Washington Metro - A Guide to Using the Washington, DC Metrorail

The Washington Metro, the regional subway system, provides clean, safe and reliable transportation to almost all of the major attractions in Washington, DC and extends to the suburbs of Maryland and Virginia. Although it is crowded during rush hour and when there is a big event going on downtown, taking the Washington Metro is usually cheaper and easier than finding a place to park in Washington, DC.

There are five Metro lines: (See the list of specific stations for each line on page 2)

Red - Glenmont to Shady Grove
Orange - New Carrollton to Vienna/Fairfax-GMU
Blue - Franconia-Springfield to Largo Town Center
Green - Branch Ave to Greenbelt
Yellow - Huntington to Mt Vernon Sq 7th St-Convention Center.

The Metro lines intersect so that passengers can change trains and travel anywhere on the system. See a map.

Washington Metro Hours

Open: 5 a.m. weekdays, 7 a.m. weekends
Close: Midnight Sunday thru Thursday, and 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights

Metro Farecards

The magnetic farecards can be encoded with any amount of money from $1.35 to $39.95. Fares range from $1.35 to $4.50 depending on your destination and the time of day. Fares are higher during rush hour from 5:30 to 9:30 a.m. and from 3 to 7 p.m. An all day Metro pass is available for $5 on weekends and after 9:30 a.m. on weekdays. 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 farecard vending machine.

SmarTrip Cards: A plastic rechargeable farecard can be encoded with up to $300. If you register your card, Metro will replace it if it is lost or stolen for a $5 fee and you won’t lose the value on the card. Parking at a metro parking lot costs $4.75 during the week and is free on weekends and holidays. SmarTrip cards can also be used to pay for Metrobus fare.

SmartBenefits: Many employers provide free transportation as a fringe benefit to their employees. Employers assign transit benefits directly to their employees' SmarTrip card. For more information, call 800-745-RIDE or by visit commuterconnections.org.

Children's fares: Up to two children, under age 4, ride free with each adult paying full fare. Children 5 and older pay adult fares.

Student fares: Special discounted student farecards and passes are available for District of Columbia residents.

Senior/Disabled fares: Seniors age 65 and over and disabled persons are given a reduced fare of half of the regular fare, not to exceed $1.95. Read more about disabled access.

Note: Farecards can be purchased in advance online and at a variety of off-site locations. This is highly recommend for any major event.

Parking at Metro Lots

You must use a Smartrip card to pay for parking at most Metro Stations. Major credit cards are accepted at Anacostia, Franconia-Springfield, Largo Town Center, New Carrollton, Shady Grove and Vienna/Fairfax-GMU. Parking at a metro parking lot costs $4.75 during the week and is free on weekends and holidays. Reserved monthly parking permits are available for $55 at all stations.

Metro Rules and Tips

• No eating or drinking is allowed on Metro.
  
• Allow people to get off the train before you board.
  
• Handicapped seating must be available for the disabled or elderly.
  
• The most crowded times are 7:45 to 8:45 a.m. and 4:45 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 farecard or SmarTrip card so that you don’t have to add money at the vending machine each time you ride.
  
• Keep your money and valuables out of sight.
  
• Call boxes are located at the end of each rail car, if needed to report an emergency.

Metro Security

The Washington Metrorail has systems and processes in place to handle emergency situations. When you ride Metro, you should know what to do and how to be prepared if an emergency situation arises. See a guide to Washington Metro Security and find out about Metro safeguards and evacuation procedures.

Official Web Site

www.wmata.com

See Page 2 for A Guide to Washington Metro Station Locations