DC Metro Orange Line [Map, Schedule & Stops]

The DC Metro Orange Line is a key line in Washington, D.C.’s Metrorail network, travelling from Vienna, Virginia to New Carrollton, Maryland. Opening initially in 1978 and completed in 1986, the line links suburban communities in Northern Virginia and Maryland to downtown D.C. The line contains 26 stops, providing easy proximity to residential communities as well as prominent city landmarks.

The major transfer points are Rosslyn, Metro Center, L’Enfant Plaza, and Stadium–Armoury, where passengers have the option to transfer to the Red, Blue, Silver, