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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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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• Silver Line
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• Red Line Metro
• Schedule Times 2024
• Metro Police Department
• Yellow Line
• Metro Stations
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DC Metro Planner, Route Planner, Trip Planner [WMATA Planner]

• September 27, 2024 September 30, 2024

The DC Metro Planner, often referred to as the WMATA Trip Planner, is a valuable tool provided by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) to help passengers navigate the extensive Metrorail and Metrobus systems. Here’s a detailed description of the DC Metro Planner:

Table of Contents

Features of the DC Metro Planner

• Trip Planning : Allows users to plan trips across the Metrorail and Metrobus networks by entering starting and ending locations, and preferred departure or arrival times.
• Route Options : Provides multiple route options, including the quickest route, the route with the fewest transfers, and the route with the least walking.
• Fare Information : Displays fare information for the planned trip, including peak and off-peak fares.
• Schedules and Timetables : Offers up-to-date schedules and timetables for Metrorail and Metrobus, helping users find the best times to travel.
• Real-Time Information : Integrates real-time service updates, including train and bus arrival times, service disruptions, and delays.
• Accessibility Information : Highlights accessible routes and stations, providing details on elevator and escalator statuses.
• Nearby Stations and Stops : Shows the nearest Metrorail stations and Metrobus stops based on the user’s current location or a specified address.
• Alerts and Notifications : Users can sign up for alerts and notifications regarding service changes, delays, and planned maintenance.
• Multi-Modal Integration : Incorporates other transportation options, such as biking and walking directions, to and from Metro stations and bus stops.

How to Use the DC Metro Planner

• Online : Available on the WMATA website.
• Mobile App : Accessible via the WMATA mobile app, which is available for iOS and Android devices.
• Enter Locations : Input the starting and ending addresses or select from pre-saved locations.
• Set Preferences : Choose preferred departure or arrival times, and specify preferences for walking distance, number of transfers, and other factors.
• View Options : Review the suggested routes, which will include step-by-step directions, travel times, and fare information.
• Real-Time Updates : Check real-time train and bus arrival times, and view any service alerts that may impact your trip.
• Adjust Plans : Modify your trip plan if there are delays or service changes.
• Save Trips : Save frequent or planned trips for quick access in the future.
• Share Plans : Share trip details with others via email or text.

Benefits of Using the DC Metro Planner

• Efficiency : Helps users find the fastest and most convenient routes, saving time and reducing stress.
• Cost-Effective : Provides fare information, allowing users to budget their travel expenses.
• Accessibility : Ensures that travelers with mobility needs can find accessible routes and avoid stations with out-of-service elevators or escalators.
• Convenience : Offers a centralized platform for all transit-related information, including schedules, fares, and real-time updates.
• Environmentally Friendly : Encourages the use of public transportation, contributing to reduced traffic congestion and lower emissions.

The DC Metro Planner is an essential tool for anyone using the WMATA transit system. Whether you are a daily commuter, a tourist, or an occasional rider, the trip planner provides all the necessary information to navigate the Washington DC Metro system efficiently and effectively.

DC Metro Route Planner

• Plan trips across Metrorail and Metrobus networks.
• Enter starting and ending locations with flexible options for departure or arrival times.
• Provides quickest route, fewest transfers, and least walking options.
• Includes estimated travel times for each route.
• Displays fare estimates for planned trips.
• Differentiates between peak and off-peak fares.
• Access up-to-date schedules for Metrorail and Metrobus.
• Find the best travel times based on the latest timetables.
• Integrates real-time updates on train and bus arrival times.
• Provides service disruption and delay notifications.
• Highlights accessible routes and stations.
• Provides elevator and escalator status updates.
• Shows nearest Metrorail stations and Metrobus stops from the user’s location or specified address.
• Helps identify the closest transit options quickly.
• Users can sign up for service change alerts and notifications.
• Receive updates on delays and planned maintenance.
• Incorporates walking and biking directions to and from Metro stations and bus stops.
• Supports comprehensive trip planning involving multiple transportation modes.
• Option to save frequent trips for easy future access.
• Share trip details via email or text with others.
• Available online through the WMATA website.
• Accessible via the WMATA mobile app for iOS and Android devices.

Benefits of the DC Metro Route Planner:

• Efficiency : Identifies the fastest and most convenient routes.
• Cost-Effective : Provides fare details to help users budget their travel.
• Accessibility : Ensures travelers with mobility needs can find suitable routes.
• Convenience : Offers centralized access to all transit-related information.
• Environmental Impact : Encourages use of public transport, reducing traffic and emissions.

DC Metro Cost Planner

Dc metro trip planner.

