The Washington DC Metro Card and Washington DC Metro Pass, officially called SmarTrip®, is a rechargeable fare card used to pay for travel on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) system.
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Washington DC Metro Card
This includes:
- Metrorail: The subway system with six lines and 86 stations serving Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
- Metrobus: The extensive bus network covering the DC area.
- Metro paratransit: Demand-responsive service for people with disabilities.
- Some regional bus systems: Including ART, DASH, Fairfax Connector, and others.
Benefits of using a SmarTrip Card:
- Convenience: No need to carry cash or buy paper tickets.
- Speed: Quicker boarding through contactless payment at faregates.
- Transfers: Free transfers between Metrorail and Metrobus within 90 minutes.
- Discounts: Discounted fares for seniors, disabled passengers, and children.
- Auto Reload: Set up automatic reloading to avoid running out of fare.
- Balance Protection: Register your card to get your balance back if it’s lost or stolen.
Types of SmarTrip Cards:
- Regular Card: The most common type, available for purchase at Metro stations and retailers.
- Express Card: For frequent riders, offering faster fare entry and online balance management.
- Senior/Disabled Card: Provides discounted fares to eligible passengers.
- Youth Card: Offers discounted fares to children ages 6-17.
- Special Edition Cards: Limited-edition designs commemorating events or partnerships.
Fares:
Fares on Metrorail and Metrobus depend on the distance traveled. You can check fares and plan your trip using the WMATA website or app.
Purchasing a SmarTrip Card:
You can purchase a SmarTrip Card at Metro stations, vending machines, and some retailers. The card itself costs $5, which is non-refundable. You can then add fare value to the card at the same locations.
Using your SmarTrip Card:
- Tap your card on the fare reader at the entrance and exit of Metrorail stations.
- For Metrobus, board through the front door and tap your card on the fare reader near the driver.
- If transferring between Metrorail and Metrobus, tap your card again when boarding the bus.
Washington DC Metro Pass
There are various types of Washington DC Metro passes available, each offering different benefits and durations of travel. Here’s a breakdown:
Unlimited Passes:
- 1-Day Unlimited Pass: Valid for unlimited rides on Metrorail and Metrobus for 24 hours from first tap. Suitable for occasional visitors or heavy travel within a day. Cost: $13.00 ($2 for card + $11 pass).
- 3-Day Unlimited Pass: Valid for unlimited rides for three consecutive days, starting from the first tap. Cost: $28.00 ($2 for card + $26 pass).
- 7-Day Unlimited Pass: Valid for unlimited rides for seven consecutive days. Cost: $58.00 ($2 for card + $56 pass).
- Monthly Unlimited Pass (formerly SelectPass): Provides unlimited monthly rides on both Metrorail and Metrobus. Ideal for frequent commuters. Different price tiers depend on chosen zone(s) and discounts like SmartBenefits®.
Limited Fare Passes:
- 7-Day Short-Trip Pass: Valid for seven consecutive days with a maximum fare of $2 per ride on Metrobus. Useful for infrequent riders who mostly take shorter bus trips. Cost: $38.00 ($2 for card + $36 pass).
Additional considerations:
- All passes are loaded onto SmarTrip cards, which you need to purchase separately ($5).
- Some passes can be purchased with SmartBenefits® employer benefit program.
- Weekend travel (Saturday and Sunday) is free on Metrorail with a regular SmarTrip card loaded with fare value.
- Regional bus systems like ART, DASH, Fairfax Connector may have separate passes or require additional fare on top of your Metro pass.
Choosing the right pass:
To choose the best pass for you, consider:
- How often you’ll be using the Metro
- Duration of your stay
- Travel patterns (zone coverage needed)
- Budget