DC Metro tickets refer to the various fare payment methods used for riding the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) system, which includes the Metrorail and Metrobus services.
DC Metro Tickets Fare Payment Methods
SmarTrip® Card:
- Overview: The SmarTrip® card is a reusable, contactless smart card used to pay fares on Metrorail, Metrobus, and several regional transit systems.
- Purchase and Reload: Available for purchase at Metrorail stations, online, and at select retail locations. The card can be reloaded with funds at station vending machines, online, or through the SmarTrip® app.
- Benefits: Offers discounted fares compared to paper fare cards, automatic balance protection if registered, and easy transfer between Metrorail and Metrobus.
Mobile Payment:
- Overview: Riders can add their SmarTrip® card to Apple Wallet or Google Pay for a contactless payment experience using their smartphone or smartwatch.
- Benefits: Convenience of not needing a physical card, easy reload through the app, and the same benefits as the traditional SmarTrip® card.
Paper Fare Cards:
- Overview: Paper fare cards are available for occasional riders or tourists who do not have a SmarTrip® card. They are sold at vending machines in Metrorail stations.
- Limitations: Higher fares compared to using a SmarTrip® card, and these cards are being phased out in favor of SmarTrip®.
Fare Structure [Metro Rail Tickets Washington DC]
Metrorail:
- Peak and Off-Peak Fares: Fares vary based on the time of travel. Peak fares apply during weekdays from opening to 9:30 AM and 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Off-peak fares are charged at all other times.
- Distance-Based Fares: Fares are calculated based on the distance traveled between the origin and destination stations. The further you travel, the higher the fare.
- Passes: Unlimited ride passes are available for various durations (e.g., daily, weekly, DC Metro monthly Pass), offering cost savings for frequent riders.
Metrobus:
- Flat Fare: Metrobus fares are generally flat, regardless of distance traveled. However, there are different fares for regular, express, and airport routes.
- Transfers: Free transfers between Metrorail and Metrobus or between different Metrobus routes within a specified time frame when using a SmarTrip® card.
Special Programs and Discounts [Washington DC Metro Pass]
Senior and Disabled Riders:
- Discounted Fares: Seniors (65+) and riders with disabilities are eligible for reduced fares on both Metrorail and Metrobus. They need to use a specially designated SmarTrip® card for these discounts.
- Application Process: Eligible riders must apply for and obtain the reduced fare SmarTrip® card through WMATA.
Student Passes:
- Overview: Various passes and discounts are available for students through partnerships with local schools and universities.
- Benefits: Reduced cost or free travel for students, depending on the program and eligibility.
Transit Benefits Programs:
- Overview: Many employers in the DC area participate in transit benefit programs that allow employees to use pre-tax dollars to pay for commuting costs.
- Benefits: Cost savings for commuters and incentives for using public transportation.
Purchasing and Managing Fares
- Vending Machines: Located in all Metrorail stations, allowing riders to purchase and reload SmarTrip® cards, buy paper fare cards, and check balances.
- Online and Mobile: Riders can manage their SmarTrip® account online or through the SmarTrip® app, including adding funds, checking balances, and viewing transaction history.
- Retail Locations: SmarTrip® cards can be purchased and reloaded at various retail locations throughout the DC metro area.
DC Metro tickets, primarily through the SmarTrip® card system, provide a convenient and flexible way to pay for public transportation in the Washington DC metropolitan area. The fare structure is designed to accommodate different types of riders, from daily commuters to occasional visitors, with options for discounted fares and special passes. The integration of mobile payment solutions further enhances the ease of use for modern commuters.
Washington Metro Ticket Prices
| Type | Fare/Price/Rate | Details |
| Metrorail Fares | ||
| Peak Fare | $2.25 – $6.00 |
Weekdays from opening to 9:30 AM and 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Fare varies by distance.
|
| Off-Peak Fare | $2.00 – $3.85 | All other times. Fare varies by distance. |
| One-Day Pass | $13.00 | Unlimited rides for one day. |
| 7-Day Short Trip Pass | $38.00 |
Unlimited rides for 7 consecutive days on trips costing up to $3.85 during peak times.
|
| 7-Day Unlimited Pass | $58.00 | Unlimited rides for 7 consecutive days. |
| Monthly Unlimited Pass | $81.00 – $216.00 |
Unlimited rides for a calendar month, price varies by distance.
|
| Metrobus Fares | ||
| Regular Route | $2.00 | Flat fare for regular routes. |
| Express Route | $4.25 | Flat fare for express routes. |
| Airport Routes | $6.00 | Flat fare for airport routes. |
|
Discounted Fares
|
||
| Seniors (65+) | 50% off regular fares | Reduced fare with Senior SmarTrip® card. |
| Disabled Riders | 50% off regular fares | Reduced fare with Disability SmarTrip® card. |
| Transfers | ||
| Rail to Bus Transfer | Free | Within 2 hours when using SmarTrip® card. |
| Bus to Bus Transfer | Free | Within 2 hours when using SmarTrip® card. |
| Bus to Rail Transfer | $2.00 credit towards rail fare | When using SmarTrip® card. |
| Other Passes | ||
| U-Pass | Price varies (University Programs) |
Unlimited rides for participating university students.
|
| SmartBenefits® | Pre-tax transit benefits |
Employer-provided program to use pre-tax dollars for commuting costs.
|
Notes
- SmarTrip® Card: Required for all discounted fares and transfer benefits. The card itself costs $2 and can be reloaded as needed.