• Allows users to plan routes across Metrorail and Metrobus networks.
• Input starting and ending locations, and select departure or arrival times.
• Offers multiple route options including the quickest route, the route with the fewest transfers, and the route with the least walking.
• Displays estimated travel times for each route.
• Provides fare estimates for the planned trip.
• Access up-to-date schedules and timetables for Metrorail and Metrobus.
• Helps users find the best travel times based on the latest timetables.
• Provides notifications of service disruptions and delays.
• Offers elevator and escalator status updates.
• Shows the nearest Metrorail stations and Metrobus stops from the user’s current location or a specified address.
• Users can sign up for alerts and notifications about service changes, delays, and planned maintenance.

Benefits of the DC Metro Trip Planner

• Identifies the fastest and most convenient routes.
• Reduces time spent planning and navigating the transit system.
• Provides fare details to help users budget their travel expenses.
• Highlights the most affordable travel options.
• Ensures travelers with mobility needs can find suitable routes.
• Offers information on accessible stations and transit options.
• Offers a centralized platform for all transit-related information.
• Simplifies the process of planning and adjusting travel plans.
• Encourages the use of public transportation, reducing traffic congestion and emissions.
• Supports sustainable travel within the Washington DC area.

DC Metro Trip Planner App

The DC Metro Trip Planner app offers a range of convenient features to help users navigate the Washington, DC Metro system efficiently:

• Route Planning : Enter start and destination stations to get detailed step-by-step directions, including transfer points and trip duration.
• Real-Time Arrival Updates : Provides live train arrival and departure times for all Metro lines, helping users plan around delays.
• Fare Calculation : Displays fare estimates based on travel distance, time of day (peak/off-peak), and fare options (regular, senior, or disabled).
• Station Information : Offers station-specific details such as available amenities, parking availability, and nearby bus routes.
• Service Alerts and Notifications : Notifies users of service disruptions, maintenance schedules, and other Metro updates in real-time.
• Interactive Maps : Includes detailed Metro system maps with station locations, lines, and connections to make navigation easier.
• Save Favorite Routes : Users can save frequently used routes and stations for quick access.
• Accessibility Options : Offers information on station accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
• Multi-Mode Transit : Integrates with bus routes, biking paths, and walking directions to offer a seamless, multimodal trip plan.

These features make the app a useful tool for both everyday commuters and visitors exploring the DC area.

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Washington DC's Metro system is a great way to get to hundreds of popular locations and attractions in and around Washington DC. Metro's six lines and 91 stations are located in Washington DC and neighboring Virginia and Maryland. With over 700,000 trips every weekday, the rail system provides easy access to popular attractions including the National Mall , National Zoo , White House , Washington Nationals Park, and much more. The system also provides access to other area transit options, including a station at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Union Station (with Amtrak , MARC , and VRE train service), and MetroBus express routes to to Dulles International Airport and Baltimore Washington International Airport .

10 Metro Stops for Top DC Attractions

If you’re visiting the Nation’s Capital, chances are pretty good that you’re looking forward to take it all on. See our list of the top 10 metro stations you need to know to visit the area's most popular attractions.

DC Metro Map

The first step to planning your trip is the DC Metro Map. Find the stations near your destination and learn about the Metro System on DC Transit Guide's Metro Map.

Metro Lines

Explore Metro's six lines, and plan your route. Select individual stations to view live next train predictions, learn about nearby attractions, and see parking details for each station.

Pay for your trips with the convenient and reusable SmarTrip card. SmarTrip cards offer an convenient and cost saving way to pay for DC area transportation systems.

Rider Details

Details on Metro's hours, price stricture, taking your bike, and more.

10 DC Metro Tips and Tricks

Check out these 10 tips that everybody should know before they get to the nation's capitol and onto the DC Metro.

A collection of some of the most common questions about riding and navigating the DC Metrorail system.

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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 navigating 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 highly-rated 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

For the first eight years of living in DC, I did not own a car and used the Metro and bus system to get around. While I have a car now (thanks to 2 kids), I still prefer the Metro for most of my trips around DC. Almost all DC by Foot tour guides take the Metro to and from tours.

If you're worried about using the Metro for the first time, join our Intro to DC Tour - which takes the Metro with one of our licensed professional tour guides to help you learn how to use the system.

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PAYING FOR TRIPS

You can pay for your trips on the metro in a few ways.

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 following:

• 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 can buy a card at the station. A 1-day unlimited pass costs $15.50, which covers $2 for the card includes $13.50 worth of preloaded credit. They also offer 3-day unlimited passes and permanent cards that can have their balance “recharged.” 

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

If you don't want to carry a physical card, add a virtual card to your phone or mobile device using Apple Wallet or Google Pay. Follow the instructions very carefully, as a mistake could deactivate your physical card and lose any balance it holds.

You can also download apps onto your phone to do various things, such as purchasing cards, checking for trains, looking at maps, etc.

