DC’s subway system—known as the Metro—is quite extensive, reaching deep into both Maryland and Virginia, and it can be one of the most convenient ways for visitors to get around the greater Washington area. For those not familiar with the system, however, it can be a frustrating to get started without some forethought. Here are some things to know before you go.
Where to Begin
If you arrive in DC through Ronald Reagan National Airport or by train into Union station, you'll find a metro station conveniently on site at each. System maps are available at each station and printable versions can be found online. No matter where you enter the subway system, however, you'll soon see there are 6 color-coded subway lines (red, yellow, green, blue, orange, and silver) many of which may service the same stations. Be sure you're getting on the train you intend before stepping on board.
Paying the Fare
But even befor you get that fare, you'll need to buy a plastic credit-card sized SmarTrip® Card, which is now the only way to get in and out of the system. You can buy cards online, but most visitors to DC will likely be better off buying them from vending machines near the entry gates at each Metro station. For family's traveling with young children, two kids under five can ride for free with an adult using a valid card.
There are two kinds of Metro card machines at each station: the blue machines labelled as "Vending" are the ones that will dispense new cards and the black machines marked with "Add Value" are only for adding money to existing cards. Both accept credit cards or cash.
There are four general categories of SmarTrip® most visitors to DC will consider: the general “rechargeable” card; the 1-day pass; the 7-day Fast Pass; and the 7-day Short-trip Pass.
A general rechargeable SmarTrip® card will cost you $2 for the initial card plus whatever amount you wish to put on it. These general cards are the most flexible because they can be used on DC metrorail trains and metrobus, on the DC Circulator buses, and on most of the suburban Maryland and Virginia bus systems.
Figuring out in advance how much money you’ll need on your rechargeable card can be complicated. While Metrobus fares are $1.75 for a flat two hours, Metrorail fairs are based on distance and can increase at intervals during peak travel hours. There are charts posted near all the vending machines to help you figure out the costs. Even if you miscalculate, you’ll be allowed into the system. As you try to leave, if there’s not enough money on your card, you can add it at any of the "Exit Fare" machines before you exit the fair gate.
The 1-Day Unlimited Trip Pass is only for use on Metrorail trains and costs a flat $14.50 for no-limit use throughout that calendar day. This is a good option for people planning on making at least 2-3 round-trip journeys each day and are staying less than a week.
A 7-Day Metrorail Fast Pass costs $59.25 for unrestricted travel throughout the metrorail system. In contrast, the 7-Day Metrorail Short Trip Pass is good for unlimited travel during off-peak hours for the much-reduced price of $36. If you travel during peak hours on a Short Trip Pass, an extra charge will be added. Peak hours are weekday before 5:00 AM – 9:30 AM and between 3:00 PM – 7 PM; there are no peak hours on weekends. If you are not in a rush to get started early in the morning, this can be a economic alternative to the Fast Pass. Neither of these 7-day passes can be used on Metrobuses.
While these are the most common fare card options, others can be found online.
Using the SmarTrip® Card
Regardless of which card you buy, they are all used the same way. As you approach the fare gates, those you can enter are marked with a green arrow. (Those that are exit-only will have a red X.) You can pass through the gate by tapping your card on the white touchpad above the green arrow. (Handicapped gates can be entered from either side and the touch pad is on the side of the pillar, rather than the top.) After touching the pad, the small rectangular screen nearby will show how much money is currently left on your card if you are using a rechargeable card.
Remember, fares are charged as you leave the system, because they are based on distance. You will often be allowed to enter the system, even if you only have a small amount of money on your card, but you won’t be able to exit if without adding more money to your card
No Food or Drink
It is illegal to eat or drink in Metro stations, on metro rail platforms, or in Metrorail trains or on Metrobuses. You could face a heavy fine or even arrest for violating this law. Annoying as this may be, it is the main reason DC’s subway system is one of the cleanest in the United States.
Escalator Etiquette: Stand to the Right
There is one sure-fire ways to annoy local residents when using the Metro system: clogging the escalator. It is an unwritten rule that those who want to stand and ride the escalator should stand to the right-hand side, leaving the left-hand side free for those who wish to walk up or down. Many of the stations do not have a separate stair option, so if you stand on both sides, no one is able to walk and you’ll soon have a long line of irritated people stacked up behind you. DC has a well-deserved reputation for being home to high-strung professionals who are always in a rush, so please respect that they may be more anxious than you to keep moving.
For more on buying the Metro Smartrip® Card or for frequently asked questions about the system, visit the Washington Metro Area Transit Authority website.