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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.

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metro travel times washington dc

Using the Washington, D.C. Metro Subway System

Hours, Fares, Rules, and More

metro travel times washington dc

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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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.  

Washington, DC Metro Map

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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How to Use the Washington DC Metro

metro travel times washington dc

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.

metro travel times washington dc

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 . 

Washington DC Travel Tips and Hacks

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 

metro travel times washington dc

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.

metro travel times washington dc

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.

metro travel times washington dc

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.

metro travel times washington dc

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.

metro travel times washington dc

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.

DC Trails Bus Tour

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.

Free Tours 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.

metro travel times washington dc

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.

RELEVANT POSTS

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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.

How to Ride Washington DC Metro

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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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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Introducing the ultimate travel app for Washington, D.C.! Say goodbye to waiting for buses or trains with our real-time tracking feature that shows you exactly where your ride is and when it will arrive. • Our app offers up to five different route options to your destination, so you can choose the fastest or most convenient route for your trip • Never miss your stop again with our stop notifications, which alert you when your stop is approaching. • With live crowding information, you'll know whether to skip the next bus or train or wait for the next one. • Stay ahead of delays and diversions with our real-time updates, and enjoy the convenience of full seven-day schedules with live and offline map routes. • Need to find your way home? Our one-tap "get me home" feature and last bus or train information will make sure you never get lost again. Simplify your daily commute and download our app today! -- Privacy Policy: https://travelwhiz.app/privacy Terms of Use: https://travelwhiz.app/terms

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Metro unveils 2024 cherry blossom designs for trains, buses and SmarTrip cards

Wmata will also be reducing track work to accommodate crowds around peak bloom, by jordan young • published february 29, 2024 • updated on february 29, 2024 at 3:08 pm.

As cherry blossom season approaches in D.C., Metro is in bloom, too.

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority has released the designs for their annual cherry blossom-themed trains, buses and commemorative SmarTrip cards.

Bring on the blossoms!🌸With peak bloom projected Mar 23-26 per @NatlParkService , Metro welcomes 1M+ visitors. Enjoy our blossom-themed trains/buses, commemorative SmarTrip cards, & no daytime/evening track work Mar 18-Apr 19. Learn more: https://t.co/1Kre4gp0D1 … #wmata pic.twitter.com/LwKeZQlJvz — Metro Forward (@wmata) February 29, 2024

The commemorative SmarTrip cards will feature illustrations of the Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument among the iconic cherry blossom trees.

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The cards will become available March 15 and can only be purchased at select stations: Metro Center, Navy Yard, L’Enfant Plaza and Smithsonian.

WMATA said the decked-out trains and buses — which consist of illustrations of giant pink cherry blossoms against a blue background and a “bring on the blossoms” slogan — are expected to be put into service mid-March, according to the press release.

The design will be wrapped around one six-car train and three buses. Users can track the cherry blossom train and buses using WMATA’s tracker .

Transportation

Reporter Adam Tuss and the News4 team are covering you down on the roads and in transit.

metro travel times washington dc

Metro to increase special police presence for safety

metro travel times washington dc

Teen girl dies in apparent Metro ‘train surfing' incident in Silver Spring, Maryland

The National Park Service announced Thursday that it predicts peak bloom will be between March 23 and March 26.

Metro to pause track work for cherry blossom crowds

There will be no daytime or evening track from March 18 through April 19 to accommodate people traveling to see the cherry blossoms, according to a press release . On these days, construction wouldn’t start until after 10 p.m. These dates are planned around peak bloom but are subject to change if peak bloom ends up being early or late.

To help with crowd control during the National Cherry Blossom Festival, WMATA will be adding some additional trains and buses to key routes as well as additional staff.

“Cherry blossom season kicks off one of the busiest times of year for Metro," said Metro Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer Brian Dwyer in the press release. "We are proud to be a part of the festivities and welcome all visitors to the nation's capital to use Metro for their travels.”

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metro travel times washington dc

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  2. Metro Lines

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  3. Mapa Metro Washington Dc

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  4. Hotels In Washington DC Near the Metro

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  5. Streetwise washington dc metro map

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  6. Washington Metro Area Map

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COMMENTS

  1. Trip Planner

    Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Open Mobile Menu. Manage Your SmarTrip Account. Get a SmarTrip Card. Service. ... View real-time train locations. OPEN MAP. Fares. Cost to Ride; ... Your 2023 Metro Report. GET YOUR STATS! Business.

  2. Navigating Washington, DC's Metro System

    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 .

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

    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.

  4. DC Metro Fares and Hours

    Fares. Metro fares vary by time of day, trip distance (entry/exit stations), and type of payment. The prices indicated assume that the rider us using a SmarTrip card . Peak fares (weekdays 5:00am - 9:30am, and 3pm-7pm; weekends midnight - closing): $2.10 - $5.75. Off-Peak fares (all other times): $1.70 - $3.50.

