When I first moved to Washington, DC, the metro seemed like a labyrinth. I hadn’t ever stepped foot into it before deciding it was complicated, hard to use, unsafe, and inconvenient. However, given the parking situation in this big city, I knew I should learn to use public transportation for the sake of my wallet (and my sanity. Scouring for open parking spots is so frustrating! So, I decided to give the DC Metro a shot.

To my surprise, using the metro train was not only easy but actually fun. It was way more convenient than I imagined and made me feel free since I didn’t have to be tethered to my car everywhere I went. I thought, is the joy of the metro a well-kept secret?! But after riding during peak times, I can assure you it is no secret.

How to use the DC metro…I mean, is it hard?

The Metrorail might initially seem elusive, but I can promise it’s not as mysterious as you think. Today, I will provide a step-by-step guide on how to use the metro line, details about farecards, and more.

In this article:

• Understanding the Metro system: The Basics
  • The Metro Lines
  • Hours of operation
• Purchasing farecards
  • 1-Day and 3-Day Passes
  • Limited Edition Cards
  • SmarTrip Cards
  • Costs and How Payments Work
• Planning your route
  • Navigating stations and transfers
  • Tools and resources for route planning
• How to use the metro step-by-step
  • Where to stand to catch the right train
  • Reading the signs on the platform
• Rules and etiquette
  • The Do’s and Don’ts of the DC metro
• Safety Tips
• Frequently Asked Questions

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The Basics

The Washington D.C. Metro is a rapid transit system with six color-coded lines: Red, Blue, Orange, Silver, Green, and Yellow. These lines connect the city’s major attractions, neighborhoods, and suburbs, making it easy for commuters and tourists to get around.

Each Metro line is identified by its color and serves different areas of the city and surrounding areas. 

In general, the metro hours are:

• Monday through Thursday, 5:00 a.m. until 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.

Operating times also vary depending on holidays, so always check their website for the most up-to-date information. For a general idea of the holiday hours, you can click here.

The Metrorail serves over 600,000 riders daily! With 98 stations throughout the DMV area, it is the 2nd busiest public transportation station in the USA. 

Purchasing Farecards

There are multiple ways to purchase farecards to ride the metro:

• 1 Day and 3 Day cards
• SmarTrip plastic card
• SmarTrip mobile pay

Let’s break these methods down.

The one-day and three-day cards are just what they sound like. You may consider this option if you are in town for a day (or two or three). Personally, I think the SmarTrip card is a much more economical option since it is discounted and insured in case your card gets stolen. But these are quick and easy options. You can find more information about pass options here.

SmarTrip plastic cards are the easiest way to pay for Metro fares. You can load these reusable cards with value and tap in and out of Metrorail stations and Metrobus rides. They offer discounted fares compared to cash or paper farecards, which are available for purchase at station vending machines and select retailers.

In my opinion, SmarTrip mobile pay is the most convenient way to get around the metro. It is also the least disruptive to your day because you can get what you need directly on your phone without the hassle of going to a pay station. Simply download the SmarTrip to your Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, prepay a balance to the card, and you are good to go!

How Payments Work

The fee to ride varies based on the day, time, and length of your ride. Weekday fares range from $2 to $6, and weekends are a flat $2 fee. Parking at the metro stations is free on weekends but costs roughly $5 on weekdays.  To calculate your exact trip costs, use their online trip planner.

Planning Your Route

To know where you’re going, you’ll want to plan your route. To be honest, the easiest way I’ve found to plan is just using Apple Maps or Google Maps. They will give you step-by-step directions the same way they do with driving or walking directions, except they won’t alert you when it’s time to do the next step. You’ll have to stay aware to know when to get off the metro.

If you don’t want to use Apple Maps or Google Maps, you can get directions from the WMATA website, or ask an attendant for help.

A quick note regarding route plans: i’ve noticed that it almost always takes longer than anticipated. Metro trains can experience frequent delays, and walking times to leave the station are always longer than originally planned. Keep this in mind if you have a specific place to be at a specific time; I would recommend leaving 15-30 minutes earlier than what you think you’ll need.

How to use the metro step by step

1. Purchase your farecard

The first thing you’ll need to do is purchase your farecard. Approach the machine and follow the prompts. The screenshots below walk you through each screen that appears.

Decide what kind of pass you want to purchase, and press A, B, or C.

Each card is $2. If you already have a card, you would press B to put money on it if you don’t have a card yet, press C to purchase the card itself, plus put money on it.

Decide which kind of pass you want. The Unlimited Pass will give you peace of mind knowing you’re covered for every trip you’ll want to take, but if you already know exactly how many metro rides you’ll be taking during your stay, it’ll be more economical to purchase just the amount you need on a SmarTrip card.

For context, you would need to take approximately 2 trips per day for 7 days to make the unlimited card worth it. If you’re only staying for 3 days, you would need to take about 4 trips. This is using an average of $4/trip. For many, this will be worth it.

Insert your credit/debit card on the right side of the machine where it says “insert here.” 

If you are reloading a pre-existing card, you will need to hold up your card where it says to in order to confirm and lock in the transaction. After that, you’re done!

2. Enter the metro

When you approach the entry gate, all you will need to do is place your card on top of the pictured card. Make sure you are entering a gate with a green arrow.

