Save Money
- SmarTrip® card users pay lower Metrorail fares because they avoid the $1 paper farecard surcharge.
- Free Metrobus to Metrobus transfers with unlimited Metrobus connections (including round trips) within a two-hour period.
- A 50¢ discount when transferring from Metrobus to Metrorail or vice versa within a two-hour period.
- Register your SmarTrip® card via an online account, and a $3 fare rebate will be automatically downloaded to your card if you use it 5-to-35 days after it was first used.
Convenience
- You can pay fares for several transit systems with just one card: WMATA Metrorail and Metrobus, DC Circulator, Maryland Transit Administration Local Bus, Light Rail and Metro Subway, Alexandria DASH, Fairfax Connector, Fairfax CUE, Arlington ART, Loudoun County Transit, PRTC OmniRide, Prince George's County TheBus, Montgomery County Ride On, and registered van pools.
- You may add up to $300 in stored value on a SmarTrip® card, or better yet set it up for Auto Reload, so you can spend less time waiting in line at fare vending machines.
- A SmarTrip® card will let you take one trip that results in a negative balance, but value must be added before it can be used again on Metrorail or Metrobus.
Safety
- You can register a SmarTrip® card to protect its balance. For the cost of a card, we'll transfer your card balance at the time it was lost, stolen or damaged to a new SmarTrip® card.

Where can I buy a SmarTrip® card?

You can purchase SmarTrip® cards online, by mail, at select CVS/pharmacy, Giant Food and Safeway stores in the region that display the SmarTrip sign, Metro Sales Offices, SmarTrip® dispensers at Metrorail stations, and regional transit stores. Click here for a list of sales locations.

IMPORTANT: A SmarTrip® card or farecard must be purchased for each Metrorail rider. However, up to two children under age five may travel free with each fare paying adult.

What Metrobus and Metrorail passes are available?

Metrorail:
1-Day Unlimited Trip Pass: $14.00 (SmarTrip® and paper)
7-Day Metrorail Fast Pass: $57.50 (SmarTrip®)
28-Day Metrorail Fast Pass: $230.00 (SmarTrip®)
7-Day Metrorail Short-Trip Pass: $35.00 (SmarTrip®)

Metrobus:
7-Day Regional Bus Pass: $16 (SmarTrip®)

Can I receive a refund for the remaining balance of my SmarTrip® card or for product purchases?

All smart card purchases are final. If you experience problems retrieving stored value or with product delivery or you find that you were charged incorrectly for your product, contact SmarTrip® Customer Service at 1-888-762-7874 so that we can review your order and address any problems. If you live outside of a 100-mile radius of the Baltimore or DC area, you may be eligible to request a refund of the value on your smart card. Please contact SmarTrip® Customer Service to discuss.

What is the difference between a SmarTrip® Card and a CharmCard®?

The primary difference is that the SmarTrip® Card allows a maximum stored value of $300, while the CharmCard® maximum stored value is $200. Both are smart cards and may be used interchangeably on participating transit systems including WMATA Metrorail and Metrobus, Maryland Transit Administration Local Bus, Light Rail and Metro Subway, Montgomery County RideOn, Prince George's County TheBus, Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission OmniRide, Alexandria DASH, Arlington Transit (ART), Fairfax Connector, Fairfax CUE, and Loudoun County Transit.

How can I claim the SmartTrip® Online Account Card Rebate?

This is our way of saying, "Thank you for using SmarTrip®." As of September 1, 2012, customers will receive a $3 rebate for new SmarTrip® card purchases when they register and link their card to a SmarTrip® online account. The $3 rebate will be automatically credited to each new card added to a SmarTrip® online account five days after first use provided that there is a positive balance on the SmarTrip® card. Just tap your SmarTrip® card to any SmarTrip® target from 5-to-35 days after your first use to receive your rebate. The rebate will expire 35 days after the card's first use.

Adding or Transferring Value to SmarTrip® cards at Metro and Retail Locations

What is "stored value?"

