Metro DC site, explanation and map.

vanity, Washington.org ^ | 19 December, 2020 | Dean Weingarten

[marktwain]

Here is information on the use of the Metro to get in and out of DC. It is fairly easy to use. I have used it several time, the last was on November of 2019.

Washington, DC’s Metro is one of the busiest public transportation systems in the country. Its expansive network of tunnels and above ground tracks connect all four quadrants of DC with suburban Virginia and Maryland. The system is heavily used by local commuters and it’s a popular, convenient and affordable way for visitors to DC to get around the region.

Find information about the Washington, DC Metro system:

• DC Metro Map
• How Metro Works & Metro Trip Planner 
• Metro Fares
• Metro Hours
• Metro Etiquette

Please check the latest Metro safety and recovery information and download the touch-free SmarTrip app for iPhone and Apple Watch.

• • •

DC Metro Map

A Metrorail system map will help you navigate the nation's capital during your trip. Click the Washington, DC Metro map below to view a larger version.

• • •

How does the Washington, DC Metro work? How do I plan my trip? 

The Metro consists of six color-coded lines: Red, Blue, Orange, Yellow, Green and Silver. The lines are connected to each other via transfer stations and many Metro stops are serviced by more than one color. Each train car has an exterior electronic sign that marks the color and the direction of the train. Direction is indicated by the final station of that line.

Popular sightseeing Metro stops include the Smithsonian (Orange, Silver and Blue lines), Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan (Red line) and Gallery Place-Chinatown (Red, Green and Yellow lines). You can plan your trip and find the best route using Metro's Trip Planner.

Worried about internet connectivity while traveling on Metro? Currently, most Metro stations have free Wi-Fi.

[KingLudd]

“eating food and drinking beverages of any type NOT permitted on Metro”

That WAS true 20 years ago, but now, everyone brings their coffee and travel mugs. People eat in the cars all the time. The cars, especially the older ones with carpeting are filthy and disgusting and stink like the landfill.

[slapshot]

what about coming from BWI ?

[GreyFriar]

I left DC 3 years ago and the regulation was still in effect. I guess I road in the cars where folks were following the rules. I do recall many left behind newspapers, especially the WaPo freebie handed out in the morning rush hour.

[sodpoodle]

The “Father of the Metro” was Carton Sickles - I had the pleasure of meeting him at a doctor’s office. The staff told him I used the Metro from Wheaton to DC (and later from Owings Mills to Johns Hopkins).

He handed me his 38 year service pin.

The DC Metro is a great form of transport - better than driving in DC or Baltimore!!!!!

[Fiji Hill]

what about coming from BWI ?

That's also a good way to go. I believe you can travel by rail all the way from the airport into DC

If you come through Dulles, you have to take a shuttle bus from the airport to the Wiehle Ave. Metro station, but that's a minor inconvenience.

If you fly in to National Airport, the Metro station is across the street.

[mass55th]

When I used to go to Washington to do research at the National Archives, and Library of Congress, I used to stay out in Waldorf, Maryland (Rt 5 to 301 S) at a Super 8 out there, then drive into the city every day. Haven’t been there in years, but I’m sure there are more hotels out that way now since there is a big mall on the same road.

[ptsal]

Use an alternate route....folks are trapped once they are on the Metro campus.

Just a hint.

[Vision]

I’m local and am happy to answer questions.

[Vision]

“And remember that eating food and drinking beverages of any type NOT permitted on Metro.

”Nowadays there is no security on a train. Depending on which line you're on (green probably the worst) it's boarding third world status. Wannabe rappers causing scenes, blaring rap from stereos, openly holding drugs. I've been the victim of a pick pocket attempt from a foreign looking woman. I've actually seen a woman with a paper plate of food and a fork eating on a train. And have seen worse. This all is the worst of what I've see for years so a few rides won't be this bad.

[Vision]

There's a bus to take you to the Amtrak station where you can get regular MARC trains to DC's Union Station- which is on Capitol Hill and is a Metro hub.

[marktwain]

Is there an easy foot traffic way to hike from Reagan National to the Lincoln Memorial/ Capitol? It looks like crossing the Arlington Memorial Bridge might do it.

[Vision]

If you're the adventurous sort you can walk the Mt Vernon Trail north and walk over the bridge. I suspect $20 on uber would save you wear and tear especially in the cold.

[marktwain]

If millions of people show up in favor of the Constitution and President Trump, I worry a little about the Metro shutting down, and vehicular traffic being stopped.

So, I was looking for a pedestrian way to make it back to a hotel/parked vehicle/airport outside of the District.

A five mile walk is not a challenge to me. Ten miles would take some effort.

[Tijeras_Slim]

I had to ride the green line south several times in 1991 when the “crack wars” were in full swing. I had a 2 1/2” Smith 19 in a Bianchi cross draw and a Gerber MK II inside my jacket in defiance of local customs.

[Vision]

It will probably be cold with a wind off the water.

[marktwain]

I found this on an old Tripadvisor Post:

8. Re: Walking From the Lincoln Memorial to Arlington National Cem? 6 years ago Save

The walk from Arl. Cemetery to Lincoln Memorial is .9 miles - a beautiful, easy and gorgeous, scenic walk across Memorial Bridge. There are broad -12-15 ft. wide - sidewalks and navigating the traffic circle is not at all difficult or dangerous if you just go in the crosswalks and pay attention.

From there you can walk a loop of the other monument/memorials - or take a taxi. Distances are easy to figure with online maps.

It is supposed to be about 2 miles from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol.

The Mt Vernon bike path offers good access to Virginia and to Reagan National Airport, with a walk of about 4 - 5 miles. Go toward Arlington from the Lincoln Memorial across Memorial bridge or from Jefferson Memorial across 395 then left/South - SouthEast along bike path which follows the river, to Reagan National.

[Steve Van Doorn]

Not following what you’re saying. We will not be able to leave if we use Metro?

[slapshot]

upon further review BWI is not an option since they require rona test to fly out it appears Also Md. Stasi probably collecting information upon landing

[Fiji Hill]

upon further review BWI is not an option since they require rona test to fly out it appears Also Md. Stasi probably collecting information upon landing

It is simply astounding how America, once the land of the free and the home of the brave, has changed in less than a year.