Metro Fare Basics

• Use Metro's Trip Planner to calculate fares and to determine the best way to travel (rail, bus, or both).
• Each passenger must pay a fare; however, two children under age five may travel free with a paying passenger.
• Metrorail fares are variable depending on time-of-day and distance traveled.
• Regular (non-express) bus fares are the same throughout the system.
• Metrobus also accepts bills and coins.

How to Pay for Your Metro Fare

• Paying your Metro fare has never been easier.

Tap. Ride. Go. - Credit or Debit, Full-Fare Only

• New feature: Pay for Metrorail and Metrobus by tapping your contactless credit or debit card at the faregate or farebox.
• No need to sign up, register, or purchase a SmarTrip card.
• Skip the fare vending machines.

Some restrictions apply.

Learn more about our new feature, Tap. Ride. Go.

Save Money with a SmarTrip Card

• The SmarTrip card is a permanent, rechargeable farecard that is safe and easy to use. Learn more
• Get Free/Discounted Transfers: With a SmarTrip card, Metrobus transfers are free and Metrobus-to-Metrorail transfers are discounted.
• Avoid Carrying Change: Exact change is required on Metrobus if the fare is paid in cash.
• Save on a One Day Unlimited Metrorail Pass: A SmarTrip card with a pre-loaded Metrorail One Day Pass is less expensive when purchased online.
• If you live in the US, consider purchasing a SmarTrip card online 10 business days before you travel.
• SmarTrip cards are also available at Metrorail vending machines, authorized retailers and Metro sales offices.
• You can set up an online SmarTrip account to view your card balance and usage history, and register new cards. Learn more
• Once you've purchased and registered a SmarTrip card, add value or passes automatically by setting up Auto Reload. Learn more
• If you have questions or comments about SmarTrip, please call 888-SMARTRIP (888-762-7874), M - F, 7 am - 8 pm, and/or email us at smartrip@wmata.com.

Parking

Metro operates parking facilities at 51 Metrorail stations.

• Parking is free at Metro-operated lots on weekends and federal holidays, except during special events. On most weekends, it's easy to find a space at Metro parking lots.
• Parking fees are collected during the following hours:
      Monday-Thursday  7:30 a.m. - 12:30 a.m.
      Friday  7:30 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.
      Saturday-Sunday and federal holidays: no fares collected except during special events
• Metro-operated lots accept SmarTrip cards and major credit cards to pay for parking.

Bulk Sales

• There is no discount for group sales. However, as a convenience, groups may order SmarTrip cards by mail tailored to the group's needs.
• Use Metro's Trip Planner to calculate fares and determine which fare or pass products will suit your needs.

Include the following with your order:

1. Your name, address and contact information.
2. The type and quantity of each product, e.g., 15 SmarTrip One Day Metrorail Passes.
3. Your organization's check, cashier's check or money order made payable to WMATA. (Credit cards and personal checks are not accepted for group sales.)

Mail your order to:

Note: This is a mailing address only and is not a walk up customer service location.

Your order will be shipped via the U.S. Postal Service, Certified Mail. Allow 10-15 business days for delivery. You may also call Bulk Sales at 202-962-5700 for assistance.