DC Metro Hours: Operating Hours, Weekend Hours & Peak Hours
DC Metro Hours: The DC Metro (Metrorail) typically has its hours vary by day of the week. Usually, Monday through Thursday, trains operate from 5:00 a.m. to midnight. On Fridays, there are longer hours with trains running from 5:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. the next day. Saturdays have trains starting at 6:00 a.m. and running until Sunday at 2:00 a.m. Lastly, Sundays typically have hours from 6:00 a.m. to midnight.
It should be noted that particular holiday schedules differ, usually following a Sunday schedule or with special extended hours for high-traffic events. It’s always best to look at the official WMATA website or trip planner for the latest information, particularly around holidays or for certain station opening/closing times.
Metro Hours DC [Washington DC Metro Hours]
The DC Metro (Metrorail) has an organised schedule that differs depending on the day of the week, with service from 5:00 a.m. to midnight Monday to Thursday, with later hours to 2:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday (beginning at 6:00 a.m. on weekends), and 6:00 a.m. to midnight on Sunday. Frequencies are varied according to demand, with more frequent weekday rush-hour frequencies (e.g., Red Line trains every 4-5 minutes) and less frequent off-peak and late nights (e.g., all lines every 15 minutes on late night weekends, except the Red Line, which operates every 10 minutes).
Riders can be reminded that individual station times are subject to variation, and it’s always best to refer to the official WMATA website’s Trip Planner for the most current and correct information, especially since holiday schedules or scheduled maintenance may change regular service.
Does DC Metro Run 24 Hours
Does the DC Metro run 24 hours? — is a frequent question for many travelers and commuters. The answer is no. The Washington, D.C. Metro system operates every day, beginning at approximately 5:00 AM and ending by 12:00 midnight, depending on the line and station. The schedule may differ on weekends, meaning that the trains might start later and close earlier.
Even though the Metro does not run 24 hours a day, it offers service during peak hours, accommodating the needs of tourists and commuters. Additionally, they offer Metrobus and MetroAccess services for travelers who need late-night arrivals. A late-night trip is typical for those going to the area’s airports or visiting evening events, so they should plan their trip in advance. Knowing the schedule for each station is helpful for those wishing to use D.C.’s public transportation.
DC Metro Operating Hours
The DC Metro has extensive service every day, beginning in the early mornings on weekdays and later on weekends. Weekday service runs late into the evenings, with Fridays and Saturdays having much extended hours into the early morning for nighttime fun. Train frequencies adapt with demand, running more frequently during rush DC metro hours. The following is a comprehensive table of the general operating DC Metro hours:
| Day | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday–Thursday | 5:00 a.m. | 12:00 a.m. |
| Friday | 5:00 a.m. | 2:00 a.m. |
| Saturday | 6:00 a.m. | 2:00 a.m. |
| Sunday | 6:00 a.m. | 12:00 a.m. |
Important Notes:
- Station Opening: The stations generally open around 10 minutes before the start of the first train.
- Holiday and Event Schedules: Regular DC metro hours may be different during some holidays or events.
- Frequencies: Frequencies are different by line and time, with higher frequency during rush hour and lower frequency during off-peak and late night.
DC Metro Hours Saturday
On Saturdays, the DC Metro (Metrorail) typically begins its service at 6:00 a.m. and runs until 2:00 a.m. the following morning (Sunday). This extended late-night service is designed to accommodate weekend activities and entertainment.
Train frequencies on Saturdays during the daytime (from 6:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.) vary by line:
- Red Line: Trains run every 6 minutes.
- Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines: Trains run every 12 minutes.
- Green and Yellow Lines: Trains operate every 8 minutes.
Late at night on Saturdays (from 9:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. closing), the frequencies are modified:
- Red Line: Trains operate every 10 minutes.
- All other lines (Blue, Orange, Silver, Green, Yellow): Trains operate every 15 minutes.
It’s worth noting that the exact DC Metro hours of the first and last trains can shift slightly from station to station. There may also be times when special events or holidays cause deviations from these regular Saturday operating hours, so it’s always a good idea to check the official WMATA site for the latest information.
DC Metro Sunday Working Hours
The Washington DC Metro service is a scaled down version of the weekday service on Sundays to reflect the reduced number of riders. Trains operate from 7:00 AM to midnight every 3-12 minutes (4-20 minutes on weekends and during off-peak hours) depending on the line. Service is provided throughout the system, but the headways of trains have been reduced, with trains normally arriving every 10–15 minutes on trunk lines and every 15–20 minutes on outer branches. Riders should check for real-time updates — especially around holidays or for planned maintenance as schedules may vary. While Sunday-level service is more limited, it works for commuters, students, and tourists traveling across the area.
DC Metro Hours on Thanksgiving
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) operates on its Sunday schedule on Thanksgiving Day. Metrorail opens later than normal, 7:00 a.m. to midnight. Weekend trains arrive less often than on the weekdays, often 10–15 minutes on core segments and less frequently on outlying branches. This slimmed down schedule represents lower holiday ridership but still ensures accessibility across the region for travelers to family gatherings, parades or shopping destinations.
Metrobus runs on a Sunday schedule scale too, so while most local routes operate, many express and commuter services are also suspended. Using Metro-owned garages and lots is typically free for holiday parking, which provides suburban riders with a way to beat Thanksgiving traffic for less. Riders can find more up-to-the-minute, real-time updates by checking WMATA’s trip planner, smartphone apps or posted timetables.