Instead of paying each time you use Metrorail, Metrobus, MTA, and local bus systems you can "store value" (transfer money) onto your SmarTrip® card(s). Unless you purchase a Pass product, your fare will be deducted each time you ride on Metrorail, Metrobus or other regional transit systems that accept SmarTrip® cards. If you purchase a pass product, your SmarTrip® card will work during the time period specified for that pass product.

What's the maximum value a SmarTrip® card can store?

You can add up to $300 in stored value on a SmarTrip® card. Since the value on registered SmarTrip®cards is protected against theft and loss, save time by adding enough value on your card to avoid trips back to our website or vending machines.

How do I add value to my SmarTrip® card?

For commuters, Auto Reload is the best option. Click here to learn more. Otherwise, follow the directions below. You can also watch this video about how to use SmarTrip®.

Online:

Log in to your SmarTrip® online account.
Select the card to which you want to add stored value or a pass.
In the right menu under Online Purchases, click the link to either Add Value or Add Pass and follow the prompts to complete your order.

You will need to use a major credit or debit card to pay for your order.

On Metrorail:

Go to a 'blue' Passes/Farecards or to a 'black' Farecards machine, located at the entrance of every Metrorail station.
Tap your SmarTrip® card against the circular SmarTrip® target.
Follow the prompts on the screen.
Insert
- A major credit or debit card ('blue' machines only);
- Cash up to $20 bills (no pennies); machines give up to $10 in change;
- Tokens;
- A used farecard or Metrochek valued less than $20 or an unused farecard or Metrochek of any value. (If you have more than one farecard or Metrochek, each will require a separate 'add value' transaction.)
Touch the SmarTrip® card to the circular SmarTrip® target a final time. This updates the card and shows the new balance.

On Metrobus and other regional transportation providers::

Before you touch your SmarTrip® card to the target on the farebox, push the ADD VALUE button on the left side of the target. If you're not sure where that is, ask the bus operator.
Touch your card to the target.
Put in your tokens or cash: any coins (except pennies), or $1, $5, $10 or $20 bills.
Touch your card to the target again. The value is now loaded on your card.
Touch the card to the target a final time. The fare for your ride is now deducted from your card.

On a SmarTrip® Point-of-Sale Device:

Available at commuter stores and hundreds of CVS/pharmacy and Giant Food stores. Click here for sales locations. Follow the directions of the employee assisting with the device.

How do I transfer my SmartBenefits® to another SmarTrip® card?

SmartBenefits® cannot be transferred to another card automatically. If you are a SmartBenefits® user, contact your employer's SmartBenefits® administrator to reassign your SmartBenefits® to another card. If you need assistance, call SmarTrip® Customer Service at 1-888-762-7874.

I requested a transfer of funds from a lost, stolen, damaged or malfunctioning SmarTrip® card to a new card.

Click on this link to go to the Lost, Stolen, Damaged or Malfunctioning section.

Adding Passes to my SmarTrip® Card

When does the pass period start?

For time-based pass products (e.g., the 7-Day Regional Bus Pass), the pass period begins the first day the pass is used.

What if my smart card has both stored value and a pass?

The combination is fine. The bus farebox is programmed to read the pass products first and then stored value to deduct a ride. If there are no pass products on the card, the proper fare will be deducted. If there is a combination of pass product and stored value, the pass will be read first and the base fare will not be deducted from stored value.

What if I ride a Metro Express or Airport Express Bus with a 7-Day Regional Bus Pass?

On Metro Express and Airport Express (5A and B30) buses, the amount deducted from your card will be the difference between the appropriate express bus fare and a regular bas fare. For example, if the express bus fare was $3.65 and a regular bus fare was $1.60, then $2.05 would be deducted from your card.

How do I add a rail pass to my smart card?

Add a rail pass to your SmarTrip® card online as well as at any Metrorail station. Note that you cannot load a rail pass if you have a negative balance on your card.

How do I add a bus pass to my smart card?

