Operated by Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), Metrorail is the rapid transit system serving both residents and millions of tourists who visit the Nation's Capital every year. Considered one of the country's cleanest, and most comfortable public transportation systems, the 118 mile, 98 station DC Metrorail is the second-busiest rail transit system in the United States and serves the District of Columbia, and the surrounding areas of Maryland and Virginia.
There are six metro lines: the Red Line, Blue Line, Orange Line, Silver Line, Yellow Line, and the Green Line.
Red Line from Glenmont to Shady GroveMonday through Thursday, 5:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Friday, 5:00 a.m. until 1:00 a.m.
Saturday: 7:00 a.m. until 1:00 a.m.
Sunday: 7:00 a.m. until 12:00 a.m.
Washington DC Metrorail Holiday Hours
For fares on trips that involve trains and buses, use the Trip Planner. SmarTrip® card users get the lowest fares.
** Last train leaves some stations before closing time. When traveling late at night, be sure to check last train times which are posted in stations.
Metrorail fares are based on when and how far you travel. Fares from Station-to-station are posted in each station on station manager kiosks and on the Farecards and Passes machines.
You can also see the fares between stations by going to the Metrorail stations page and clicking on the station where you're starting your trip.
Each passenger needs a SmarTrip® card to ride the Metrorail. Up to two children under age 5 may travel free with a paying customer.
The Farecards and Passes accept credit and debit cards. If you use cash, make sure you bring small bills, the machines only provide up to $10 in change (in coins).
Washington DC Metrorail fare calculator
Fares for Washington DC Metrorail vary based on the service, ride length, day, and time you ride. Metro Trip Planner is the best way to calculate your fare.
SmarTrip Cards are permanent, rechargeable plastic farecards that you use to pay fares at all Metrorail stations in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, all Metro parking garages and lots, all Metrobus routes. It is also accepted at local bus systems in DC, Maryland, and Virginia — including ART, DASH, Fairfax Connector, Cue, RideON, TheBus, Circulator, Loudoun County Transit, and OmniRide.
SmarTrip is available on mobile devices and as a plastic card. The SmarTrip® card can hold up to $300 in Metrobus, Metrorail, and Metro parking value. A new card costs $2.
Online through the SmarTrip Store — plastic SmarTrip Cards are automatically registered and mailed within 5 business days; credit/debit card payments only.
In person at any Metro retail outlet or commuter store, or at a Fare Vending Machine located at any Metrorail Station.
Travel Tip...
The weekday rush-hour period is before 9:30 a.m. and between 3 and 7 p.m. If possible, plan your trip to avoid those times since those are the most crowded time to ride the transit system.
Did you know...
Forest Glen Metrorail station is the deepest station, measuring about 21 stories— or 196 feet underground.
Washington DC Metrorail
