DC Metro Fares or DC Metro Prices – Navigating the Washington DC Metro is a breeze, but understanding the fare system can leave you scratching your head. Fear not, for this handy guide unravels the intricacies of pricing, ensuring you ride with confidence and without breaking the bank.
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Base Fares: Weekday travel during peak hours (5:00 AM – 9:30 PM) sees adult fares at $3.90, while off-peak and weekend/holiday rides drop to a more wallet-friendly $1.35. Seniors, disabled individuals, and children (5-11 years) enjoy discounted fares, while little ones under 5 ride for free. Remember, a $1.00 surcharge applies to cash fares, so consider a SmarTrip card for discounted rides and contactless convenience.
Distance Matters: For journeys exceeding 6 miles, a distance-based DC Metro cost (0.24 cents per additional mile) kicks in, accumulating as you travel further. Keep this in mind if you’re venturing beyond the city center.
Pass Perks: Looking to explore extensively? Unlimited ride passes offer great value. A one-day pass grants unlimited rides for $13, while three-day and seven-day passes offer similar flexibility for longer stays. A seven-day short-trip pass, perfect for occasional riders, provides 21 Metrorail trips within a week for $38.
Airport Express: Flying in or out? Be prepared for an additional $2.00 airport station extra fare on top of your regular fare. It’s a small price to pay for speedy access to the nation’s capital.
Washington DC Metro Fare – Prices, Cost
Fare Type | Weekday Peak (5:00 AM – 9:30 PM) | Weekday Off-Peak (After 9:30 PM) | Weekend/Holiday | Distance-Based Charge (per additional mile) |
Regular Fare (Adults) | $3.90 | $1.35 | $1.35 | $0.24 |
Senior/Disabled Fare (65+ years old or disabled) | $1.95 | $0.65 | $0.65 | $0.12 |
Children (5-11 years old) | $1.00 | $0.50 | $0.50 | $0.12 |
Under 5 years old | Free | Free | Free | Free |
One Day Unlimited Pass | $13.00 | $13.00 | $13.00 | N/A |
Three Day Unlimited Pass | $28.00 | $28.00 | $28.00 | N/A |
Seven Day Unlimited Pass | $58.00 | $58.00 | $58.00 | N/A |
Seven Day Short-Trip Pass | $38.00 | $38.00 | $38.00 | N/A |
Airport Station Extra Fare | $2.00 | $2.00 | $2.00 | N/A |
Remember: Fares are subject to change, so always check WMATA‘s website or app for the latest updates and use their trip planner tool for personalized fare estimates. With this information in your pocket, you’re ready to conquer the DC Metro and explore the city on wheels, without worrying about ticket woes.
DC Metro Monthly Pass – DC Metro Fares
- Provides unlimited rides on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) system for a calendar month.
- Valid for Metrorail (subway) and Metrobus services within the designated fare zones.
- Offers convenient travel for commuters and frequent riders, eliminating the need for purchasing individual tickets or fare cards for each trip.
- Cost-effective for regular commuters, as it often provides savings compared to purchasing individual fares.
- Can be purchased online, at Metro stations, or through authorized vendors.
- Some employers offer transit benefits programs that allow employees to use pre-tax income to purchase Metro passes, providing additional savings.
- Passes are typically available for purchase at the beginning of each month and remain valid until the end of that month.
- Riders should check the WMATA website or inquire at Metro stations for the most up-to-date pricing and availability of monthly passes.
- Passholders should keep their passes secure and be prepared to show them to Metro personnel when requested during fare inspections.
Washington Metro Fare Chart
Fare Type | Peak Fare | Off-Peak Fare |
Metrorail Fares | ||
Minimum Fare | $2.25 | $2.00 |
Maximum Fare | $6.00 | $3.85 |
Metrobus Fares | ||
Regular Routes | $2.00 | $2.00 |
Express Routes | $4.25 | $4.25 |
Airport Routes | $6.00 | $6.00 |
Passes | ||
One-Day Pass | $13.00 | $13.00 |
3-Day Pass | $28.00 | $28.00 |
7-Day Short Trip Pass | $38.00 | $38.00 |
7-Day Unlimited Pass | $58.00 | $58.00 |
Monthly Unlimited Pass | $81.00 – $216.00 | $81.00 – $216.00 |
Discounted Fares | ||
Seniors (65+) and Disabled Riders | 50% off regular fares |
50% off regular fares
|
Transfers | ||
Rail to Bus Transfer | Free | Free |
Bus to Bus Transfer | Free | Free |
Bus to Rail Transfer | $2.00 credit towards rail fare |
$2.00 credit towards rail fare
|
Notes For DC Metro Fares
- Peak Fare Hours: Weekdays from opening to 9:30 AM and 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
- Off-Peak Fare Hours: All other times, including weekends and holidays.
- SmarTrip® Card Required: All discounted fares and transfer benefits require the use of a SmarTrip® card.
