Everything you need to ride DC's Metro like a local — SmarTrip cards, fares, all 6 lines, key tourist stations and transport tips for 2026.
The SmarTrip card is a reloadable contactless smart card that works on Metrorail, Metrobus, DC Circulator, ART (Arlington Transit), and the Ride On bus system. It's essential for any DC visitor — using cash costs more and wastes everyone's time.
SmarTrip Metrorail fares are lower than paper/cash fares. On buses, SmarTrip automatically gives you free transfers within 3 hours. There is no reason not to get one.
DC Metro uses distance-based, time-of-day pricing. Fares are higher during peak hours and lower during off-peak times. Always use SmarTrip for the lowest fares.
Most tourists start sightseeing around 9–10am and finish by 7–8pm — meaning you can often avoid peak pricing entirely. Off-peak fares apply all weekend, which is when most tourists travel. A typical tourist trip across DC costs $2.25–$3.85 off-peak with SmarTrip.
| Route | From → To | Off-Peak (SmarTrip) | Peak (SmarTrip) | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reagan Airport → Downtown | DCA → Metro Center | $2.85 | $3.85 | ~20 min |
| Union Station → Capitol South | Union Station → Capitol South | $2.25 | $2.60 | ~5 min |
| Metro Center → Dupont Circle | Metro Center → Dupont Circle | $2.25 | $2.60 | ~8 min |
| Smithsonian → Georgetown (Foggy Bottom) | Smithsonian → Foggy Bottom | $2.25 | $2.60 | ~10 min |
| Dulles Airport → Downtown | IAD → Metro Center | $5.00 | $6.00+ | ~55 min |
DC Metro has 6 color-coded lines, 98 stations and 129 miles of track. For tourists, the Red, Blue, Orange and Green lines cover virtually every major sight.
The most important line for tourists — serves Union Station, Judiciary Square, Gallery Place/Chinatown, Metro Center, Farragut North, Dupont Circle, Woodley Park/Zoo, and Bethesda.
Connects Reagan National Airport (DCA) directly to the National Mall area. Serves Smithsonian, Federal Triangle, Metro Center, McPherson Square, Farragut West, Foggy Bottom, and Arlington/Pentagon.
Shares tracks with Blue and Silver lines through central DC. Serves Federal Triangle, Smithsonian, L'Enfant Plaza, Capitol South, Eastern Market, and extends into Virginia and Maryland suburbs.
Essential for The Wharf (Waterfront station), L'Enfant Plaza, Archives–Navy Memorial, Gallery Place/Chinatown, and the Shaw/U Street cultural corridor.
Runs express across the Potomac, sharing Green Line tracks through DC. Key stops include Pentagon, L'Enfant Plaza, Archives, Gallery Place, and the Ronald Reagan Building area.
Extended in 2022 to serve Dulles International Airport (IAD) — a game-changer for international arrivals. Also stops at Tysons Corner (shopping), Reston, and Herndon before reaching DC.
| Station | Lines | Walk to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smithsonian | BlueOrangeSilver | National Mall, most Smithsonian museums, Washington Monument | No elevator on Mall exit side — use Independence Ave exit for accessibility |
| Union Station | Red | Amtrak trains, Capitol Building (10 min walk), restaurants | Major Amtrak hub — great first/last stop; luggage storage available |
| Metro Center | RedBlueOrangeSilver | Downtown DC, shopping, restaurants, Pennsylvania Ave | Busiest interchange station — easy transfers between all lines |
| Foggy Bottom–GWU | BlueOrangeSilver | Georgetown (15 min walk or Circulator bus), Kennedy Center (10 min walk), GWU campus | Closest Metro to Georgetown; catch DC Circulator here |
| Waterfront | Green | The Wharf (5 min walk), Arena Stage, Southwest Waterfront | Walk south on 4th St SW to reach The Wharf |
| Dupont Circle | Red | Dupont Circle fountain, Embassy Row, Kramerbooks, restaurants | Two exits (Q St and 19th St) — use 19th St exit for the circle itself |
| Arlington Cemetery | Blue | Arlington National Cemetery entrance (2 min walk) | Only accessible via Blue Line; trains run every 10–20 min |
| Gallery Pl–Chinatown | RedGreenYellow | Portrait Gallery, Capital One Arena, Penn Quarter restaurants | Three-line interchange — busy at peak hours and after events |
🚌 Bus
Six tourist-friendly routes for just $1 per ride. The Georgetown–Union Station route is essential (no Metro to Georgetown). Routes also serve the National Mall, Woodley Park Zoo, and The Wharf.
DC's docked bikeshare system with 700+ stations. Perfect for the National Mall and neighborhoods. 24-hour pass (~$8) gives unlimited 30-minute rides. Helmets not provided — bring your own or rent.
Uber and Lyft operate throughout DC. Only use licensed yellow/red DC taxis (meter required) or rideshare apps. Never accept rides from unofficial drivers near tourist sites — this is a known scam.
Several operators run hop-on hop-off bus and trolley tours of DC's major sights. Prices range $35–55 per adult. A great first-day orientation — see the major sights before walking them on foot.
The Potomac Riverboat Company runs water taxis between Georgetown, The Wharf, National Harbor, and Old Town Alexandria. A scenic and fun alternative to road transport — doubles as a mini sightseeing cruise.
The National Mall is very walkable — Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol is 1.9 miles. Georgetown, Dupont Circle and Capitol Hill are all pleasant walking neighborhoods. Wear comfortable shoes and carry water.