Tap your card to the gate. It will tell you what your balance is, as well as lowering the barrier so you may enter.

3. Find the correct direction to wait for your train

The metro runs in two directions, and they are called whatever the last stop on that line is. For example, the blue line has two directions: Franconia-Springfield and Largo. If/when the metro expands, they change the name of the direction to whatever the new last stop is.

Based on your route-planning (or whatever Google Maps tells you for your destination), find that side and wait for your train. There will usually be screens that tell you how much longer you’ll be waiting until that train arrives.

4. Board your train

As the train approaches, the lights on the ground will begin to flash to warn you. Wait behind them until the train comes to a complete stop.

Before boarding, wait for the passengers getting off to exit. Do not crowd the entrance, and instead give them room to leave. 

Once passengers have exited, get on your train. When boarding, move to the center seats if they are available. Leave the areas by the doors clear so that people getting on and off in subsequent spots have room to board and exit.

5. Ride your train

Take note of how many stops are between your point A and point B. You will also want to note what stop is right before your point B so that you know when to prepare to get off. If you miss your stop, it’s okay, just get off at the next stop and cross to the other side and ride the metro in the opposite direction to get back to where you meant to go. This doesn’t cost you anything extra, as longa s you don’t exit the station and re-enter by swiping your metro card.

6. Exit the station

After getting off the train, follow the signs to exit the station. You will swipe your card to exit the same way you did when entering. If you don’t have enough money on your card, you will need to purchase it with the Exit Fare machine inside the station.

When you exit, it’s important tto use the same card you used to get in. You cannot mix a SmarTrip card with an unlimited pass or Apple Wallet digital card. You must use the same method you used to enter.

Rules and Etiquette

The rules for riding the metro are not challenging to follow, and some seem like common sense. However, a handful will be important to remember as you prepare for your ride, so I’ve first listed the more “not-so-common-knowledge” rules.

1. DO Allow Exiting Passengers to Depart First. When boarding a train, wait for passengers to exit before entering. Stand to the side of the doors to allow a clear path for those disembarking.
2. DO Stand to the Right on Escalators. While riding escalators, stand on the right side to allow space for those who wish to walk on the left. This practice helps maintain a smooth flow of pedestrian traffic.
3. DON’T eat, drink, or smoke. These activities are prohibited on Metro trains and within station platforms. Dispose of any trash in designated receptacles.
4. DO Offer Priority Seating. Priority seating is designated for seniors, people with disabilities, and pregnant passengers. If you’re sitting in a priority seat and someone who needs it boards, offer your seat courteously.
5. DON’T be too loud. Nothing is worse than a passenger talking so loud that others can’t hear themselves think. Observe the volume level of those around you and keep your disturbances to a minimum. This includes conversation and speaker levels (always use headphones when possible).
6. DO mind personal space. Keep the aisles clear of luggage, strollers, and other personal belongings. If you’re riding at non-peak times, there are usually enough seats where you won’t have to crowd a stranger sitting next to you. Also, be mindful of bags and backpacks that may hit other passengers.
7. DO secure your pet in a container. The wording of this made me laugh the first time I read it, but the WMATA website states that you must secure your pets in a container from which they cannot escape. The only pets permitted to ride unconfined are service animals.

Safety Tips

Speaking from personal experience, I feel safer on the DC metro than any other public transport method I’ve used in different cities. Its excellent reputation aligns with my personal experience as well. Even so, there are precautions that will ensure you are as safe as possible while riding.

• Always have your farecard out and ready to use when you approach the gate
• Wear backpacks/purses/anything with a strap, and keep it on your body
• Avoid sitting right next to the door
• Observe the behavior of those around you, and if you feel uncomfortable, change cars at the next stop
• There has been increased security at metro stops over the past few years; don’t be afraid to find a security guard and ask for assistance if you need it

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find a metro station?

Metro stations are marked by boxy column-style signs (pictured below). They show the name of the station, and nearby is where you will find the entrance.

How do I get to and from the airport?

The Metro offers direct access to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) via the Yellow and Blue lines. For Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), you can take the Silver Line to Wiehle-Reston East station and transfer to the Silver Line Express bus.

Can I bring my bicycle on the Metro?

Yes, bicycles are allowed on Metro trains except during weekday peak hours (7-10 am and 4-7 pm). There are designated areas on each train for bicycles.

Tell me the cost of a SmarTrip Card?

SmarTrip cards cost $10, which includes $8 in stored value for fares and a $2 card fee. Additional value can be added to the card as needed at any time.

How do I use my SmarTrip card?

To use your SmarTrip card, simply tap it on the fare gate’s target when entering and exiting the station. The fare will be automatically deducted from your card’s stored value based on the distance traveled.

How do I plan my trip on the Metro?

You can plan your trip using the WMATA website or mobile app. Simply input your starting point and destination, and the system will provide you with the best route options, including transfers and estimated travel times.

What are Metro’s operating hours?

Metro operates from around 5 am to midnight on weekdays, with reduced hours on weekends and holidays. However, it’s important to check the specific operating hours for your desired travel times as they may vary due to events or track work.

Are there any discounts available for Metro fares?

Yes, discounted fares are available for seniors, people with disabilities, and children. Additionally, there are reduced fares for off-peak travel times.