We recommend DC Metro and Bus or Washington DC Metro Route Map; however, all of the apps use the same services, so you only need to 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 shows the cost of moving from one station to another.  

The system does charge less at certain times.

From 5:00 am until 9:30 pm on weekdays, the cost will land between $2.25 and $6.75.

After 9:30 pm on weekdays and over weekends, there will be a flat rate between $2.25 - $2.50.

The Metro’s Trip Planner service on their website can help you  plan your route and estimate the fare cost.

Important Note:  You can only use the same debit/card three times in one day before the machines stop taking it. Metro machines accept bills and coins, 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 unlimited pas s for $15.50/person or a 3-day pass for $35.75/person.

There are no travel restrictions so you can use this pass anytime and without additional charges.

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

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

For most people, a one —or three-day pass makes sense only if you plan to make more than two longer-distance round trips daily.

Remember that all Metrorail trips are a $2.25 - $2.50 fare on Saturdays and Sundays, so a pass is usually not the best deal if you use Metro mostly on weekends . You are better off paying as you go.

If you're moving to DC or planning to stay there for a while, there are 7-day pass and monthly commuter pass options.

These packages are 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, and some stations have multiple entrances/exits.

You can locate them quickly by looking for the tall brown post with the large letter M at the top. usually next to sidewalks or street corners.

The station's name 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 $2.25 per trip, regardless of time or distance, but using a SmarTrip card saves .20 cents a ride.

Also note that if you use a SmarTrip card, you have a two-hour window during which you can take as many bus rides as you want without being charged again.

If you use the SmartTrip during a transfer from a train to a bus (and vice versa), Metro will credit you back the fare you paid when you entered 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 at the end of each trip.

For example, you might want to enter "White House" and "Capitol Hill" as the 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 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. The driver may wave you on for no charge if their collection system is down, so you don’t necessarily need to worry about having cash on-hand. 

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

They will have a circular target on the 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 must 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 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 must take either the right or left escalator to reach 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.

You'll find signs at the bottom of the escalator for stations with center platforms.

Trains will also arrive with the end-of-the-line station they're heading towards listed electronically on the front of them.

For example, as the picture above shows, the end of the 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 the last stop to ensure you're heading in the correct direction on that line.

If you took the Red Line train to Glenmont instead of Shady Grove, you would be going in the wrong direction and wouldn't find your stop.

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

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

You'll be fine if you're going in the right direction and your stop is before that particular station!

Reading the Signs On the Platform

On the platform, signs list the following 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 lines of color 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 showing where those shorter 6-car trains end.

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

Check this to ensure 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 flash, letting you know it will be arriving soon.

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

For safety reasons, the doors won’t open for 10-15 seconds. After the doors open and passengers exit, 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 can count how many stops there are until you 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.

Although train operators announce stops, it can sometimes be challenging to hear.

However, you can see which station you're arriving at as the train pulls in because the station's name will be on the wall outside. For example, if you’re getting off at Foggy Bottom, you will see signs labeled Foggy Bottom when the train pulls into the station.

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 blog posts below will tell you more about that.

• DCA National Airport
• Dulles (IAD) Airport

While the BWI (Baltimore-Washington) Airport is not accessible directly by metro, click here to see our blog post about getting to and from BWI.

OTHER TRAVEL OPTIONS

Don't fret if you're running late or worried about being stranded due to a Metro breakdown. 

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

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

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

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

Of course, you can always opt for ride-hailing services like Uber , 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, there is only one Metro Station in the entire 5 square miles of the National Mall, and there is no station in 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 when purchasing a tourist pass.

And don't forget our walking tours!

Our tours start and end within walking distance of a Metro station. Our guides can ensure 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 experience.

DC by Foot has a Washington, DC Travel Trips group on Facebook with over 85,000 members. It's a great place to post a question you'd like an answer to.

Here are a few other exciting and helpful tips and tricks provided by tour guides and travelers, which 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. Locals rushing to catch their train will run on the left, and they are likely to be irritated (and vocal) if you block 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 them your seat. If you see someone leaning on crutches...give them 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 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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About The Author

Canden Arciniega

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

A Beginner’s Guide to Mastering the Washington DC Metro System

The Washington DC metro system may not have the storied history of some of the country’s other subterranean trains, but any newcomer to the city will be pleased with its efficiency and convenience.

Metro stations are surprisingly clean, modern-looking affairs with highly accurate arrival boards and spacious turnstiles that won’t grip you like an arcade claw machine. (Looking at you, MTA.)

Don’t be alarmed at the seemingly never-ending entrance escalators; these trains will whisk you away to your destination ahead of schedule. Once you have the hang of the system, a single SmarTrip card can take you across the city and even beyond its borders.

