Potomac Ave Metro Washington DC they could be referring to either Potomac Avenue Station in Washington, DC, or the newer Potomac Yard Station in Alexandria, VA. While both are part of the WMATA system and serve the broader DMV area, they differ significantly in their design, history, and transit roles. Let’s dive into the full comparison, details, accessibility, ridership, and local highlights of both.
Potomac Ave Metro Washington DC
Potomac Ave Metro Station Washington, DC is a centrally located underground station serving the Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines in the Hill East neighborhood. Opened in 1977, it features a single island platform and offers seamless access to nearby attractions like Congressional Cemetery and Eastern Market. The station supports commuters with bike racks, Capital Bikeshare, Metrobus connections, and is fully accessible.
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Opened | July 1, 1977 |
Metro Lines | Blue, Orange, Silver |
Platform Type | 1 island platform |
Accessibility | Yes |
Daily Ridership (2023) | ~1,677 riders/day |
Transit Connections | Metrobus routes B2, M6, V4, 32, 36 |
Bike Amenities | Capital Bikeshare & bike racks |
Nearby Attractions | Congressional Cemetery, Eastern Market |
Station Type | Underground with dual mezzanine access points |
Neighborhood | Hill East, Washington, D.C. |
Potomac Metro Dc
Potomac Metro DC often refers to either Potomac Avenue Station in Washington, D.C., or Potomac Yard Station in Alexandria, VA. Meanwhile, Potomac Yard is a modern station on the Blue and Yellow Lines, serving a growing tech and retail district near Virginia Tech’s Innovation Campus. Both stations enhance regional connectivity within the WMATA system, supporting commuters, cyclists, and tourists alike.
Structure: Above-ground station with 2 side platforms
2023 Daily Ridership: Approx. 1,002 passengers
Accessibility: Yes
Transit Connections: DASH and Metrobus lines
Bike Amenities: 17 bike racks
Nearby Attractions: Virginia Tech Innovation Campus, retail & residential developments
Unique Features
-
LEED Gold certified station
-
Features public art from WMATA’s Art in Transit initiative
-
Serves a growing 7.5 million sq. ft. mixed-use area
Potomac Ave vs. Potomac Metro Dc
Feature | Potomac Avenue (Washington, DC) | Potomac Yard (Alexandria, VA) |
---|---|---|
Opened | July 1, 1977 | May 19, 2023 |
Metro Lines Served | Blue, Orange, Silver | Blue, Yellow |
Location | Hill East, Washington, DC | Alexandria, Virginia |
Station Type | Underground | Above ground |
Platform Layout | 1 island platform | 2 side platforms |
Daily Ridership (2023) | ~1,677 riders/day | ~1,002 riders/day |
Accessibility | Yes | Yes |
Transit Connections | Metrobus (B2, M6, V4, 32, 36) | DASH & Metrobus routes |
Bike Facilities | Capital Bikeshare + Bike racks | 17 bike racks |
Nearby Attractions | Congressional Cemetery, Eastern Market | Innovation Campus, Retail District |
Design Highlights | Historic, dual headhouses, island mezzanine | LEED Gold, public art, pedestrian tunnel |
Safety Record | Average, staffed, with improvements | High marks, modern lighting and design |
Potomac Avenue Station Design
-
Central island platform
-
Separate fare control areas on either end
-
Mezzanine connections above platform
-
Dual headhouses: one sunken (north), one aboveground (south)
-
Two side platforms with a pedestrian tunnel underneath
-
Sustainable, LEED Gold-certified design
-
Art inspired by nature and the Potomac River basin
Near Potomac Avenue
-
Congressional Cemetery (3 blocks away)
-
Dining along Pennsylvania Avenue SE
-
Eastern Market & Capitol Hill within walking distance
-
Part of DDOT corridor improvements (lights, sidewalks, and accessibility)
Near Potomac Yard (Alexandria, VA)
-
Brand-new urban development
-
Virginia Tech Innovation Campus
-
Access to Alexandria’s tech and retail hubs
-
DASH/Metrobus routes link to Arlington & D.C.
Metro Line Access & Schedule
Potomac Avenue
-
Lines: Blue, Orange, Silver
-
Direction:
-
Westbound: Via Rosslyn toward Vienna or Largo
-
Eastbound: Toward New Carrollton
-
-
Buses: Routes B2, 32, 36, M6, V4
Potomac Yard
-
Lines: Blue, Yellow
-
Direction:
-
Northbound: To DC or Largo
-
Southbound: Toward Huntington
-
-
Buses: DASH & Metrobus
DC Metro Potomac Yard Station
The DC Metro Potomac Yard Station is a brand-new station for Metrorail (our subway system) with service to the Blue and Yellow Lines, and serves the Arlington & Alexandria metro area! It opened in May 2023 to accommodate the expanding Potomac Yard neighborhood, to which it connects new housing, retail, and commercial projects. The station provides easy access to Amazon’s HQ2 at National Landing, as well as local parks and the Potomac Yard shopping center. it reduces the need for automobile usage and enhances the regional connection, because is a sustainable and accessible transportation hub. Potomac Yard Station has become an essential link for daily riders and tourists between Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C
Hotels near Potomac Avenue Metro Station
Hotel | Approx. Nightly Rate (USD) | Distance to Eastern Market Area (~Metro Access) | Highlights |
---|---|---|---|
YOTEL Washington DC | ~$81–$84 | ~1.0–1.3 miles (12–15 min walk) | Rooftop lounge views, modern décor, excellent reviews |
Holiday Inn Washington Capitol–National Mall (IHG) | ~$99 | ~1.2 miles | Rooftop pool, reliable service, free cancellation |
Hyatt Place Washington DC/US Capitol | ~$93 | ~1.6 miles | Pool, free Wi‑Fi, convenient Metro access |
Capitol Hill Hotel | ~$175 | ~0.6 miles | Free continental breakfast, gym, business center |
Hostel/Hostel-Hybrid Option – Duo Nomad | ~$50–$80 | ~0.3 miles | Very budget-friendly, free Wi‑Fi in public areas |
Safety & Rider Feedback
Potomac Avenue
-
Safety noted as average for the city
-
Escalator reliability an occasional issue
-
2023 incident (shooting) highlighted concerns, but station staff presence is strong
-
Positive feedback for community revitalization
Potomac Yard
-
Newer construction = fewer maintenance issues
-
High marks for design, ease of access, and cleanliness
-
Well-lit and integrated into a secure development area
Tips for Riders
Start Early: Trains begin ~5 AM; some buses from 3 AM
Use Multimodal Transit: Biking + Metro is a solid combo
Stay Updated: Check WMATA service alerts (canopy closures, escalator maintenance)
Potomac Yard Station: A sleek, modern addition in Alexandria, built for future-forward growth.