DC Metro Silver Line: As one of the chief tourist, commuter, and student-friendly airport metro lines in the DMV, the Silver Line (DC Metro) has made travel all the more stylish and efficient. Whether you’re landing at Dulles Airport, commuting daily through Northern Virginia, or heading to college in D.C., this line is a game-changer. Introduced in stages, the Silver Line connects busy urban centers, suburbs, and two major airports. Here’s your go-to guide on the Silver Line DC Metro — from maps and stops to pro tips.
Latest Updates: Silver Line DC Metro
- Every other Silver Line train now alternates its eastern terminus between Ashburn and Downtown Largo, and Ashburn and New Carrollton.
- Passengers can transfer at Stadium-Armory to connect between these two branches.
Silver Line DC Metro
The Silver Line is one of the largest expansions in WMATA’s history. Spanning Maryland to Virginia, it serves federal institutions, tech zones, residential suburbs, and the international terminal.
Key Features:
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Total Length | Approx. 37 miles |
Number of Stations | 34 (some shared with Orange/Blue lines) |
Starting Point | Downtown Largo (MD) |
Ending Point | Ashburn (VA) |
Airport Served | Dulles International Airport |
Intersecting Lines | Red, Blue, Orange, Green, Yellow |
Launch Phases | Phase 1 (2014-19), Phase 2 (2022-27) |
Washington DC Metro Silver Line Map
If you’re navigating D.C., getting a Washington DC Metro Silver Line map is essential. The line crosses major transfer hubs and serves places like Tysons Corner, Reston, and Dulles Airport.
- Rosslyn – Connects to Blue/Orange Lines
- Metro Center – Connects to Red Line
- L’Enfant Plaza – Connects to Green and Yellow Lines
- East Falls Church – Entry point to Virginia-only stations
WMATA DC Metro Map Silver Line
Many riders look for a DC Metro Map Silver Line to plan ahead. Here are the most common types:
Map Type | Where to Find | Best For |
Digital Map | WMATA app, Google/Apple Maps | Live navigation, delay updates |
Printable Map (PDF) | WMATA site, hotels, stations | Offline tourists and planners |
In-Station Maps | Inside stations, on trains | Real-time use while traveling |
DC Metro Silver Line Stops
Below is the complete list of DC Metro Silver Line stops, grouped by region.
Virginia Silver Line Stations
Ashburn – Park-and-ride terminal in Loudoun County
Loudoun Gateway – Tech offices, Dulles Greenway access
Dulles Airport – Terminal-level metro station
Innovation Center – Near IT offices, Fairfax hub
Herndon – Parking garages and shopping
Reston Town Center – Dining and outdoor events
Wiehle-Reston East – Old terminal, suburban access
Spring Hill – Business centers and hotels
Greensboro – Commercial and condo neighborhoods
Tysons Corner – Mall and restaurants galore
McLean – Near CIA HQ and Capital One HQ
East Falls Church – Transfers to Orange Line
DC Silver Line Stations
Station | Attractions Nearby |
Ballston-MU | George Mason University |
Virginia Square-GMU | Law schools, community hubs |
Clarendon | Shops, eateries, nightlife |
Court House | Civic centers, apartments |
Rosslyn | Transfer hub, corporate zone |
Foggy Bottom-GWU | GWU, Kennedy Center, World Bank |
Farragut West | Office area near the White House |
McPherson Square | Business and financial core |
Metro Center | Major transfer with Red Line |
Federal Triangle | Government buildings, museums |
Smithsonian | National Mall and museum access |
L’Enfant Plaza | Key transfer hub with multiple lines |
Maryland Silver Line Stations
- Federal Center SW – Near EPA HQ
- Capitol South – U.S. Capitol offices
- Eastern Market – Farmers market and community
- Potomac Ave – Residential + Capitol Bikeshare access
- Stadium-Armory – Close to RFK Stadium
- Benning Road – Local community center
- Capitol Heights – Entry point to suburban MD
- Addison Road – Seat Pleasant, local access
- Morgan Boulevard – FedExField stadium access
- Downtown Largo – Final station, retail + parking
Metro DC Map Silver Line
If you’re looking for Metro DC Map Silver Line info, keep these hacks in mind:
Best Transfer Points
- Silver → Red Line: Metro Center
- Silver → Blue/Orange: Rosslyn
- Silver → Green/Yellow: L’Enfant Plaza
Time | Frequency |
Peak Hours | Every 6–8 minutes |
Off-Peak Hours | Every 10–12 minutes |
Weekends | Every 12–15 minutes |
Smart Rider Tips
- Always carry a Smart Trip card to save time and money
- Use mobile apps to track real-time train positions
- Stations like Tysons and Reston are great for shopping
- Avoid last-minute rush during peak office hours
The DC Silver Line is more than just a train route — it’s a lifeline across the DMV, seamlessly linking distant suburbs with the heart of the capital. From maps and stops to trip tips, this line empowers tourists, students, and professionals to move smartly.