Metro Basics

The DC metro is made up of six different colored lines: orange, silver, blue, red, green, and yellow. They all intersect at several key stations near the center of town: Metro Center, Gallery Place, and L’Enfant Plaza.

You’ll notice that most of the lines run on the same tracks closer to the center of town and then diverge as you go further out. Zooming out, the red, green, and yellow lines run generally North to South, and will take you into Maryland eventually, to Bethesda and Glenmont on the red and to College Park on the green or yellow.

Silver, Blue, and Orange will be your go-tos in Virginia.

SmarTrip Cards

A SmarTrip card is a must have for any traveler hoping to navigate the streets and rails of DC. The easiest method to purchase a new card is at the big blue boxes labeled “Fare Vending” located at the entrance of every Metro station.

You can also buy a card at a number of Commuter Stores scattered across the tri state area, as well as the central Metro Sales Office on 12th and F Streets. A full list of all locations is available on the official website of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA).

You can even order a card online and have it delivered wherever you like on the same site’s SmarTrip store page.

Each new card costs $10 in total: $2 for the card itself, and $8 preloaded value. Once you have used up those first few trips, you’ll have a few options to reload:

Pay As You Go

The same blue boxes you used to purchase your card are also the place to reload. After tapping your card to the reader, you will be prompted to choose “Add Value” or “Add Time.” If you choose to add value, you can select an amount to on the next screen using the toggle keys next to the card reader and then pay for that amount using cash or card.

If you’re visiting the city and plan to use public transportation multiple times a day, a timed pass will be the best option. After selecting “Add Time,” you can choose a 1, 3, or 7 day unlimited pass, which cost $13, $28, and $58 respectively.

Another good option for travelers is the 7 day short trip pass, which will cover any fare at an off peak time, or a peak time up to $3.85, and takes $2 off the fare for a Metrobus Express or airport shuttle.

Those sticking around even longer can look at the monthly unlimited pass, which ranges anywhere from $72 to $216, depending on the length of your usual commute. WMATA’s Monthly Unlimited Pass Calculator will give an estimate of the cost.

Lastly, 7 day bus-only passes are also available for $12, but I advise that car-less travelers will probably want to hop a train sometime, especially when DC rush hour hits!

Tap and Go: How to Get Through the Turnstile

To get through the turnstiles, all you’ll need to do is tap your card on the reader. On Metrobuses, you’ll see the same reader next to the driver where you get on. The readers are powerful enough to scan through a wallet, so there’s no need to pull your card out. (Yes, I am still picking on MTA.)

When riding the train, you’ll also need to tap your card on the reader again to exit the station. If your card doesn’t have enough value for a longer ride and the exit turnstiles won’t let you out, don’t panic! The “Exit Fare” boxes next to every exit will allow you to add the remaining amount.

Tech savvy travelers will be happy to hear that SmarTrip cards can easily be transferred to your phone’s Apple Wallet or Google Pay account. (Note: your physical card won’t be usable once you transfer it to a digital wallet.) There’s also a SmarTrip app, which allows you to see your card’s balance and add more value or passes on the go.

Fares and Peak Times

Here’s where it gets slightly trickier: the fare for each ride will depend on how far and when you’re riding. Fares will be more expensive at rush hour, or peak times, between 5 am and 9:30 am in the morning and between 3 pm and 7 pm in the afternoon. Peak fares run anywhere between $2.25 and $6, while off peak fares won’t net you more than $3.85.

The Metrobus, on the other hand, is just $2 for any ride, and $4.25 for any express route. You can find the cost of any ride from your current station from a chart on the top of the same “Fare Vending” boxes used to buy SmarTrip cards.

Even better, you are free to transfer between buses as many times as you want in a two hour period without any extra charge. Going train to bus, on the other hand, will incur a slight fee, but less than a regular ride.

Those commuting from outside the city proper will also be happy to know that SmarTrip cards work with almost any regional bus systems in Virginia and Maryland.

Travel Tips

Navigation apps like Google or Apple Maps sometimes don’t have accurate train or arrival times. I recommend downloading one of several apps that receives direct information, like the DC Metro and Bus app. There, you can search any station or route and receive real time arrival estimates.

Waiting for the bus? Take a look at the bus stop sign and you’ll see a 7 digit number code. You can plug this into either an app or the WMATA website to get real time arrivals for that specific stop!

Lastly, I’ll put a second emphasis on checking arrival times directly from WMATA as of the winter of 2021. The city began renovation efforts after a minor accident at Arlington Cemetery in October, and although trains have supposedly resumed running on schedule, I’ve noticed that wait times at some stations still seem a little longer than usual.

Now, you’re ready to hit the rails and roads with your Washington DC Metro SmarTrip card in hand!

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About the author.

Cybele Mayes-Osterman