DC Metro stops Whether a first time visitor to Washington, D.C. Or a daily commuter, navigating nation’s capital understanding DC Metro Stops, the layout map of the Washington DC Metro can help in saving time, reduce stress and reduce travel costs.
The Washington Metro, operated by WMATA (Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority), is the second busiest rapid transit system in the United States. With six color-coded lines and nearly 100 stations, it’s your best bet for efficiently exploring everything from Capitol Hill to charming Virginia suburbs.
Latest Updates: DC Metro Stops
- Beginning in December 2025, the Yellow Line will operate with split service, where some trains will go to Greenbelt while others will terminate at Mount Vernon Square.
- In August 2025, significant construction on the Green Line will result in the closure of multiple stations, but there will be free shuttle services and frequent trains available to assist passengers.
DC Metro Stops
There are 98 active DC Metro stops spread across six Metro lines:
-
🔴 Red Line
-
🔵 Blue Line
-
🟠 Orange Line
-
🟡 Yellow Line
-
🟢 Green Line
-
🟣 Silver Line
Each Metro stop connects residents and tourists to important government buildings, schools, monuments, stadiums, and neighborhoods. Some lines cross through Maryland and Virginia, connecting key suburbs to downtown D.C.
These stops are well-equipped with elevators, escalators, Smart Trip card machines, real-time arrival screens, and connections to buses, taxis, or bikes.
Washington DC Metro Stops Map
A Washington DC Metro stops map is essential for planning your daily commute or your tourist adventure.
| Metro Line | Color | Route (Major Stops) | Transfers Available | Notable Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Line | 🔴 Red | Shady Grove ↔ Glenmont | Metro Center, Gallery Place, Fort Totten | Union Station, Dupont Circle, Bethesda |
| Blue Line | 🔵 Blue | Franconia–Springfield ↔ Largo Town Center | Metro Center, L’Enfant Plaza | Pentagon, Capitol South, RFK Stadium |
| Orange Line | 🟠 Orange | Vienna ↔ New Carrollton | Metro Center, L’Enfant Plaza | Rosslyn, Eastern Market |
| Silver Line | 🟣 Silver | Ashburn ↔ Largo Town Center | Metro Center, L’Enfant Plaza | Dulles Airport, Tysons, Ballston |
| Yellow Line | 🟡 Yellow | Huntington ↔ Mt Vernon Sq | L’Enfant Plaza, Gallery Place | Reagan National Airport, Crystal City |
| Green Line | 🟢 Green | Branch Ave ↔ Greenbelt | L’Enfant Plaza, Gallery Place, Fort Totten | U Street, Nationals Park, Anacostia |
Where to find the map:
-
WMATA Official Website offers PDF and interactive maps.
-
Mobile apps like “DC Metro Transit,” “Moovit,” or “MetroHero” offer real-time navigation.
-
Printed versions are available at all station entrances and platform kiosks.
The Washington DC Metro stops map highlights all stops, transfer stations, and accessibility icons. For tourists, landmarks like the National Mall, Smithsonian Museums, and Capitol Building are easily spotted along the Blue, Orange, and Green Lines.
Example Use:
Want to visit the White House? Take the Red Line to Farragut North or Blue/Orange/Silver Line to Farragut West.
DC Metro Red Line Stops
The Red Line is the oldest and one of the most frequently used lines in the entire system. Stretching from Shady Grove in Maryland to Glenmont, it offers 27 strategically placed stops.
This U-shaped route connects several important neighborhoods and landmarks while allowing easy transfers to other lines via Metro Center, Gallery Place–Chinatown, and Fort Totten.
DC Zoo Metro Stops
The DC Zoo Metro Stop is the easiest way to get to the National Zoo, one of the can’t miss attractions in Washington DC. The Zoo is easily accessible by the Red Line of the Metro, with two stations — Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan and Cleveland Park — near the Zoo. Both are also less than a 10-minute walk, although Cleveland Park would also involve an easier downhill stroll to the main entrance.
Metro fares vary from $2.25 to $6 based on distance and time of day. The Washington Metro is open between 5:00 a.m.-midnight on weekdays and 7:00 a.m.-midnight on weekends, ensuring that you’ll be able to plan your trip around zoo hours.
The National Zoo is free to enter, so the choice of metro is affordable, environmentally friendly, and hassle free as opposed to limited parking. For tourist, families, and students, the DC Zoo Metro stop provides easy access to one of the city’s favorite destinations.