Add a bus pass to your SmarTrip® card online as well as at any Metro sales office, regional transit store, and select CVS/pharmacy and Giant Food stores where the SmarTrip® card is displayed. Note that you cannot load a bus pass if you have a negative balance on your card. For more information on where to purchase a bus pass, see our sales locations.

Can my smart card hold more than one pass?

You can purchase two unique passes, such as a 7-Day Regional Bus Pass and an MTA Pass. The card can also hold two copies of each unique pass. For each unique pass, one copy will be active; the second will be ready to activate when the first one expires. For example, this feature allows you to add your next 7-Day Regional Bus Pass before the current one expires.

Product Delivery of Online SmarTrip® Purchases

How are online products delivered?

When a smart card is used at a bus farebox, faregate or fare vending machine a product previously purchased online is "loaded" to the card. At faregates and fare vending machines, product delivery is available within one business day of online purchase. Allow two business days for bus farebox product delivery. You have 30 days from the date of purchase to take advantage of your product delivery.

What if I'm unable to load my products within the 30-day period following my online purchase?

After 30 days, the product delivery transaction will expire and will no longer be available for loading at bus fareboxes, faregates or fare vending machines. If this happens, your product delivery status will show as "expired" on your SmarTrip® online account. Please contact SmarTrip® Customer Service at 1-888-762-7874 to request that the product be resent to your smart card.

What if I have problems loading my product purchases?

If you experience problems loading stored value or products through product delivery, contact SmarTrip® Customer Service at 1-888-762-7874 for assistance. However, please keep these key points in mind:

Smart card stored value and products purchased online will typically be available for pickup within one business day for faregates and fare vending machines, and two business days for bus fareboxes.
Smart card product purchases expire if they are not loaded to your smart card within 30 days of purchase.
The system delivers your online purchases to the rail stations and buses that you've used in the last 21 days. If you have not used Metro or regional transit in that time frame, you will need to touch your card to a SmarTrip® target at a faregate, fare vending machine or bus farebox to let the system know where to deliver your products. You must then wait one business day if you touched a target at a faregate or fare vending machine or two business days if you touched a target at a bus farebox. If you try to pick up your product at a rail station or bus, and it's not available for you yet, please try again at the same rail station or the same bus line the next business day. The system can store up to four product load instructions at a time for a single smart card. After those four products have been loaded to your card, the next group of up to four product load instructions will be issued and will be available to load to your smart card.
A product cannot be loaded to your smart card if doing so will cause the card limits to be exceeded; the status will remain as "pending" until the value of your card is low enough to allow the product to be delivered or until it has expired after 30 days.

How much stored value can I add to my smart card from my online account?

The maximum stored value that may be added is $300 per 24-hour period.

How many products can my smart card hold?

Smart cards can hold stored value, plus two unique products, such as time-based passes (e.g. 7-day pass) or ride-based passes (e.g. 10-trip ticket). The card can also hold two copies of each unique product. One is active and the other is inactive. Once a product has been used, it is erased from your card.

Why was my credit card transaction declined?

There are several reasons why the transaction may have been declined, including reaching the maximum limits on your credit card (as established by your credit card issuer), unsuccessful zip code verification or other issues with your credit card account. Please contact your credit card issuer for additional information.

Why did my credit card transaction fail?

There are several reasons why the transaction may have failed, including a communications problem or system error. This transaction can be researched by SmarTrip® Customer Service; if your credit card was charged in error, the charge will be refunded. Please contact SmarTrip® Customer Service at 1-888-762-7874 for additional information.

How many purchases can I make on my SmarTrip® online account?

You may place up to four orders in your SmarTrip® online account within a 24-hour period. The maximum value of all purchases made online within 24 hours is $300.

Understanding Auto Reload

What is an Auto Reload?

Auto Reload for SmarTrip® or CharmCard® allows you to have a pre-defined dollar value or pass automatically added to your registered card, using a credit card stored in your online account. This convenient feature eliminates the need to stop at stores or fare machines. To create a SmarTrip® online account and register your card, click here.

When and how much will my credit card be charged for the Auto Reload?