DC Metro Silver Lines Fares
DC Metro’s Silver Line Downtown Washington, DC is the key connects to major areas including Tyson, Reston, Dulles Airport and Ashburn. The fare varies depending on the distance of the journey and the time of the day. The peak hour fare is high, while off-peak rates provide greater savings. Riders using Smartrip® cards receive the best rates, and senior or disabled passengers enjoy additional discounts.
Trip Type | Peak Fare | Off-Peak Fare | Senior/Disabled Fare |
---|---|---|---|
Local Trip | $2.25 | $2.00 | $1.00–$1.10 |
Commuter Trip | $3.50–$5.00 | $2.25–$3.85 | $1.25–$2.50 |
Airport Trip (to/from IAD) | $6.00 | $3.85 | $2.90 |
End-to-End Trip | $6.00 | $3.85 | $2.90 |
Interline Transfer Trip | $4.00–$6.00 | $2.50–$4.00 | $1.25–$2.00 |
Off-Peak Leisure Trip | N/A | $2.00–$2.50 | $1.00–$1.25 |
Hotels Near Silver Line Metro DC
Hotel Name | Price Range | Nearest Station / Walk Time | Key Features |
---|---|---|---|
Courtyard Silver Spring Downtown | Mid | ~4 blocks to Silver Spring Metro | Free Wi-Fi, on-site parking (~$13/day), peaceful downtown spot |
DoubleTree Downtown Silver Spring | Mid | ~4 blocks to Silver Spring Metro | Restaurant, moderate prices, reliable brand comfort |
Hotel Silver – Silver Spring | Mid | ~3 blocks to Silver Spring Metro | Free Wi-Fi, upcoming dining facility |
DoubleTree by Hilton Silver Spring | Mid | ~0.4 miles to Metro Center at Silver Spring | Full-service with pool and restaurant |
Homewood Suites by Hilton Silver Spring | Mid | ~0.5 miles to Metro Center | Suite-style rooms, extended-stay friendly |
Holiday Inn Express Washington DC – N-Silver Spring | Mid | ~0.5 miles to Metro Center | Reliable chain, solid value option |
Hyatt Place Washington DC/US Capitol | Budget (~$80–$90) | ~0.9 miles to central Metro stations | Seasonal outdoor pool, convenient central location |
YOTEL Washington DC | Budget (~$73) | ~0.5 miles to Metro | Rooftop lounge with skyline views, tech-forward |
Moxy Washington, DC Downtown | Budget (~$56) | ~0.5 miles to Metro | Trendy vibe, fitness center, pet-friendly, wallet-friendly |
Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center | Budget (~$87) | ~0.2 miles to Metro | Rooftop hangout, smart-room tech |
Frequently Asked Questions?
Ques 1: Does the Silver Line go directly to Dulles Airport?
Ans: Yes, the Silver Line now has a dedicated stop at Dulles International Airport, making it convenient for flyers.
Ques 2: What are the starting and ending points of the Silver Line?
Ans : The Silver Line starts at Downtown Largo (Maryland) and ends at Ashburn (Virginia), covering 34 stations.
Ques 3: Can I transfer from the Silver Line to other metro lines?
Ans : Absolutely! You can transfer at:
-
Rosslyn (Blue/Orange Line)
-
Metro Center (Red Line)
-
L’Enfant Plaza (Green/Yellow Lines)
Ques 4: Is the Silver Line safe to travel at night?
Ans : Yes, it’s generally safe, especially in well-lit, populated stations. However, always be aware of your surroundings in less busy areas.
Ques 5: How often do Silver Line trains run?
Ans : During peak hours, trains run every 6–8 minutes. Off-peak, it’s every 10–12 minutes, and 12–15 minutes on weekends.
Ques 6: Is Silver Line useful for daily commuting and students?
Ans : Yes, it connects major suburbs to office hubs, universities (like GWU), and shopping areas like Tysons Corner—perfect for students and daily commuters alike.