Full List of DC Metro Red Line Stops
| Stop # | Station Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shady Grove | Park & Ride, Maryland |
| 2 | Rockville | MARC Train Transfer |
| 3 | Twinbrook | Suburban Access |
| 4 | North Bethesda | Near Pike & Rose |
| 5 | Grosvenor–Strathmore | Near music venues |
| 6 | Medical Center | NIH access |
| 7 | Bethesda | Upscale district |
| 8 | Friendship Heights | Shopping area |
| 9 | Tenleytown–AU | American University |
| 10 | Van Ness–UDC | University of DC |
| 11 | Cleveland Park | Residential area |
| 12 | Woodley Park–Zoo | Near National Zoo |
| 13 | Dupont Circle | Dining, nightlife |
| 14 | Farragut North | Business district |
| 15 | Metro Center | Main transfer hub |
| 16 | Gallery Place–Chinatown | Arena, dining |
| 17 | Judiciary Square | Law & justice area |
| 18 | Union Station | Amtrak/VRE access |
| 19 | NoMa–Gallaudet U | Near tech/startups |
| 20 | Rhode Island Avenue | Mixed-use area |
| 21 | Brookland–CUA | Catholic University |
| 22 | Fort Totten | Green Line transfer |
| 23 | Takoma | Residential zone |
| 24 | Silver Spring | Suburban downtown |
| 25 | Forest Glen | Very deep station |
| 26 | Wheaton | Longest escalators |
| 27 | Glenmont | End of the line |
Full List of DC Metro Blue line Stops
| Stop | Station Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Franconia–Springfield | Park & Ride, VRE transfer |
| 2 | Van Dorn Street | Residential area, parking available |
| 3 | King Street–Old Town | Access to Old Town Alexandria, Amtrak/VRE connection |
| 4 | Braddock Road | Close to residential neighborhoods |
| 5 | Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport | Airport access |
| 6 | Crystal City | Business hub, Amazon HQ2 |
| 7 | Pentagon City | Fashion Centre Mall, dining |
| 8 | Pentagon | Military HQ, bus transfers |
| 9 | Arlington Cemetery | Near National Cemetery, limited hours |
| 10 | Rosslyn | Transfer to Orange/Silver Lines, Potomac views |
| 11 | Foggy Bottom–GWU | George Washington University, hospitals |
| 12 | Farragut West | Business district, near White House |
| 13 | McPherson Square | Near government buildings, hotels |
| 14 | Metro Center | Major transfer hub (Red/Orange/Silver Lines) |
| 15 | Smithsonian | Access to National Mall, museums |
| 16 | Federal Triangle | Near EPA, DOJ, and other federal offices |
| 17 | L’Enfant Plaza | Transfer to multiple lines, museums nearby |
| 18 | Federal Center SW | Government offices, close to Capitol |
| 19 | Capitol South | Near U.S. Capitol, Library of Congress |
| 20 | Eastern Market | Farmers market, historic district |
| 21 | Potomac Avenue | Residential, near Anacostia River |
| 22 | Stadium–Armory | Sports venue, RFK Stadium access |
| 23 | Benning Road | Residential area |
| 24 | Capitol Heights | Suburban access, Maryland border |
| 25 | Addison Road–Seat Pleasant | Park & Ride, residential suburb |
| 26 | Morgan Boulevard | Near FedExField stadium |
| 27 | Downtown Largo | End of the line, near shopping and medical center |
The terms are often used interchangeably, but:
-
“DC Metro Stops Map” is typically a general, simplified view of station placements.
-
“Washington DC Metro Stops Map” is often more detailed, includes parking info, accessibility icons, and transfer possibilities.
For daily commuting, the detailed map with travel time is the most practical choice, offering greater efficiency for route planning. In contrast, tourist may find a simplified or mobile friendly version more suitable for occasional travel needs.
Additionally, many Metro stations particularly those along the Red Line offers Park & Ride facilities, providing a convenient option for individual driving in from suburban areas.
Several Metro stations, especially on the Red Line, offer Park & Ride facilities, making it convenient for those driving in from the suburbs.
How to Use the DC Metro Red Line
-
Download the map: Always have an offline copy on your phone.
-
Mind transfer stations: Gallery Place, Metro Center, Fort Totten are key for switching lines.
-
Tap in and out: Don’t forget to tap Smart Trip when exiting to avoid max fare.
-
Watch for delays: Use the WMATA website or app for alerts.
-
Explore tourist spots:
- Dupont Circle → cafes & embassies
- Woodley Park → National Zoo
- Union Station → Shopping + Amtrak
- Bethesda → Art, shopping
The DC Metro system is one of the most well-organized public transportation networks in the U.S. With clear signage, logical layout, and an efficient Red Line, you can access nearly every major part of the Washington metro area. Whether the passenger is commuting, touring, or heading to an event, knowing the DC Metro stops, using the Washington DC Metro stops map, and leveraging route information can make the journey smoother and more efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions?
Ques 1: How many total Metro stops are there in DC?
Ans : 98 active stations across six lines.
Ques 2: Is the Red Line the busiest?
Ans: Yes. It carries over 40% of daily commuters and connects major institutions and neighborhoods.
Ques 3: Can I use one Smart Trip card for all stops?
Ans: Yes. A SmarTrip card works on all Metro lines and buses.
Ques 4: Which Red Line station is best for visiting the zoo?
Ans: Use Woodley Park–Zoo/Adams Morgan. It’s a short walk uphill.
Ques 5: What’s the best app for Metro map and real-time updates?
Ans: Try WMATA’s own app, Moovit, or DC Metro Transit.
