Get To Know Washington's Metrorail System

Metrorail Finder

White House
Farragut West Station
(Blue & Orange Lines)

U.S. Capitol Building
Capitol South Station
(Blue & Orange Lines)
Union Station
(Red Line)

DC's Clean and Convenient Subway

On March 27, 1975, Metrorail opened allowing more than 51,000 persons free rides for the first day along the Red Line from Rhode Island Avenue to Farragut North. Since then, Metrorail has consistently expanded its coverage with the development of Blue, Orange, Green, Yellow and Red Lines. In September 1999, Metro began service on the Mid City Green Line segment including Columbia Heights and Georgia Avenue-Petworth stations, making the Green Line a convenient connection between Greenbelt, Maryland and Anacostia.

Easy to Use

Having frequented subway systems in cities as diverse as New York, Paris, London, Boston and Baltimore, I'm impressed with DC Metrorail's dedication to a clean and easily navigated system. Metrorail's 78 Stations are spacious, and the color-coded lines routes are easy to understand. Each station often takes on an individual festive air with congregations of street musicians playing ethnic music and vendors selling wares from jewelry to fresh fruit. Many stations display murals, poetry and other works of local artists.

Metrorail operates 7 days a week. Trains start at 5:30am, Monday-Friday, and 8:00am on Saturday and Sunday. The stations close at midnight on Sunday-Thursday and stay open until 1:00am on Friday and Saturday. Trains run regularly every 5-10 minutes depending on the time of day. During rush hours, trains run most frequently. Holiday schedules follow Saturday or Sunday operating times. If traveling Metrorail late at night, check departure time for the last train that is posted at each station. s kiosk; this is important because many trains. last departures are well before the stations close.

Tall brown columns designate Metrorail stations with a large "M" at the top. Under the "M" are colored stripes showing each Metrorail line served by the station . either Blue, Green, Orange, Red or Yellow. The name of the station is on the column as well. Metrorail provides special access for disabled persons including elevators at stations. These persons should visit www.wmata.com for details on purchasing special reduced fare cards.

Metro displays clear color-coded maps near fare card machines and inside trains. Riders can determine which train to take by noting the name of the last stop of the line in the direction they are traveling. Sometimes, riders will have to transfer from one color line to another to arrive at their destination. Note that transfer stations are signified on the map by a double black circle. (see station map) Station managers located in kiosks inside stations can offer assistance to riders uncertain about which trains to take. The kiosks also post lists of fares corresponding to destinations.

Metrorail fare cards are magnetically encoded with the sums of money riders add by using fare machines located in stations. The price of fare cards range of the cards. costs from a $1.10 base fare to $45.00 covering numerous rides over several weeks. The $1.10 base fare covers a 0-3 mile trip during rush hour (5:30-9:30am and 3:00-7:00pm), and the maximum fare for a trip during those periods is $3.25. During all other times, the charge per trip is less with $1.10 covering 0-7 miles, $1.60 for 7-10 miles, and $2.10 for over 10 miles. Seniors and disabled persons may purchase fare cards at a discounted price. (purchase farecard online)

Stations have two types of machines for purchasing fare cards and passes. One type only offers single fare cards for passengers taking on single trip. Single fare card machines quickly deposit cards of lower monetary value . usually $1.10 to $5.00 . to riders in a rush. Machines marked "Passes/Fare Cards" sell more expensive multiple ride passes in addition to the regular one-trip cards. Riders who frequent Metrorail will find passes convenient because they can take up to $45.00 worth of rides. The "Passes/Fare Cards" machines also accept credit cards. To use either type of machine, place US currency in the slot, select an option for either a pass or fare card, and use the (+) or (-) symbols to determine monetary value. When purchasing fare card, remember to use exact change as often as possible because machines only give up to $5.00 in change, which is always returned in coins. Both machines have slots, which allow riders to add more money onto previously purchased fare cards. (use farecard vending machine)

To determine which platform to use to board a train, look for tall brown signs in the station, which identify the train. s final destination and color line (i.e., "Red Line, Wheaton"). When entering a platform, insert fare cards in the automated entrance or exits gates. The automated gates subtract the monetary value on the card according to the trip. s value. Along the platform. s edge, flashing lights alert passengers that trains are entering the station. To ensure smooth boarding, always let other passengers off before entering a train. Listen for chimes, which signal car doors are closing. These doors only open and close once, so don. t attempt to enter the train after the chimes sound.

Boarding from the station platforms, riders will see the train. s final destination displayed over the train. s front and side windows, and the train. s line color shows on the front and back of it. The interiors of the trains are well lit, and their rides are smooth. With many cars included in each train, there are usually enough seats to accommodate riders, but there are handrails for passengers who must stand during rush hour times. Most routes take riders underground; however, some tracks run above ground offering scenic views of the metro area. Metrorail serves tourists as well as Washingtonians using subway trains as their means of getting to work. Both types of riders have an easy time of recognizing stops since train captains announce coming stations over the intercom system.

At most suburban stations, Metro-operated parking lots make it easy for riders to avoid bringing cars into the congested areas of downtown DC. Parking at Metro-operated lots is free on weekends and federal holidays. All day parking is available for up to 24 hours, and prices vary depending on station, so consult www.wmata.com for fees.

Most all well-frequented tourist attractions in DC are within a reasonable walking distance of Metro stops. Tourists will want to consult the list included in the left margin to determine which stop serves which venue. Then, as mentioned earlier, bring plenty of change and small bills, don. t plan to travel Metro too close to closing times, and consult station managers located in station kiosks for help. With these tips in mind, visitors to DC won. t miss the hassle traffic jams and parking woes because Metrorail is a worry-free means of shuttling through DC.