How to Use the Subway (Metrorail or “The Metro”) in Washington, DC
The subway in Washington, DC, is a convenient, clean and easy-to-use way to get around Washington. It is called by most “the Metro”, although its official name is Metrorail. The Metro is operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA).
Also see Unsuck DC Metro.
Metro station entrances are marked by tall brown columns with a large “M” on top. Metro lines are color-coded: Blue, Green, Orange, Red and Yellow. The column identifies the station by name, and the color stripes at the top show which Metrorail lines serve that station.Metro station entrances are marked by tall brown columns with a large “M” on top.
Metro lines are color-coded: Blue, Green, Orange, Red and Yellow. The column identifies the station by name, and the color stripes at the top show which Metrorail lines serve that station.
The Metro has 5 lines: Blue, Green, Orange, Red and Yellow.
The first phase of the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project will begin operations in 2013.
There are maps in the stations and inside the trains. Here is a printable station map (2-page PDF
).
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Finding Your Route |
Using a map, find the destination and the last stop of the line going in the direction you want to go. Note the color of the line and any stations where you need to transfer. Transfer stations are marked on Metro maps with a double black circle. The color of the line is shown in the front window of the train. Here is a printable station map (2-page PDF), which can be folded and carried in your pocket – very handy. WMATA has a handy Trip Planner.
Here is list of stations with line-colors.
Also see StationMasters Online, which has maps of the neighborhoods around all Metro stations. Very Handy and Recommended.
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Metro Fares |
Your Metrorail fare depends on when and how far you travel. Peak fares are charged weekdays between opening-9:30 am and 3-7 pm, and 2 am to closing. Off-peak fares are charged at all other times. Fares are posted in all Metrobuses and at all Metro station kiosks. Up to two children 4-years old or younger ride free when accompanied by a paying passenger.
On Metrorail, you need a magnetically encoded farecard to ride. Each passenger must have one. Farecards can be purchased at any Metro station. Note: Farecard vending machines give change in coins and the maximum change returned is $5 – keep in mind if you are using a large bill.
You can also use a SmarTrip card, a permanent rechargeable farecard, in lieu of a paper farecard. SmarTrip is plastic, like a credit card, and is embedded with a special computer chip that keeps track of the value of the card. One advantage of the SmarTrip card is that instead of inserting a farecard through the faregate slot, you simply touch the SmarTrip card to the circular target panels on top of Metrorail station faregates. Highly Recommended (What’s inside a SmarTrip card?)
If you’re transferring from Metrorail to Metrobus in the District of Columbia or Virginia, get a rail transfer at the station where you enter and give it to the Metrobus operator when you first board to receive a discount on your bus fare.
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How to Buy a Farecard |
Metro has two kinds of farecard vending machines: Farecards and Passes/Farecards. Both have complete instructions on the front of the machine. You can also add value to your SmarTrip card at Passes/Farecards machines. If you have questions, ask the station manager, who can be found in the booth near the entrances. Note: Farecards are not refundable.
See WMATA’s web site for other places to buy Metro fares, including online.
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How to Use Your Farecard |
At the Metro station, just insert your farecard into the faregate with the green light and white arrow. Keep your farecard! You’ll need it to exit. When you exit, your fare is automatically deducted and your farecard is returned if any value remains. Farecards with no remaining value are kept by the faregate. If your farecard does not have enough fare for you to exit, you need to add money at the exitfare machine. Note: Magnets and Metro farecards don’t mix. Keep your farecard away from credit cards and magnetic wallet clasps.
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Hours |
Check the Metro website for current information. Last train times vary – check the last train times posted in stations so you don’t miss the last train.
Note the later opening hours on weekend:
- M-Th: 5:00 am – 12 midnight
- Friday: 5:00 am – 3:00 am (Sat. morning)
- Saturday: 7:00 am – 3:00 am (Sun. morning)
- Sunday: 7:00 am – 12 midnight
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Where to Wait for the Train |
Signs in each station tell you which side of the platform to wait for your train. Read down until you find your destination station. Trains generally stop in the middle of each platform, and flashing lights at the platform’s edge let you know a train is coming. Destinations are displayed over the train’s front and side windows. The color of the line is shown in the front window.
- When using the escalators in the Metro System, always stay to the right unless you plan on walking up or down the steps immediately upon entering them. The left side of the escalator is for those walking up or down, the right side for those standing. (See Please Stand to the Right.)
- While on the train, try to stay AWAY from the doors–move to the center of the train or take a seat. Since the doors can open on either side of the train, depending on which station you arrive in, it makes it easier for those exiting and entering the train if you’re away from the doors. During major events or during rush hour (7-9am & 4-7pm) the trains can get very crowded and it behooves you to move inward. Start moving toward the door about two stops away from your destination if the trains are crowded.
- Please do not eat, drink, smoke or litter on Metro vehicles or in stations. It’s illegal and punishable by fine and jail.
- Tape players and portable radios are allowed as long as you use an earphone or headset.
- Let passengers leaving the bus or train get off before you try to get on.
- Special seats are reserved for senior citizens and riders with disabilities – please give up your seat if you see them standing.
- And, as in any large city, keep on eye on your belongings, especially portable music players and cell phones.
More information
Metro’s web site is www.wmata.com, phone is 202-637-7000.
Metro Lost and Found online 202-962-1195
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Related Information |
Building the Washington Metro, an online exhibit – by Zachary Schrag, GMU
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Thanks for the info! We’re relatively savy metro rider tourists, but never had to do so with a toddler. I could not find info on whether or not our two-year-old needed a farecard on the wmata website. I Googled and found this blog. I appreciate the clear information with working links for reference!