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Common Ground News

What is the Metro in DC?

Author

Matthew Cannon

Updated on February 17, 2026

What is the Metro in DC?

Metrorail provides safe, clean, reliable transit service for more than 600,000 customers a day throughout the Washington, DC area. The system is the second busiest in the United States, serving 91 stations in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia.

Consequently, what is considered the DC metro area?

As used in this chapter, the term “Washington metropolitan region” includes the District of Columbia, the Counties of Montgomery and Prince Georges in the State of Maryland, the Counties of Arlington and Fairfax and the Cities of Alexandria and Falls Church in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Subsequently, question is, how much does it cost to ride the metro in DC? Metro fares are calculated by how many stops you travel and vary during peak and off-peak hours. During peak hours, most fares range from $2.25 to $6 per trip. During off-peak hours, fares typically range from $1.85 to $3.85. Metro riders must pay via SmarTrip card or the SmarTrip app on iPhone and Apple Watch.

Beside this, is the DC metro a subway?

Here's some information about Washington, DC's subway system, generally called the “Metro.” The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority operates Metrorail, the third largest heavy rail system in the United States, and oversees the country's sixth largest bus system.

How do you use the Metro in DC?

Riding the DC Metro is different than riding the subway in some other cities. To enter the metro, you must tap your SmarTrip card and then tap in again on the way out. The card gets charged based on how long the ride was so don't forget to tap out or it will charge you extra!

What does DMV mean in DC?

District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles

What does DC stand for?

District of Columbia

Why is DC not a state?

Washington DC is not one of the 50 states. Congress established the federal district from land belonging to the states of Maryland and Virginia in 1790. The Virginia portion was returned in 1846, leaving a 177-square-kilometer district.

How far is Virginia to Washington DC?

The total driving distance from Virginia to Washington, DC is 119 miles or 192 kilometers.

Is Baltimore considered part of the DMV?

DMV stands for DC Maryland and Virginia. It refers mainly to DC and the DC suburbs in MD and VA. Notice that there is no reference to baltimore in the acronym DMV. Baltimore is only included when the term Baltimore/Washington area is used.

How does Metro make money?

Where does Metro's money come from? Operating revenue from passenger fares on Metro's bus and rail system produces about $303 million each year. Other sources of revenue, like system advertising and tolls from Metro ExpressLanes, generate about an additional $138 million.

Is it safe to ride the Metro in Washington DC?

Is it safe to ride Metro's buses or trains? Yes. Just remember to wash your hands, cover your cough, practice good personal hygiene, and stay home if you're sick.

What two airports could you fly into if visiting DC?

There are three major airports in the Washington, DC region: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (airport code: DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (airport code: IAD) and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (airport code: BWI).

How much does a SmarTrip card cost?

A SmarTrip card costs $2. Some sales locations have cards with pre-loaded value on them, so the card would cost $2 plus the pre-loaded amount.

Is the Metro bus free?

Passengers have been able to ride Metrobus for free since early in the pandemic, but that will change in a few weeks. Starting in late March, Metro waived fares on buses, and required riders to board through the rear door.

Where should I live in Washington DC?

Where to Live in Washington DC
  • Adams Morgan. The bustling nightlife and the quiet residential areas of Adams Morgan welcomes both families and young professionals.
  • Chinatown. Vibrant, busy, and always something to do.
  • Cleveland Park.
  • Downtown.
  • Eckington.
  • Glover Park.
  • Judiciary Square.
  • Logan Circle.

What is the official DC Metro app?

The SmarTrip app has arrived for iPhone.

Cards purchased in the SmarTrip app automatically get added to Apple Wallet to pay for transit in the Washington, DC area including: all 91 Metrorail stations in DC, Maryland and Virginia, all Metro parking garages and lots, all Metrobus routes.

Does the DC metro go to Dulles?

Metrorail to Washington Dulles is now closer than ever. With direct service from Dulles Airport to Metro's Silver Line, the Silver Line Express Bus provides a convenient, economical connection between Dulles' Terminal and the Wiehle-Reston East Metrorail Station on Metrotrail's Silver Line.

How much is a DC Metro day pass?

Cost to Ride
Metrorail & MetrobusCost to Ride
1-Day Pass$13.00
3-Day Pass$28.00
7-Day Pass$58.00
7-Day Short Trip$38.00

How do you get around DC?

Here are the best options for traversing the nation's capital. Washington, DC has one of the safest, cleanest and most efficient transportation systems in the world. Metrorail and Metrobus are the most convenient ways to get around DC, with Metrobus providing connections for locations not serviced by Metrorail.

How much is a metro card in DC?

The card costs $2 and comes with $8 in stored fare value for a total price of $10.

Can you buy DC metro tickets online?

Passes can be purchased in the SmarTrip® app and then added to Apple Wallet or can be added to your plastic SmarTrip Card online, at Fare Vending Machines located in Metrorail stations, and at the Metro Center Sales Office, commuter stores, or retail outlets.

How much does the Silver Line cost?

The fare for both the Silver Line 910 and Silver Line Express 950X is $2.50. Transfers from either line are free for up to two hours when using a TAP card. When transferring from a local line to either line, there is a $0.75 upcharge.