- Purchasing Passes: Passes can be purchased at fare vending machines in Metrorail stations, online, through the SmarTrip® app, and at select retail locations.
- Additional Information: Special passes and discounts are available for students through the U-Pass program and for employees through SmartBenefits® programs provided by employers.
Washington DC Metro Bus Fare [DC Metro Fares]
Fare Type | Fare |
Regular Routes | $2.00 |
Express Routes | $4.25 |
Airport Routes | $6.00 |
Notes:
- Regular Routes: These are the standard bus routes serving various neighborhoods and areas within the Washington DC metro area.
- Express Routes: These routes provide faster service with fewer stops, often used for longer-distance travel.
- Airport Routes: These routes provide service to and from major airports in the area.
- Transfers: When using a SmarTrip® card, transfers between Metrorail and Metrobus, or between different Metrobus routes, are free within a specified time frame.
- Discounts:
- Senior Citizens (65+): Eligible for a reduced fare of $1.00 on regular routes.
- Persons with Disabilities: Also eligible for a reduced fare of $1.00 on regular routes.
- Payment Methods: Fares can be paid using a SmarTrip® card, which offers convenience and potential discounts on transfers. Cash payments are accepted but must be exact fare as drivers do not provide change.
Washington DC Metro Fares Between Stations
From Station | To Station | Peak Fare | Off-Peak Fare |
Senior/Disabled Fare
|
Metro Center | Gallery Place | $2.00 | $2.00 | $1.00 |
Metro Center | Dupont Circle | $2.25 | $2.00 | $1.10 |
Metro Center | Union Station | $2.25 | $2.00 | $1.10 |
Metro Center | Pentagon | $2.85 | $2.25 | $1.10 |
Metro Center | Shady Grove | $4.75 | $3.85 | $2.35 |
Metro Center | Vienna | $4.75 | $3.85 | $2.35 |
Metro Center | Branch Ave | $4.75 | $3.85 | $2.35 |
Metro Center | Greenbelt | $4.75 | $3.85 | $2.35 |
Metro Center | Franconia-Springfield | $4.75 | $3.85 | $2.35 |
Metro Center | Largo Town Center | $4.75 | $3.85 | $2.35 |
DC Metro Fare Card
The DC Metro fare card, known as the SmarTrip® card, is a reusable, contactless smart card used for fare payment across the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) system, including Metrorail and Metrobus services.
Key Features of the SmarTrip® Card – DC Metro Fares
- Contactless Payment: Uses RFID technology to enable tap-and-go access to Metro services, providing a quick and efficient way to pay fares.
- Multi-Modal Use: Can be used on Metrorail, Metrobus, and other participating regional transit systems, including ART, DASH, Fairfax Connector, Loudoun County Transit, and more.
- Stored Value: Can be loaded with a monetary value or specific passes, such as one-day, seven-day, or monthly passes.
- Discounted Fares: Provides discounted fares for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Special programs like the U-Pass for students and SmartBenefits® for employees offer additional savings.
- Convenience: Eliminates the need for paper tickets, simplifying the travel process. The card can be reloaded online, at vending machines, retail locations, or through the SmarTrip® app.
- Balance Protection: If registered, the card’s balance is protected against loss or theft, and funds can be transferred to a new card.
- Auto Reload: Users can set up automatic reloads to ensure they never run out of funds.
- Transfer Benefits: Offers free transfers between rail and bus services within a specified time frame when using the card.
How to Obtain and Use the SmarTrip® Card
- Purchase:
- In-Person: Available at vending machines in all Metrorail stations, select retail locations, and Metro sales offices.
- Online: Can be purchased through the WMATA website or the SmarTrip® app.
- Cost: The card itself costs $2.00, plus any initial fare value you choose to load.
- Adding Value:
- Vending Machines: Add value at any Metrorail station vending machine.
- Online/App: Load funds via the SmarTrip® website or mobile app.
- Retail Locations: Participating retailers throughout the region can also add value to your card.
- Auto Reload: Set up automatic reloading options to maintain a sufficient balance.
- Using the Card:
- Metrorail: Tap the card on the fare gate reader when entering and exiting the station. The fare is automatically deducted based on the distance traveled and time of day.
- Metrobus: Tap the card on the farebox reader upon boarding. The standard fare for regular routes is deducted, with different rates for express and airport routes.
- Checking Balance:
- Vending Machines: Check the balance at any Metrorail station vending machine.
- Online/App: View your balance and transaction history on the SmarTrip® website or app.
- Retail Locations: Some retail locations can also provide balance information.
Benefits of Using the SmarTrip® Card
- Time-Saving: Speeds up the boarding process and reduces wait times at fare gates.
- Cost-Effective: Access to discounted fares and free transfer benefits.
- User-Friendly: Easy to reload and manage through various platforms.
- Environmental: Reduces the use of paper tickets, contributing to environmental sustainability.
The SmarTrip® card is a versatile and essential tool for anyone using the DC Metro system, offering convenience, cost savings, and efficient travel across the region’s extensive public transportation network.