Red Line Metro DC: Whether you’re a daily commuter a student or a tourist in Washington DC understanding the busiest and oldest line in the WMATA system it connects major hubs attractions and neighborhoods across the capital and beyond. This guide covers everything you need to know about the DC Metro Red Line including stops maps travel tips and frequently asked questions tailored for easy ranking with the exact keywords.
Red Line Metro DC
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority WMATA system. It runs from Shady Grove in Maryland to Glenmont also in Maryland passing directly through the heart of Washington DC.
Line color Red
Total stations 27
Route length Approx 31 miles
Key hubs Union Station Dupont Circle Metro Center Gallery Place
The Red Line is frequent reliable and safe making it the top choice for locals and travelers navigating DC quickly.
DC Metro Red Line Stops
If you’re planning your trip it’s crucial to know all the DC Metro Red Line stops so you can choose the most convenient entry and exit points.
| Stop Number | Station Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Shady Grove |
| 2 | Rockville |
| 3 | Twinbrook |
| 4 | White Flint |
| 5 | Grosvenor–Strathmore |
| 6 | Medical Center |
| 7 | Bethesda |
| 8 | Friendship Heights |
| 9 | Tenleytown–AU |
| 10 | Van Ness–UDC |
| 11 | Cleveland Park |
| 12 | Woodley Park–Zoo Adams Morgan |
| 13 | Dupont Circle |
| 14 | Farragut North |
| 15 | Metro Center |
| 16 | Gallery Place–Chinatown |
| 17 | Judiciary Square |
| 18 | Union Station |
| 19 | NoMa–Gallaudet U |
| 20 | Rhode Island Ave–Brentwood |
| 21 | Brookland–CUA |
| 22 | Fort Totten |
| 23 | Takoma |
| 24 | Silver Spring |
| 25 | Forest Glen |
| 26 | Wheaton |
| 27 | Glenmont |
Pro Tip: Red Line connects with the Green and Yellow lines at Fort Totten and with the Orange Blue and Silver lines at Metro Center
Washington DC Metro Red Line Map
If you’re new to DC visualizing your route with a Washington DC Metro Red Line map can help reduce confusion.
You can access the official interactive map on the WMATA website or download mobile apps like Moovit Transit or the official DC Metro & Bus App. These maps are zoomable show real-time train movements and even let you save favorite routes.
| Feature | Description |
| Station Visibility | Shows all Red Line stations |
| Real-Time Arrivals | Live updates on train timing |
| Transfer Station Indicators | Highlighted connections to other lines |
| Accessibility Info | Elevator and escalator availability markers |
These maps are useful for both digital route planning and offline backup when you’re underground without service.
DC Metro Red Line Features
The DC Metro Red Line is iconic for several reasons
- Oldest line in the metro system opened in 1976
- Connects two major states Maryland and DC
- Offers direct access to Smithsonian Museums Union Station and Downtown DC
- Transfers to 5 other lines Blue Green Yellow Orange Silver
Whether you’re heading to a government office a college campus or a hip coffee shop in Dupont Circle this line has you covered
Hotels Near DC Metro Red Line
If you’re staying in DC and want quick access to the Red Line here are some top-rated hotels near major stops
- Bethesda Marriott near Bethesda Station
- Kimpton Hotel Palomar near Dupont Circle
- Phoenix Park Hotel near Union Station
- Embassy Suites near Metro Center
- Courtyard by Marriott near Shady Grove
Pro Tip: Staying near a Red Line stop makes it easy to explore without the hassle of traffic or parking
DC Metro Red Line Stations Parking
Many Red Line stations offer parking which is convenient for daily commuters from Maryland and nearby suburbs
| Station Name | Parking Spaces (Approx) |
| Shady Grove | 5745 |
| Rockville | Available |
| White Flint | Available |
| Grosvenor–Strathmore | Available |
| Glenmont | Available |
You can pay with a SmarTrip Card or credit card. Rates typically range from $4.95 to $5.20 per day.
Here’s where you can switch from the Red Line to other lines
- Metro Center Blue Orange Silver
- Gallery Place–Chinatown Green Yellow
- Fort Totten Green Yellow
This flexibility makes the Red Line the backbone of the WMATA network
Red Line Frequency and Schedule
| Period | Frequency |
| Peak Hours | Every 6 to 8 minutes |
| Off-Peak & Weekends | Every 10 to 12 minutes |
| Late Nights Fri & Sat | Until 1 AM |
Trains may be delayed during maintenance hours. Check WMATA alerts on their official app before traveling
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques 1. How many stops are on the DC Metro Red Line?
Ans: There are 27 total stops on the Red Line running from Shady Grove to Glenmont
Ques 2. Can I switch to other metro lines from the Red Line?
Ans: Yes You can transfer at Metro Center Fort Totten and Gallery Place
Ques 3. Does the Red Line stop near popular tourist destinations?
Ans: Yes stops like Union Station Gallery Place and Dupont Circle are tourist-friendly
Ques 4. Is there parking available at Red Line stations?
Ans: Yes stations like Shady Grove and Glenmont offer ample parking options
Ques 5. Are Red Line maps available online?
Ans: Yes WMATA and apps like Move it offer interactive and downloadable maps