  5. Guide to Riding the Washington, D.C. Metro Subway

    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.

  6. Navigating Washington, DC's Metro System

    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 .

  7. ‎DC Transit • Metro & Bus Times on the App Store

    Introducing the ultimate travel app for Washington, D.C.! Say goodbye to waiting for buses or trains with our real-time tracking feature that shows you exactly where your ride is and when it will arrive. • Our app offers up to five different route options to your destination, so you can choose the fastest or most convenient route for your trip.

  8. How to Use the Washington DC Metro

    Washington DC Metro Map . HOW TO RIDE THE DC METRO. ... 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. ... Free Tours 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.

  9. How to Ride the Washington DC Metro Like A Local

    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.

  10. How to Ride DC Metro: 10 Dos and Don'ts

    How to Ride Washington DC Metro. 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.

  11. 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:

  12. DC Metro and Bus

    About this app. Washington DC's number one public transit app, with realtime and schedule information for Metro rail, WMATA/Metro bus, Arlington Transit (ART) and DC Circulator. Plan your trip in the Washington Metropolitan region, including DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland. Realtime rail predictions for all DC Metro stations.

  13. MetroHero

    A free app for WMATA DC Metrorail commuters. Real-time interactive line maps, expanded station train ETAs, and more. A free app for WMATA DC Metrorail commuters. ... avg time btwn trains. Northbound. towards Greenbelt. 9 minutes. Southbound. towards Branch Avenue. 9 minutes. Live Map. Detail. WMATA's data feed is down! 😞 (data up to 38 ...

  14. How to use DC Metro: Guide for Tourists

    Purchase a DC metro fare card, called the SmarTrip card, at any metro station, online or at a number of retailers throughout the area. The easiest thing to do is purchase a rechargeable card for $2 and add whatever money to it as you need it. It can be "recharged" at any time should you need more money.

  15. Metro Times Washington DC 4+

    Metro Times is a must-have for the traveller or commuter alike in DC region. This app gets data directly from Metro's servers to provide the most up-to-date information possible. - While underground, location information is often incorrect. - This application is not affiliated with or supported by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit ...

  16. Home

    Metro enhances safety with increased police patrols on trains and buses, more than 30,000 cameras. ... Our new interactive web tool for real-time customer info and system performance data. EXPLORE NOW. Home. TRANSIT INFORMATION; METROPULSE; BUS MAPS; ... TRAVEL INFORMATION 202.637.7000. TTY 202.962.2033. TRANSIT POLICE 202.962.2121. TEXT ...

  17. ‎DC Metro and Bus on the App Store

    iPad. iPhone. Washington DC Metro and Bus is the region's most popular dedicated DC transit app. Realtime rail and bus predictions and DC Metro map directly from WMATA (Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority), ART (Arlington Transit) and DC Circulator, serving Washington DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland.

  18. Washington Metro

    The Washington Metro, often abbreviated as the Metro and formally the Metrorail, is a rapid transit system serving the Washington metropolitan area of the United States. It is administered by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), which also operates the Metrobus service under the Metro name. Opened in 1976, the network now includes six lines, 98 stations, and 129 miles ...

  19. ‎DC Transit • Metro & Bus Times on the App Store

    Download DC Transit • Metro & Bus Times and enjoy it on your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. ‎Introducing the ultimate travel app for Washington, D.C.! Say goodbye to waiting for buses or trains with our real-time tracking feature that shows you exactly where your ride is and when it will arrive. • Our app offers up to five different route ...

  20. Metro unveils 2024 cherry blossom SmarTrip cards ...

    Bring on the blossoms!🌸With peak bloom projected Mar 23-26 per @NatlParkService, Metro welcomes 1M+ visitors.Enjoy our blossom-themed trains/buses, commemorative SmarTrip cards, & no daytime ...

  21. Fares

    Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Open Mobile Menu. ... Ride Metro using only your phone in a station, on a bus or driving out of a parking lot - all with one tap. ... weather heats up in the region, festivals and events increase. We want your trip to be safe, convenient, and easy on Metro, so we developed travel tips to help you ...

  22. Metro crime trends down, perception is still mixed

    Metro General Manager Randy Clarke walked WUSA9 through the numbers. He said crime overall is down 14% year over year. He said this is seen across all categories: assaults, thefts, robberies, etc.

  23. Pass Options

    Pass is activated the first time it is used. Valid for seven (7) consecutive days of unlimited rides (up to $2) on Metrobus, ART, DC Circulator, CUE, DASH, Fairfax Connector, TheBus, and Ride On. A $2 credit is applied toward more expensive bus routes (express, airport, etc.) - the difference is deducted from Stored Value funds or SmartBenefits ...