- Peak and Off-Peak Fares: Fares are distance-based, so the range indicates the minimum and maximum fares depending on the length of the trip.
- Purchasing Options: Tickets and passes can be purchased at vending machines in Metro stations, online, through the SmarTrip® app, and at various retail locations.
How to buy DC Metro Tickets
Purchasing DC Metro tickets, primarily through the SmarTrip® card system, is straightforward and can be done through several methods. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to buy DC Metro tickets:
Method 1: Buying SmarTrip® Cards at Metrorail Stations
- Locate a Metrorail Station: Find a Washington Metro station near your starting point. Stations are located throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
- Find the Vending Machines: Inside the station, locate the fare vending machines. These are typically near the station entrances or on the platforms.
- Choose Your Language: The vending machines offer multiple language options. Select your preferred language to proceed.
- Select “Add SmarTrip® Card” Option: On the vending machine screen, choose the option to add a new SmarTrip® card. If you already have a card, you can select “Add Value” to add funds to an existing card.
- Pay for the Card: Insert cash or a credit/debit card into the machine to pay for the SmarTrip® card. The cost of the card itself is $2.
- Receive Your Card: The machine will dispense your new SmarTrip® card. Keep this card as you will need it to pay for fares on Metrorail and Metrobus.
- Load Funds: After obtaining your SmarTrip® card, you can load funds onto it at the same vending machine. Choose the “Add Value” option, select the amount you want to load, and follow the prompts to complete the transaction.
- Check Balance: Before leaving the vending machine, you have the option to check the balance on your SmarTrip® card to ensure it has sufficient funds for your journey.
Method 2: Buying SmarTrip® Cards Online or at Retail Locations
- Online Purchase: Visit the official SmarTrip® website or the Washington Metro website. Navigate to the section for purchasing SmarTrip® cards. Follow the online instructions to select and purchase a card. You can also load funds onto your card online.
- Retail Locations: SmarTrip® cards are available at various retail locations throughout the Washington, D.C. area, including grocery stores, convenience stores, and transit stores. Look for the SmarTrip® logo at participating retailers.
Using Your SmarTrip® Card
- Tap In and Out: When entering a Metrorail station, tap your SmarTrip® card on the fare gate card reader. Do the same when exiting to calculate the fare based on the distance traveled.
- Metrobus: Tap your SmarTrip® card on the fare box when boarding Metrobus. The fare is deducted automatically, and transfers to other buses or Metrorail are free within a specified time frame.
Additional Tips
- Register Your Card: Register your SmarTrip® card online to protect your balance if the card is lost or stolen.
- Manage Your Account: Use the SmarTrip® website or mobile app to add funds, check your balance, and view transaction history.
- Special Fares: Seniors (65+), riders with disabilities, and students may be eligible for discounted fares. Apply for special SmarTrip® cards at Metro Sales Offices.
How much are Metro Tickets in Washington DC
In Washington DC, Metro tickets vary based on peak and off-peak times and the type of service:
- Metrorail: Fares range from $2.25 to $6.00 for peak times and $2.00 to $3.85 for off-peak times, depending on distance traveled.
- Metrobus: Regular routes cost $2.00 per ride, with higher fares for express and airport routes.
These prices are subject to change, and discounts may apply for seniors, riders with disabilities, and students using SmarTrip® cards.
How to buy a Metro Pass in Washington DC
To buy a Metro Pass in Washington DC, visit a Metrorail station, use a fare vending machine, and select the desired pass option (e.g., One-Day Pass, 7-Day Pass) to purchase and load onto your SmarTrip® card.
DC Metro Ticket App
The DC Metro ticket app, known as the SmarTrip® app, allows users to manage their Metro fares and travel conveniently.
- Mobile Ticketing: Purchase and manage Metro fares directly from your smartphone.
- SmarTrip® Card Integration: Add and manage SmarTrip® cards digitally.
- Real-Time Balance: Check your card balance and add funds on the go.
- Trip Planning: Plan routes, check schedules, and view station information.
- Mobile Payment: Use your phone as a contactless payment method at fare gates and on buses.
- Transit Alerts: Receive notifications about service disruptions, delays, and updates.
- Account Management: Register cards, set up auto-reload, and view transaction history.
- Accessibility: Available for iOS and Android devices, offering a user-friendly interface.
- Security: Secure payment processing and data encryption for user protection.
- Language Options: Support for multiple languages to accommodate diverse users.