The Washington DC metro system may not have the storied history of some of the country’s other subterranean trains. Still, 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 consists of six color-coded lines: Red, Orange, Silver, Blue, Green, and Yellow. These lines intersect at several key stations near the center of town: Metro Center, Gallery Place–Chinatown, and L’Enfant Plaza.
Most lines share tracks through central DC, then branch off as you head into the suburbs. In general:
- Red, Green, and Yellow lines run primarily north to south and extend into Maryland. The Red Line goes to Bethesda and Glenmont, while the Green and Yellow take you toward College Park and Greenbelt.
- Orange, Silver, and Blue lines serve Virginia, with the Silver Line now extending all the way to Ashburn—including a stop at Washington Dulles International Airport, thanks to the 2022 extension.
Keep in mind that WMATA occasionally adjusts service schedules for maintenance or special events (like the 2025 Presidential Inauguration), so it’s a good idea to check for real-time updates before your trip.
SmarTrip Cards
A SmarTrip card is a must-have for any traveler hoping to navigate the streets and rails of DC. The easiest way 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 NW. A full list of sales locations is available on the official WMATA website.
Prefer to plan ahead? You can order a card online and have it delivered to your address via the SmarTrip Store.
Each new card costs $10 total: $2 for the card itself and $8 in preloaded value. Once you’ve used up those first few trips, you’ll have a few options to reload:
Pay As You Go
The same blue machines used to purchase your card can also be used to reload. Tap your card to the reader, then select “Add Value” to load funds, or “Add Pass” to purchase a time-based fare. You can pay using cash, credit, or debit card.
SmarTrip is also compatible with Apple Pay and Google Pay, so you can now tap your phone or smartwatch instead of a physical card.
Day Passes
If you’re visiting the city and plan to use public transit multiple times a day, a timed pass can save money:
- 1-Day Unlimited Pass: $13.50
- 3-Day Unlimited Pass: $33.75
- 7-Day Unlimited Pass: $60.75
- 7-Day Short Trip Pass: $40.50 — covers peak fares up to $4.50, with any balance deducted from stored value
Those staying longer can consider a Monthly Unlimited Pass, which ranges from $72 to $216, depending on your typical travel distance. WMATA’s Monthly Pass Calculator can help estimate your cost.
For travelers sticking to the bus system, there’s also a 7-Day Regional Bus Pass for $13.50, covering unlimited rides on Metrobus and participating regional buses.
Pro Tip
You can set up auto-reload to top up your card or renew your pass automatically, making it even easier to keep moving. WMATA also offers reduced fare programs for seniors, people with disabilities, and income-qualified riders.
Tap and Go: How to Get Through the Turnstile
To enter the Metro system, simply tap your SmarTrip card or mobile device on the faregate reader. On Metrobuses, the same tap-to-pay readers are located next to the driver. The upgraded faregates, installed across all 98 Metrorail stations, allow for quicker and more efficient entry.
When exiting the train, you’ll need to tap again to complete your trip. If your card lacks sufficient funds for the journey, don’t worry—Exit Fare machines are available near the faregates to add the necessary value.
Mobile Wallet Integration
You can now use Apple Wallet or Google Wallet to tap and pay with your phone or smartwatch. Just transfer your SmarTrip card to your device—note that once transferred, the physical card is deactivated.
To manage your balance or reload, use the SmarTrip app or reload directly through your mobile wallet.
Fares and Peak Times
The fare for each ride on Metrorail now depends solely on the distance traveled, not on peak times. Fares range from $2.25 to $6.75, with weekends and late nights typically costing $2.25–$2.50 depending on your journey.
While there is no longer a distinction between peak and off-peak fares, you’ll still want to avoid busy hours, as stations and trains can get crowded.
For Metrobus rides:
- Standard routes cost $2.25.
- Express routes cost $4.80.
Transfers between buses are free within two hours. However, transferring from rail to bus will incur a small fee, though it’s less than the cost of a regular bus ride.
Those commuting from outside DC will be happy to know that SmarTrip cards are also accepted on most regional bus systems in Virginia and Maryland, making it easier to travel across the region.
Travel Tips (2025 Update)
Navigation apps like Google Maps or Apple Maps may not always provide accurate train or arrival times. It’s recommended to download Washington DC apps dedicated DC Metro that receive direct data from the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA):
- DC Metro and Bus App: Offers real-time arrival information for all Metro stations and bus stops, along with a trip planner and interactive system map.
- DC Transit: Provides real-time Metro and bus arrival times, trip planning, service alerts, and offline functionality.
- DC Metro • Rail & Bus Tracker: Delivers next arrival information, service alerts, and nearby transit options with lock screen widgets.
Additionally, WMATA’s official tool, MetroPulse, offers real-time information on train and bus locations, schedule adherence, and service advisories. You can access it via their website or add it to your home screen for quick access.
When waiting for the bus, look for the 7-digit code on the bus stop sign. You can enter this code into the WMATA website or compatible apps to get real-time arrivals for that specific stop.
Regarding the renovation efforts at Arlington Cemetery Station, as of 2025, there have been no reported incidents or renovations affecting Metro service. Trains are operating on schedule, and there are no significant delays or disruptions at this station.