DC Metro Bus Hours
As it operates on route-by-route schedules, so DC Metro hours of operation can differ by route, day, and time. Some of the buses are operational for a limited period, between peak DC metro hours, while others are running with increased frequency or even around the clock. As of December 17, 2023, 14 major routes (A6, A8, B2, H4, S2, V2, W4, X2, 32, 33, 52, 70, 80, and 92) now offer 24/7 service with every 20 minutes or better frequency of buses operating between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. WMATA also launched a new bus network on June 29, 2025, so passengers should consult revised schedules online. Holiday service typically operates on a Sunday or modified Saturday schedule.
| Service Type | Days of Operation | Typical First Bus | Typical Last Bus | Frequency Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24/7 Routes | Monday – Sunday | Continuous (Midnight) | Continuous (Midnight) | Runs 24 hours a day. Frequencies are usually every 20 minutes or better during late-night/early-morning periods (9 PM – 7 AM). |
| General Weekday Service | Monday – Friday | 4:00 AM – 6:00 AM | 11:00 PM – 1:00 AM | Higher frequencies during rush hours in the mornings (6 AM – 9 AM) and afternoons (3 PM – 7 PM). |
| General Saturday Service | Saturday | 5:00 AM – 7:00 AM | 1:00 AM – 2:00 AM | Lower frequency than on weekdays, but frequently late into the evening compared to regular weekdays. |
| General Sunday Service | Sunday | 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM | 11:00 PM – 12:00 AM | Lower frequency than on weekdays and Saturdays. |
| Holiday Service | Specific Holidays | Varies | Varies | Usually follows Sunday or a modified Saturday schedule. Special notices are released by WMATA for every holiday. |
DC Metro Peak Hours
The DC Metro peak hours are usually on weekdays during peak ridership hours—5:00–9:30 a.m. and 3:00–7:00 p.m., with greater train frequency. Although peak DC metro hours had higher prices, as of recent revisions, prices are currently distance-based prior to 9:30 p.m. on weekdays and a flat fee after 9:30 p.m. and on weekends. Although Metro did away with higher “peak fares” effective June 26, 2023, the idea of peak DC Metro hours continues to control train frequency. Fares are now distance-based before 9:30 p.m. on weekdays and a flat $2.00 fare at all times after 9:30 p.m. and on weekends (changed to $2.25–$2.50 on weekends as of June 2025).
| Category | Days of Operation | Time Period | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Hours | Monday – Friday | Morning: 5:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Evening: 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Highest Frequency: WMATA operates the most frequent train service to accommodate more riders (e.g., Red Line every 4–5 mins, other lines every 6–10 mins). Potential Crowding: Trains are often very crowded. |
| Off-Peak Hours | Monday – Friday | Midday: 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Late Night: 7:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. (M–Th) / 2:00 a.m. (Fri) | Lower Demand: Fewer riders than during peak times. Reduced Frequency: Trains are less frequent than peak hours (e.g., Red Line every 6–10 mins, other lines every 12–15 mins late night). Less Crowding: Trains tend to be less crowded. |
| Saturday & Sunday | All operating hours | Off-Peak Fare/Service: Overall weekend is typically off-peak. Reduced Frequency: Service is less frequent than weekday peaks, akin to weekday off-peak or late-night service. Typically Less Crowded: More leisurely travel experience. |
Sunday DC Metro Hours
On Sundays, the DC Metro runs from 6:00 a.m. to midnight. It starts later than weekdays, and train intervals are shorter all day long, as the whole Sunday is off-peak. Most of the day, trains depart every 6-12 minutes based on the line, dropping to every 10-15 minutes later in the evening. Passengers should visit the WMATA website for specific station times or holiday schedule adjustments.
DC Metro Hours 4th of July
4th of July is one of those big days in Washington, D.C. and knowing the DC Metro hours on 4th of July is key when planning your travels. Metrorail opens at 6:00 a.m. and closes at 2:00 a.m. (from WMATA’s 2025 plan) Regular fares are charged until 5:00 p.m., then all trips are free. Core lines — Red, Blue, Orange, Silver, Green, Yellow — all increased in frequency These hours allow for big crowds at fireworks, parades, and events on the National Mall. For other station-by-station last train times, checking WMATA’s official schedule is the way to go for seamless travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the normal operating times of the DC Metro (Metrorail)?
The DC Metro (Metrorail) operates from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. (Monday–Thursday), 5:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. (Friday), 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. (Saturday), and 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. (Sunday), With extended DC metro hours on weekends for late-night operation.
2. What are the rush DC Metro hour (peak hour) times?
The peak times on the DC Metro are between 5:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on weekdays. During these times, trains run more frequently to accommodate increased commuter traffic, particularly on heavily used lines such as the Red, Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines.
3. At what time is the DC Metro open on weekends?
On Saturdays, the DC Metro operates from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. the next day, offering extended late-night service for weekend travellers. On Sundays, service is from 6:00 a.m. to midnight, with typically lower train frequency throughout the day than on weekdays.
4. How are the operating DC Metro hours for buses different from Metrorail operating hours?
Metrobus schedules change according to the route. Although the majority of routes have regular daily hours with fixed beginnings and ends, some major routes now provide 24/7 service to meet late-night and early-morning travellers. Precise operating times are based on the individual route, day, and demand.
5. Are fares varied within peak DC Metro hours?
No. With recent fare changes, fares on the DC Metro are distance-based weekdays until 9:30 p.m., no matter whether peak or off-peak. During weekdays after 9:30 p.m. and weekends, a flat fare is charged, making it easier for passengers to understand prices.
