DC Metro Pass: Local who just needs to catch a bus or train for the occasional night on the town, a student commuting home on weekends, or a visitor discovering the city, dealing with public transportation can be easier (and cheaper) when you understand your DC Metro pass options. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) offers a range of pass types for Metrorail and Metrobus, catering to everyone from weekend wanderers to daily commuters.
DC Metro Pass Highlights
“DC Metro Pass” is an umbrella term used to describe any fare card or travel pass used on Metrorail and Metrobus. You can use Smart Trip cards or mobile passes for easy tap-in access. This is not just one pass but a family of options including daily, weekly, and monthly passes.
| Pass Type | Best For | Price | Validity | Bonus Perks |
| 1-Day Unlimited Pass | Visitors | $13 | 1 Day | Unlimited Metrorail travel |
| 3-Day Unlimited Pass | Tourists | $28 | 3 Days | Ideal for weekend city exploration |
| 7-Day Short Trip Pass | Local commuters | $38 | 7 Days | Covers short Metrorail trips |
| 7-Day Unlimited Pass | Heavy users | $58 | 7 Days | Unlimited Metrorail use |
| Monthly Pass | Daily commuters | $64+ | 30 Days | Fare cap flexibility |
| Monthly Metrobus Add-On | Bus commuters | $20 | 30 Days | Unlimited Metrobus access |
| Senior/Disabled Passes | Eligible riders | Discounted | Varies | Reduced fare, special services |
Washington DC Metro Pass
When visiting the U.S. capital, a Washington DC Metro Pass helps you avoid fare confusion and lets you hop on and off the Metro effortlessly. Options include:
Top Visitor Passes:
- 1-Day Unlimited Pass – $13
- 3-Day Unlimited Pass – $28
- 7-Day Short Trip Pass – $38
- 7-Day Unlimited Pass – $58
Why It’s Great:
- Unlimited Metrorail rides
- Great for sightseeing and attraction-hopping
- No fare calculations or surprises
DC Metro Monthly Pass
A DC Metro Monthly Pass is ideal for regular or daily commuters. It offers unlimited travel within your selected fare tier for 30 days.
| Commute Cost | Monthly Fare Cap |
|---|---|
| $2.00 | $64.00 |
| $2.25 | $72.00 |
| $2.50 | $80.00 |
| $2.75 | $88.00 |
| $3.00 | $96.00 |
| $3.25 | $104.00 |
| $3.50 | $112.00 |
| $3.75+ | $120.00+ |
Why Use It:
- Unlimited rides within selected fare tier
- Auto-renewal and Smart Trip compatibility
- Trackable usage for budgeting
Pro Tip: Add a $20 Metrobus pass for unlimited bus rides if you’re a regular bus-and-train commuter.
Monthly Pass Washington DC Metro
The keyword “Monthly Pass Washington DC Metro” is often used to refer to the same monthly option mentioned above. Here’s how to get it:
Where to Buy:
- WMATA Smart Trip Online Store
- Smart Trip App (iOS & Android)
- Metro Station Kiosks
- Retailers like CVS, Giant, Safeway
Managing Your Pass:
- Use auto-reload for convenience
- Register your card to protect your balance
- Transfer to mobile for tap-and-go travel.
- The WMATA offers unlimited travel within fare levels using short-term or monthly passes. Enhance them with add-ons.
Add-Ons and Benefits:
- $20 Monthly Metrobus Add-On – Unlimited bus travel for 30 days
- Fare Capping – Pay-as-you-go until you reach the pass cap; then ride free
Short-Term vs. Monthly Passes
| Feature | Short-Term Passes | Monthly Passes |
| Best For | Tourists & Event Goers | Daily Commuters |
| Validity | 1 to 7 Days | 30 Days |
| Fare Cap Customizable | No | Yes |
| Works on Metrobus | Some Passes | Optional Add-On Available |
| Savings | Great for Short Trips | Great for Daily Use |
How Does DC Metro
WMATA’s fare capping system means you never pay more than the cost of an unlimited pass over a given period.
Example:
- If you pay $58 in 7 days, the system activates a 7-Day Unlimited Pass
- You ride free after hitting the fare cap
Works With:
- Registered Smart Trip cards
- Mobile Smart Trip accounts
Smart Trip Cards All Metro Passes
Every Metro pass is tied to Smart Trip — WMATA’s digital fare system available on both cards and phones.
Options:
- Plastic Smart Trip Card – Buy at stations or retailers
- Mobile Smart Trip – Use with Apple Wallet or Google Pay
Benefits:
- Quick tap-in/tap-out
- Auto reload and tracking
- Secure and transferable
Senior, Student and Discount Passes
WMATA offers discounts to eligible groups to make Metro affordable for everyone.
Discount Categories:
- Seniors (65+) – Reduced fares across Metrobus and Metrorail
- People with Disabilities – Reduced Fare Cards & Metro Access
- Students – Free or discounted rides for qualifying DC school students
- Kids Under 5 – Ride free with a paying adult
DC Metro Pass Travel
- Travel Off-Peak – Save by avoiding rush hours
- Stay Updated – Check closures/delays on the WMATA app
- Track Your Balance – Always know your remaining fare or validity
- Use Mobile – Skip the lines with your phone
- Mix Rail and Bus – Combine passes for full flexibility
Whether you’re commuting daily to work, planning a weekend getaway in the capital, or visiting iconic attractions, there is a DC Metro pass tailored to your travel style. From tourists looking to explore D.C. in a day to local workers commuting Monday to Friday, using a Smart Trip-connected Metro pass saves you time, money, and stress.
Frequently Asked Questions?
Ques 1: What is the best DC Metro pass for tourists?
Ans: The 1-Day or 3-Day Unlimited Pass offers flexibility and savings for sightseeing tourists.
Ques 2: How do I know which monthly fare cap to choose?
Ans: Check your average one-way commute cost, then choose the corresponding cap level.
Ques 3: Can I use a single pass for both bus and rail?
Ans: Yes, you can add the $20 Metrobus Add-On to your rail pass for unlimited access.
Ques 4: What if I lose my Smart Trip card?
Ans: Register your card online to recover balance and transfer to a new card easily.