transportation, and college admissions changes are among some of the new laws and policies taking effect on or around Monday in the region.

Here are a few of the laws going into effect.

• Metro fares increasing by 12.5 percent. After months of concern related to Metro’s financial challenges, the transit agency’s board recently passed a budget that maintains service levels but raise fares by 12.5 percent, which started Sunday. The maximum rail fare increased from $6 to $6.75. Base rail and base bus fares increased from $2 to $2.25. Late-night and weekend charges increased from a flat $2 charge to $2.25 or $2.50, depending on trip distance. Maximum fees for MetroAccess — the paratransit service for people who cannot use bus and rail systems — increased from $4 to $4.50.
• Liquor delivery. The delivery of beer, wine or liquor to Maryland consumers launches with new direct-to-consumer alcoholic beverages delivery permits. Individuals must meet certain requirements to qualify for a delivery permit. There will be a maximum amount of alcoholic beverage deliveries that a recipient may get each year.
• Ban on legacy admissions. Maryland universities that receive state funds will not be able to consider whether an applicant’s family member either attended or donated to the institution as a criterion for admission. As of Monday, institutions will be allowed to ask applicants about whether they’re related to alumni for data collection purposes.
• Correctional ombudsman role created. The state will establish an office for a correctional ombudsman to conduct investigations, reviews and assessments of administrative acts taken by the department of public safety and correctional services, the department of juvenile services, or in relation to individuals confined by either department. The ombudsman will serve as a mediator in situations of misconduct or alleged prison abuses. The Justice Reinvestment Oversight Board will recommend a distribution of money from the performance incentive grant fund to finance this new office.
• Indoor vaping ban. Vaping will now be prohibited in certain indoor areas, places of employment and certain mass transportation.
• Alterations to previous bill on compensation for erroneously convicted individuals. This bill adjusts the benefits a person who was incorrectly convicted of a crime is entitled to. The state is required to notify the person in writing when the state plans to reduce or prevent compensation.
• Stop sign monitoring systems in Prince George’s County. Prince George’s County will be authorized to place automated enforcement systems, such as stop sign cameras, in school zones. Owners or drivers of a motor vehicle that are recorded failing to stop at a stop sign will be subject to a citation and further civil penalties under certain circumstances.
• Noise abatement monitoring systems in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties. Both counties are establishing a pilot program to use noise abatement monitoring systems to enforce motor vehicle noise requirements. This will require counties to publish the systems’ locations on its website before activating a monitoring system.
• New fees, taxes and fines. These fees came about as a result of the General Assembly’s latest budget that raises approximately $340 million and increases funding for the state’s shock trauma system. Drivers who register a vehicle in Maryland will pay a $23 surcharge each year when their registration is due. The fine for drivers who speed in work zones is increasing from the current $40, to a range of $60 to $500 depending on how much the driver went above the speed limit. The sales tax on a pack of cigarettes will increase by $1.25, to $5, and the sales tax on electronic cigarettes and vapes will rise from 12 percent to 20 percent.
• Minimum wage increase. The minimum wage will increase from $17 per hour to $17.50 per hour, according to the city’s Department of Employment Services. And thanks to a ballot initiative passed by District voters in 2022, the base minimum wage for tipped workers will also increase, from $8 to $10 per hour. If an employee’s hourly tip earnings added to the base minimum wage do not equal the city’s full minimum wage, the employer must pay the difference. Under Initiative 82, the tipped minimum wage will be phased out gradually by 2027 and replaced with one universal minimum wage. Initiative 82 will gradually increase D.C.’s tipped minimum wage until it aligns with the city’s standard minimum wage.
• Pay rates on job listings. On Sunday, a law went into effect requiring employers in the city to disclose pay rates and salary ranges in job listings. This law will prohibit District employers from screening prospective employees by their wage history. Similarly, the law bars employers from probing the wage history of prospective employees. Employers are also required to disclose whether a job offers health-care benefits before an applicant’s first interview.
• Increase to tax for paid family leave fund. Under the D.C. Council’s recently passed budget , businesses that contribute to the city’s paid family leave fund will be taxed at a higher rate starting Monday, increasing from 0.26 percent to 0.75 percent. This quarterly payroll tax will be collected under the new rate beginning in October.
• Gun control, possession regulations. The Democratic-controlled General Assembly passed a host of gun-control bills this year, knowing that Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin was likely to veto most of them. However, Youngkin signed two sets of those bills into law, and both go into effect Monday. One pair of identical bills bans the manufacture, sale and possession of devices called auto sears, which make semiautomatic weapons fire continuously like a fully automatic machine gun. The other pair of bills make it a felony for a parent or guardian to enable a child to get possession of a firearm if the adult knows that the child has been deemed a threat or has been charged with a violent crime.
• Protection of menstrual data. Authorities will be prohibited from issuing search warrants, subpoenas or court orders to obtain menstrual health data, including electronic data stored on digital devices. Such searches have been used in other states to control access to abortions.
• Legacy admissions. Like the state of Maryland, public colleges and universities in Virginia will be prohibited from giving preferential admissions treatment on the basis of whether a student’s family member attended the institution or is a donor.
• Marriage age requirement raised to 18. A person will have to be at least 18 years of age to get married; previously, someone at least 16 could marry if they won emancipation from their parents. Another new law mandates that no one can be denied a marriage license on the basis of sex, gender or race, and requires that the state recognize all lawful marriages. The law gives religious organizations or clergy members the right to refuse to perform any marriage.
• Employees on cannabis oil lawfully cannot face discrimination. Employers now must not discriminate against an employee if they lawfully use medical cannabis oil. The law also applies to employees of the state and other public bodies, except for law enforcement officers.
• Ombudsman created in prisons. The state will create an ombudsman for the department of corrections that will be selected by the state inspector general. The ombudsman will take complaints, raise issues about conditions in the state’s corrections system and report to a new corrections oversight committee made up of four lawmakers and nine citizens appointed by the governor.
• Definition of hate crimes expanded. Virginia’s definition of hate crimes is expanded to include discrimination in employment or accommodation on the basis of ethnic origin, as well as assault, trespass or property damage directed at someone’s ethnic origin. The change is intended, in part, to combat antisemitism.