How do I use the subway, the Washington D.C. Metro in Washington D.C.?
Washington D.C. Metro Guide
The Washington, D.C. Metro is one of the easiest ways for visitors to get around the city, connecting major attractions, museums, neighborhoods, and airports. The system includes six color-coded lines with stations throughout Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Riders can use a SmarTrip card or mobile wallet to pay fares. Metro trains run daily from early morning until late at night.
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) System Map
Click below for a full-size version. This map shows all six Metro lines, stations, and transfer points.
Metro Schedule*
- Monday – Thursday: 5:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
- Friday: 5:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.
- Saturday: 6:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.
- Sunday: 6:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
* Metro may operate on modified schedules during holidays
Metro Lines & Stations
There are 98 stations across six lines — Red, Blue, Orange, Silver, Yellow, and Green — serving Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. The Metro connects downtown, the National Mall, major neighborhoods, and regional airports, Reagan National Airport and Dulles International Airport.
★ Metro Transfer Stations - Highlighted in Burgundy
Click a section below to expand and read the details about each Metro Line.
Metro Transfers
A transfer occurs when you switch lines to reach your destination. Major transfer stations: Metro Center, L’Enfant Plaza, Gallery Place, Rosslyn, Fort Totten. Follow signs and station announcements. Tip: If you get on the wrong side of the Line when boarding just take the escalator to the opposite side.
Fares & Payment Options
Metrorail fares are based on distance, peak time and off-peak time. Metrobus fares are generally flat. Tap your SmarTrip card, contactless debit-credit card, or phone at entry and exit. Peak-hour time trips cost more than off-peak time trips.
A One Trip Ride on the Metro
On the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) system, one trip is counted each time you enter a Metrorail station through a fare gate using a SmarTrip® card or digital wallet and exit at your destination station. Transfers between Metro lines during a single journey are generally considered part of the same trip, as long as you do not exit and re-enter the system or exceed the maximum time allowed for that fare. Each trip is charged based on distance traveled and whether it occurs during peak or off-peak hours.
Metro Schedule: Peak vs. Non-Peak Hours & Estimated Fare Per One Trip
| Day/Time | Peak / Non-Peak | Train Frequency | Estimated Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday – Friday 6:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. |
Peak | Train Comes Every 6–8 min | $2.25 – $6.00 |
| Monday – Friday 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
Peak | Train Comes Every 6–8 min | $2.25 – $6.00 |
| Monday – Friday 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
Non-Peak | Train Comes Every 10–15 min | $2.00 – $5.75 |
| Evenings after 7:00 p.m. Weekends |
Non-Peak | Train Comes Every 10–15 min | $2.00 – $5.75 |
Metro Passes and Digital Wallet Options
The Washington Metro offers several types of passes to suit different riders. The SmarTrip® card is a reloadable card that can hold stored value for pay-as-you-go rides on both Metrorail and Metrobus, making it ideal for occasional riders. Riders can also use a digital wallet on their smartphone to pay for fares, offering a convenient, tap-to-pay option without needing a physical card.
There are weekly and monthly unlimited passes that provide unlimited Metrorail and Metrobus rides for 7 days or a full month, offering convenience and cost savings. Single-day or multi-day unlimited passes are also available providing unlimited rides for 1 or 3 consecutive days.
Fares for individual rides vary depending on distance and peak times, typically ranging from $2.25 to $6.75 for rail. Unlimited passes cost between $13.50 for a 1-day pass and up to $216 for a monthly pass, depending on travel.
For official details, visit the WMATA Fare Information page or see WMATA Pass Options.
How to Buy a SmarTrip® Card
You can purchase a physical SmarTrip® card The reloadable fare card used for paying subway and bus fares in the Washington Metro system. At any Metrorail station, use a Fare Vending Machine to buy a card and load value instantly for travel, or visit Metro commuter stores and select retail outlets throughout the region to purchase in person.
If you prefer to order ahead, you can buy a new plastic SmarTrip® card online and have it mailed to you within a few business days. Once you have your card, you can add stored value or passes at station kiosks, online, or through the SmarTrip mobile app so you’re ready to tap and ride. For more details and purchase options, visit the official WMATA Buy SmarTrip page.
Using a Digital Wallet on Metro
Riders can use a digital wallet on their smartphone or smartwatch to pay for Metrorail and Metrobus fares without a physical SmarTrip® card. Simply add your debit or credit card to Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, or Samsung Pay, then tap your device at the fare gates or bus readers. The system automatically calculates the correct fare based on distance and peak/off-peak times, and you can set up notifications or receipts depending on your wallet app. Digital wallets provide a convenient, contactless way to ride, eliminate the need to carry a physical card, and allow you to easily manage and track your Metro trips. For more information and tips on using mobile payments, visit the official WMATA SmarTrip & Digital Wallet page.
Using Digital Wallets with SmarTrip®
WMATA allows you to link your SmarTrip® account to a mobile device using Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, or Samsung Pay. You can load stored value (pay-as-you-go) or unlimited ride passes (1-Day, 7-Day, Monthly) to your digital SmarTrip® card. Once loaded, simply tap your phone or smartwatch at fare gates or on buses, just like using a physical SmarTrip® card. For more details, visit the official WMATA SmarTrip & Digital Wallet page.
Stay Updated
Check Metro Status Alerts for real-time service updates, planned construction, or elevator outages.
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