Planning a visit to the nation’s capital or commuting daily across the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) area? Understanding the DC Metro hours is essential for smooth, stress-free travel. Operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), the Metro system is one of the busiest in the U.S., serving millions of daily riders—locals and tourists alike.
Whether you’re catching the first train for work, traveling to museums on the National Mall, or heading home late from a concert, this guide gives you accurate and complete information about Metrorail and Metrobus operating hours, including weekend schedules, peak hours, and 24-hour bus routes. Let’s dive in!
DC Metrorail Hours
The Metrorail system runs on different schedules depending on the day of the week. Here’s a breakdown:
| Day | Opening Time | Closing Time | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday – Thursday | 5:00 AM | 12:00 AM | Last trains depart right before midnight |
| Friday | 5:00 AM | 1:00 AM (Sat) | Extended late-night trains |
| Saturday | 7:00 AM | 1:00 AM (Sun) | Best for nightlife & weekend events |
| Sunday | 7:00 AM | 12:00 AM | Reduced frequency, perfect for leisure |
Dc Metro Operating Hours
DC Metro operating hours vary by day to meet commuter and tourist needs. Metrorail runs Monday to Thursday from 5 AM to 12 AM, Friday and Saturday till 1 AM, and Sundays from 7 AM to 12 AM. Metrobus services typically operate from 5 AM to 12 AM, with several 24/7 routes on busy lines. Plan ahead during peak hours (5–9:30 AM & 3–7 PM) for faster trains but higher fares.
DC Metro Bus Hours (Metrobus Schedule)
Metrobus is the lifeline for 24-hour connectivity across the capital. It covers areas not directly accessible via train and operates longer hours.
| Day | Standard Service | 24-Hour Routes |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays | 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM | Yes – on major corridors (e.g., 70, 90, S2) |
| Saturday & Sunday | 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM | Select routes run all night for late-night travelers |
🚍 Popular 24/7 Bus Lines:
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Route 70: Georgia Avenue–7th Street Line
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Route 90: U Street–Garfield Line
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Route S2: 16th Street Line
DC Metro Peak Hours
DC Metro’s peak hours are typically Monday to Friday, 5:00 AM – 9:30 AM and 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM. During these times, trains run more frequently, but they can be crowded—especially on major lines. Plan your travel outside these hours for a smoother, less rushed commute.
| Period | Time | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Peak | 5:00 AM – 9:30 AM (Mon–Fri) | Higher fares, more frequent trains, heavy crowds |
| Evening Peak | 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Mon–Fri) | Same as morning – avoid if you prefer quiet travel |
| Off-Peak Hours | All other times & weekends | Lower fares, trains every 8–12 mins |
Washington DC Metro Hours by Day
Monday to Thursday
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Metrorail: 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM
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Metrobus: 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM (some 24/7)
Ideal for commuters, early meetings, or getting to work on time.
Friday – Extended Hours
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Metrorail: Until 1:00 AM
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Metrobus: Standard hours + 24/7 lines
Perfect for dinner outings, nightlife, or late office shifts.
Saturday Metro Hours DC
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Metrorail: 7:00 AM to 1:00 AM
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Metrobus: 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM + overnight routes
Enjoy your weekend events, shopping, and evening hangouts.
Sunday DC Metro Hours
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Metrorail: 7:00 AM to 12:00 AM
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Metrobus: 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM, select routes 24/7
Use this for brunch, museums, church, or sightseeing—but expect less frequent service than weekdays.
Maintenance & Alerts
DC Metro often performs maintenance work during late-night hours, especially on weekends. This can impact train frequency or cause delays.
Always check real-time updates using:
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Metro Pulse App (by WMATA)
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Google Maps or Transit App
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Twitter: @wmata
Tools to Check DC Metro Hours Live
If you’re ever unsure about train/bus timings, use these tools:
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WMATA Trip Planner – Custom route & fare planning
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Transit App – Live train and bus arrivals
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Google Maps – Real-time schedules & delays
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Station Displays – Accurate “next train” timings
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a daily commuter, understanding Washington DC Metro hours will make your travel more efficient, affordable, and enjoyable. From early morning trains to 24/7 bus routes, WMATA keeps the city moving—no matter the hour.
Always check live updates, plan around peak hours, and explore the best of D.C. without any transit surprises. Safe travels!
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques 1: What are the general DC Metro hours?
Ans: Metrorail runs from 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM on weekdays, and until 1:00 AM on Fridays & Saturdays. Metrobus generally runs 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM, with 24/7 service on key routes.
Ques 2: What do people mean by “Metro hours DC”?
Ans : It refers to the daily schedule of both Metrorail and Metrobus, including start times, end times, and frequency.
Ques 3: What are DC Metro operating hours on Saturday?
Ans : On Saturdays, Metrorail operates 7:00 AM – 1:00 AM, and Metrobus runs from 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM, with overnight service on major lines.
Ques 4: What are the DC Metro hours on Sunday?
Ans : Metrorail runs from 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM, while Metrobus operates from 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM, with some routes running 24/7.
Ques 5: What’s the best time to avoid crowds?
Ans : Travel during off-peak hours—midday or late night (after 9:30 AM or after 7:00 PM) for less crowded trains and cheaper fares.