Whether you’re a first-time tourist heading to the National Mall or a daily commuter crossing the Potomac, understanding DC Metro fares is key to navigating Washington, D.C. smartly. Operated by WMATA, the Metro runs on a fare system that blends distance traveled and time of day—with peak hour fares costing more than off-peak rides. On weekdays during busy hours, fares can range up to $6.75, while evening and weekend rides drop to a budget-friendly $2.25.
With a Smart Trip® card, you unlock hassle-free access to both Metrobus and Metrorail, enjoy free transfers, and even discounted rates. Want to know exactly how much your trip will cost? The DC Metro fare calculator lets you plan your ride down to the cent—helping you travel smarter, save money, and skip the guesswork. Whether it’s a one-time visit or a monthly commute, mastering this system makes all the difference.
Washington DC Metro Fares
Washington DC Metro fares are based on distance, time of day, and travel mode. Whether you’re using Metrorail or Metrobus, understanding the fare system helps you save time and money.
| Mode of Transport | Fare Type | Fare | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metrorail | Weekday Peak | $2.25 – $6.75 (distance & time based) | Smart Trip / Contactless |
| Off-Peak / Weekend | $2.25 – $2.50 | Smart Trip / Contactless | |
| Monthly Unlimited Pass | Starting at $64 (varies by zone) | Smart Trip | |
| One-Day Unlimited Pass | $13.50 – $14.75 | Smart Trip / App | |
| Metrobus | Local / Metro Extra | $2.25 (flat fare) | Smart Trip / Exact Cash |
| Express Bus | $4.80 | Smart Trip / Exact Cash | |
| Discounted Fares | Seniors / Disabled Riders | 50% off standard fares | Smart Trip w/ ID |
| Children under 5 | Free (up to 2 with paying adult) | — | |
| DC Student Ride Free | Free with DC One Card + Smart Trip | Smart Trip w/ Eligibility |
WMATA (Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority) operates both Metrorail and Metrobus, and their fare structure depends on the time of day and distance traveled.
DC Metrorail Fares
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Weekday Peak Hours:
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Short Ride: $2.25 – $3.85
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Long Ride: $4.00 – $6.75
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Off-Peak / Weekends:
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Flat fare: $2.25 – $2.50
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Fares vary based on time and distance. For an exact fare, consult the WMATA Trip Planner or the DC Metro fare calculator.
DC Metrobus Fares
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Local, Metro Extra, and Metro way: $2.25 (flat fare with Smart Trip or cash)
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Express Routes (e.g., 17B, 17G, 17K): $4.80 per ride
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Children under 5: Ride free with a paying adult
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Discounted Fares: Available for seniors, disabled, and eligible D.C. youth
DC Metro Rail Fare Chart
Here’s a simplified DC Metro rail fare chart:
| Time | Distance | Fare Range |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday Peak | Short Ride | $2.25 – $3.85 |
| Weekday Peak | Long Ride | $4.00 – $6.75 |
| Off-Peak / Weekend | Any Distance | $2.25 – $2.50 |
Pro Tip: Use the DC Metro fare calculator on wmata.com or other apps to get the exact fare between any two stations.
DC Metro Fare Calculator
To calculate your exact trip cost:
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Visit WMATA’s Trip Planner
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Enter your origin and destination stations.
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Get estimated fare, travel time, and route.
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Use Third-Party Tools: Sites like dcmetrofarecalculator.com also offer clear fare breakdowns.
These calculators help you plan ahead and avoid surprise costs.
Fare Payment Options: Easy & Flexible
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Smart Trip® Card
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A reloadable plastic card that works on Metrorail and Metrobus.
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Also works for transfers and discounts.
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Contactless Payment (From May 2025)
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Tap to pay with credit/debit cards or smart devices directly at Metrorail gates.
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Mobile Fare Tools
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Manage your Smart Trip balance and passes via mobile apps.
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DC One Card / Kids Ride Free
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For eligible D.C. students and youth.
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Monthly and Unlimited Ride Passes
Frequent riders can save with these pass options:
| Pass Type | Price Range | Perks |
|---|---|---|
| One-Day Unlimited | $13.50 – $14.75 | All-day rides for tourists & locals |
| Monthly Unlimited | Based on travel zones | Unlimited rides on rail & bus |
Using the DC Metro fare calculator, you can determine if a pass is cheaper than pay-per-ride for your travel habits.
Transfers, Discounts, and Free Rides
Free or Discounted Fares
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Transfers: Free Metrobus-to-Metrorail (or vice versa) within 3 hours when using Smart Trip.
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Discounts (50–100%): Available for D.C. students, seniors, SNAP recipients, and people with disabilities.
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Free Rides:
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Children under 5
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Seniors (70+)
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Veterans with a Metro Veterans Pass
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Metro Access riders
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These benefits enhance the utility of the DC Metro fare calculator when budgeting your trip.
Why DC Metro Fares Matter: 3 Reasons
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Avoid Surprises: Know your exact fare before traveling.
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Choose the Best Payment Method: Decide between single rides or unlimited passes.
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Optimize Routes: Sometimes combining bus + rail can be cheaper than rail alone.
Whether you’re commuting daily or visiting for the weekend, knowing your way around the DC Metro fare system pays off. Use the DC Metro fare calculator, consult the rail fare chart, and pick the best pass or payment method for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions?
Ques 1. What are the current DC Metro fares for Metrorail?
Ans: Washington DC Metro fares for Metrorail vary based on distance and time of day. Weekday peak fares range from $2.25 to $6.75, while off-peak fares are $2.25 to $2.50.
Ques 2. How much is the DC Metro bus fare?
Ans: The standard DC Metro bus fare is a flat rate of $2.25 for Local, Metro Extra, and Metro way routes. Express routes cost $4.80 per ride. Fares can be paid via Smart Trip card or exact change in cash.
Ques 3. Where can I find the DC Metro rail fare chart?
Ans: You can view the DC Metro rail fare chart on the official WMATA website or by using the Trip Planner tool. The chart outlines fares based on zones, travel distance, and peak/off-peak times.
Ques 4. What is the best way to calculate my DC Metro fare?
Ans: Use the DC Metro Fare Calculator on WMATA’s website or third-party platforms. Just enter your starting point, destination, and travel time — it will show the exact fare and suggest pass options if available.
Ques 5. Are there any fare discounts available for Washington DC Metro riders?
Ans: Yes. Seniors (65+), people with disabilities, students, and SNAP recipients can enjoy discounted or free fares. Up to two children under 5 can also ride free with a paying adult.
Ques 6. Can I use a single pass for both Metrobus and Metrorail in Washington DC?
Ans: Absolutely. WMATA offers monthly and unlimited ride passes that work across both Metrobus and Metrorail services. Passes can be loaded onto a Smart Trip card or used digitally via mobile apps.