Your credit card will be charged when you initially set up Auto Reload and complete your first purchase. The amount of your initial credit card charge will be the total value in your shopping cart. Your credit card will again be charged automatically when the minimum threshold of value or time is met for the SmarTrip® product (value or pass) selected for Auto Reload. Anytime your credit card is charged, you will receive an email confirming the dollar amount charged and stored value or pass added.

When does Auto Reload happen?

Auto Reload is triggered when the value or pass on your SmarTrip® or CharmCard® meets a pre-determined threshold.

Below are the values and/or times when your credit card will be charged and you can expect additional value or a new pass to be loaded on your card:

If you use stored value on a Full Fare SmarTrip® or CharmCard®...
When $20 remains on your card, Auto Reload will add your pre-set value to the card.

If you use stored value on a Disabled SmarTrip® or CharmCard®...
When $10 remains on your card, Auto Reload will add your pre-set value to the card.

If you use a 7-Day Bus or Rail Pass...
When 3 days remain on your active pass, Auto Reload will add a new 7-Day Bus or Rail Pass to the card.

If you use a 28-Day or 30-Day Pass...
When 7 days remain on your active pass, Auto Reload will add a new 28-Day or 30-Day Pass to the card.

Can I adjust when Auto Reload is triggered?

No. The minimum threshold for Auto Reload cannot be adjusted.

How do I cancel Auto Reload?

Log into your SmarTrip® account and choose the card for which you wish to cancel an AutoReload 14 days before your reload date.
On the summary page for the chosen card, there is a section listing all the products automatically set to reload.
For the product you wish to cancel, click the "Details/Cancel" option. This will bring you to a new screen.
Click the option to "Cancel Auto Reload" and then confirm the cancellation.
Please remember to touch your SmarTrip® card or CharmCard® to a Metrorail station target, bus farebox or MTA TVM to initiate the cancellation. Cancellation will be complete in 14 days.

NOTE: You will be responsible for any Auto Reload amount charged to your credit card within five days of beginning the cancellation process. To avoid any unexpected, additional charges, remain mindful of the Auto Reload thresholds for fare products.

For more details about Auto Reload, click here.

SmarTrip® Card Registration

Is registration of my SmarTrip® card required?

No. However, we urge you to register your SmarTrip® card to protect it if it malfunctions or is lost, stolen, or damaged. If you purchased your card online or by mail, it is already registered; however, we recommend that you add the card to your online account.

How can I tell if my SmarTrip® card is registered?

Login to your SmarTrip® online account. If your card is listed under "Associated cards", then it is registered. If your card is not listed, then click "Add SmarTrip® Card" and follow the prompts. If you have any questions, you can e-mail us at SmarTrip@wmata.com or call us at 1-888-762-7874 and press zero to get an operator.

I'm concerned about privacy. Will I have to give personal information to Metro to use the SmarTrip® card?

No. However, if you would like us to provide you with services such as replacing the stored value on lost cards, then we need to collect some personal information from you such as your date of birth. We use this information only to confirm your identity before fulfilling your requests. We do not lease, sell or otherwise release your personal information to outside companies for marketing purposes. For more information on how Metro uses personal information provided by our customers, please read Metro's Privacy and Data Use Policy.

How do I register my SmarTrip® card?

The most efficient way to register your card is to add it to your online account. You can also fax a note with the SmarTrip® card serial number, your name, address, and email address to 202-962-1035 or mail the same information to:

SmarTrip Regional Customer Service Center
PO Box 220568
Chantilly, VA 20153

Note that if we mail a new card to you (e.g., to replace a lost card), we automatically register the card on your behalf. However, if you have an online account, we recommend that you also add the card to your account.

How long does it take for my SmarTrip® card to be registered?

Once you've entered your information on the registration website, it takes two business days for your card to show up as registered to you in Metro's systems. If you've mailed or faxed your registration in, the registration will be completed two business days after we've received it.

When adding my SmarTrip® card to my online account, I received a "Card Registration Failure" error message. What do I do?

