Fares in Washington, D.C.
The Metro fare system is complicated and varies based on day, time, and distance of trip. Up to two children (ages four and younger) may ride free per one paying adult. Seniors can get a discount, but it requires purchasing a special SmarTrip card (see below) from a booth at the Metro Center station; this is rarely practical or worthwhile unless staying in the city for quite some time.
Fare Schedule: Weekdays (Monday through Friday)*
|
|
5-7:30AM |
7:30-9AM |
9-9:30AM |
9:30AM-3PM |
3-4:30PM |
4:30-6PM |
6-7PM |
7PM-midnight
|
Lowest fare |
$2.20 |
$2.40 |
$2.20 |
$1.85 |
$2.20 |
$2.40 |
$2.20 |
$1.85
|
Highest fare |
$5.25 |
$5.45 |
$5.25 |
$3.00 |
$5.25 |
$5.45 |
$5.25 |
$3.00
|
|
Fare Schedule: Weekends*
|
|
Friday |
Saturday |
Saturday |
Sunday
|
|
Midnight-3AM |
7AM-midnight |
Midnight-3AM |
7AM-midnight
|
Lowest fare |
$2.20 |
$1.85 |
$2.20 |
$1.85
|
Highest fare |
$5.25 |
$3.00 |
$5.25 |
$3.00
|
|
�*Riders using SmarTrip (see below) get a 25¢ discount on all fares.
Fares are paid by purchasing a farecard at automated machines within stations. Posted guides will help you calculate the appropriate fare for your ride, but since the farecards are reusable and refillable, it's often easier to not worry about the fare; just put $5-10 on your ticket and refill as needed. Flat-rate Metro passes are also available that give riders an unlimited number of trips within the system for a set number of days. These passes are available in each station at many of the automated machines that sell standard farecards. However, the passes are rarely a good deal for most tourists and some passes even come with restrictions on when they can be used, which can cause more of a headache than a regular farecard!
The farecards and Metro passes are needed to both enter and exit the system. Therefore, keep them on you but away from other credit cards and electronic devices, especially cell phones, which can cause the farecards to demagnetize! If that happens, see a Metro station manager for assistance.
For a longer-term visit, consider buying a SmarTrip debit card ($10 cost with $5 transportation credit), which works on the Metro as well as on Metrobus, the D.C. Circulator, and many other suburban bus systems (saving you the headache of correct change and providing a discount on transfers). In addition, riders using SmarTrip get a 25¢ discount on all fares. The cards use radio-frequency technology and are used by simply touching the SmarTrip to a target on the fare gate. SmarTrip cards are also required for parking in almost all Metro lots . SmarTrip cards can be bought online, at Metro stations with parking, and at all D.C.-area CVS stores. Parking is free on weekends and federal holidays.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Washington, D.C.