The Washington DC Metro operates across six color-coded lines — Red, Blue, Orange, Silver, Yellow, and Green — covering over 90 stations across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. The DC metro schedule operating hours are from 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM Monday through Thursday, 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM on Fridays, 7:00 AM to 1:00 AM on Saturdays, and 7:00 AM to 12:00 AM on Sundays. During peak hours, trains generally run every 6 to 12 minutes, while off-peak and weekend services run every 12 to 20 minutes.
DC Metro fares are distance- and time-based. Peak hour fares range from $2.25 to $6.00, while off-peak fares are lower, ranging from $2.00 to $3.85. Peak hours are on weekdays from opening until 9:30 AM and from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. All other times, including weekends and holidays, are considered off-peak. Using a SmarTrip card is highly recommended, as it offers discounted fares and is required on buses and at gated Metro stations.
DC Metro Schedule
The DC Metro runs daily with longer hours on weekdays and reduced service on weekends. Trains are more frequent during weekday peak hours with a frequency of 5-15min and all stations are accessible. Also, for the weekend the train runs with a frequency of 15-20min. During the peak hours at metro dc station peak hour fares will be applicable to the commuter whereas during the off peak hours the off peak fares are applicable.
Weekend Schedule
The DC Metro runs weekends from 7 AM-midnight (last trains 11:30 PM). Saturday trains every 12-15 mins, Sunday 15-20 mins (Red Line 25 mins). Off-peak fares all weekend. Track work possible (@wmata). Silver Line to Dulles requires Wiehle-Reston bus transfer.
| Day | First Train | Last Train | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 7:00 AM | 12:00 AM | Every 12-15 min |
| Sunday | 7:00 AM | 12:00 AM | Every 15-20 min |
Weekday Schedule
The DC Metro operates weekdays from 5:00 AM to midnight with peak service (6-9:30 AM & 3-7 PM) offering trains every 3-8 minutes at core stations. Off-peak hours run reduced frequencies (8-20 mins) with lower fares.
| Time Block | Frequency | Fare Type |
|---|---|---|
| 5:00-6:00 AM | 12-15 mins | Off-Peak |
| 6:00-9:30 AM | 3-6 mins* | Peak |
| 9:30 AM-3:00 PM | 8-12 mins | Off-Peak |
| 3:00-7:00 PM | 4-8 mins* | Peak |
| 7:00 PM-Midnight | 12-20 mins | Off-Peak |
Holiday Schedule
DC Metro typically follows a Sunday schedule on most holidays (7 AM–midnight, reduced frequency), with some exceptions like July 4th. Off-peak fares apply all day. Major holidays often have special service alerts.
| Holiday | Date | Service Type | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Sunday Schedule | 7:00 AM | 12:00 AM (Midnight) |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | January 15 | Saturday Schedule | 7:00 AM | 12:00 AM |
| Presidents’ Day | February 19 | Saturday Schedule | 7:00 AM | 12:00 AM |
| Memorial Day | May 27 | Sunday Schedule | 7:00 AM | 12:00 AM |
| Independence Day | July 4 | Sunday Schedule | 7:00 AM | 12:00 AM |
| Labor Day | September 2 | Sunday Schedule | 7:00 AM | 12:00 AM |
| Thanksgiving Day | November 28 | Sunday Schedule | 7:00 AM | 12:00 AM |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Sunday Schedule | 7:00 AM | 12:00 AM |
WMATA Washington DC Metro Peak & Off peak Fares
| Day & Time | Direction | Fare Type |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays, 5:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Both directions | Peak |
| Weekdays, 9:31 AM – 3:00 PM | Both directions | Off-Peak |
| Weekdays, 3:01 PM – 7:00 PM | Both directions | Peak |
| Weekdays, 7:01 PM – Close | Both directions | Off-Peak |
| Weekdays, 12:00 AM – 5:00 AM | Both directions | Off-Peak |
| Weekends & Federal Holidays (All Day) | Both directions | Off-Peak |
DC Metro Map
How to get latest WMATA DC Metro Schedule
1. Visit WMATA.com
Go to wmata.com and check the “Schedules” section for the latest train times, PDF timetables, and service hours.
2. Use the Trip Planner
Enter your starting point and destination to get the best route with live schedule updates and travel time estimates.
3. Check Real-Time Arrivals
Use the Next Arrivals tool on the website to see exactly when the next train will arrive at your station.
4. Try MetroPulse
MetroPulse shows real-time train positions, service reliability, and on-time performance through WMATA’s tracking platform.
5. Follow @wmata on X
For live alerts and service changes, follow @wmata on X (Twitter) from 7 AM to 8 PM daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the operating hours of the DC Metro?
The DC Metro opens at 5:00 AM on weekdays and 7:00 AM on weekends. It closes at 12:00 AM (midnight) Sunday–Thursday and at 1:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.
2. How much does it cost to ride the Metro?
Fares vary by distance and time. Off-peak fares range from $2.00 to $3.85, and peak fares range from $2.25 to $6.00. Using a SmarTrip card offers the best rates.
3. Where can I buy a SmarTrip card?
You can purchase a SmarTrip card at Metro stations, WMATA sales offices, online, or through the SmarTrip mobile app (available for iOS and Android).
4. Is the DC Metro wheelchair accessible?
Yes, all DC Metro stations are ADA-compliant with elevators, ramps, and priority seating for passengers with disabilities.
5. How can I check for delays or service updates?
For real-time updates, visit wmata.com, use the MetroPulse tool, or follow @wmata on X (Twitter) for alerts and service notices.