Please call SmarTrip® Customer Service at 1-888-762-7874 and press zero to speak to an operator. Based on the information you've provided, we can't verify that you're the owner of the SmarTrip® card you're trying to register. Please remember when calling for assistance that we must speak to the registered cardholder. We will not give any information to anyone other than the registered cardholder.

Using a SmarTrip® Card on Bus and Rail

When I use a SmarTrip® card, do I get a discount for bus and rail transfers?

When using your SmarTrip® card, transfers from Metrobus to Metrobus are free, with unlimited connections (including round trips) within a two-hour window. In addition, SmarTrip® card users receive a 50¢ discount when transferring from Metrobus to Metrorail and from Metrorail to Metrobus.

Can more than one person use a SmarTrip® card for the same ride?

No, you cannot share a SmarTrip® card; each rider must have his or her own card. However, you do not need a SmarTrip® card to ride. There are other ways to pay your fare, and this can be done once you get to the station or board the bus; however, most non-SmarTrip® fare options have surcharges. For more information on other ways to pay your fare, please see our Metro Pass and Farecard Options or call Metro Customer Service at 202-637-7000.

If I have multiple products on my smart card, which one will be used first?

Products will be processed in the following order:

Free stored value transfers (the system will check to see if you are eligible for a transfer-based discount and apply it if applicable)
Time-based products (such as a 7-day Pass) then
Ride-based products (such as a 10-trip ticket) then
Account-linked products (such as SmartBenefits®) then
Stored value

After processing stored value transfers, the system will use the order above to further process the product belonging to the agency on which you are riding, followed by regional products, and finally other agencies' products.

Managing Your SmarTrip® Account

Can I use the same email address for multiple SmarTrip® online accounts?

No.

How do I change the address that is registered to my SmarTrip® card?

You can update your address or any other information associated with your SmarTrip® card at any time by selecting the Update Card Information option after logging in to your account.

Can I add more than one SmarTrip® card to my online account?

Yes, you can. There is no limit to the number of cards you can add to your account. To add a new card, log in to your account and in the right menu, select the option Manage Your SmarTrip® Account. On the next page, select the option Add a SmarTrip® Card from the right menu. Provide the requested information about the card. Repeat this process for each new card.

If the card has already been registered, you'll be asked to provide some information that will enable us to verify that you're the registered card owner. If the card you're adding hasn't been registered, it will automatically be registered when it's associated with your account.

How can I tell what the balance is on my SmarTrip® card?

Every time you touch your SmarTrip® card at a faregate, at a Passes/Farecards vending machine or on a bus farebox, it will display your current balance. You can also check your balance via your SmarTrip® online account.

Can I view my SmarTrip® card usage history online?

Yes, you can view your card usage history at any time by selecting the View Usage History option after logging in to your account. Your usage history is available online only back to Friday, January 1, 2010. Recent bus transactions can take up to three days to post to your account.

When verifying the ownership of my SmarTrip® card online, I received an "Ownership Verification was unsuccessful" error message. What do I do?

Please try again. The information you provided about your phone number and/or zip code doesn't match your current card registration record. You'll be permitted three attempts to enter this information. Remember that the phone number must be exactly 10 digits, and the first digit cannot be a 1. If you need further assistance, please call SmarTrip® Customer Service at 1-888-762-7874 and press zero to speak with an operator. Please remember when calling for assistance that we must speak to the registered cardholder. We won't give any information to anyone other than the registered cardholder.

How do I close my SmarTrip® online account?

You can close your SmarTrip® account at any time by logging into your account and selecting the Delete SmarTrip® Account option.

Lost, Stolen, Damaged or Malfunctioning SmarTrip® Cards

Is the balance protected if my SmarTrip® card is lost, stolen, damaged or malfunctioning?

Yes, if your card was registered.

How do I report my card lost, stolen, damaged or malfunctioning?

Log in to your SmarTrip® online account and select the Report Card as Lost/Stolen/Damaged option and follow the prompts. To learn more, click here.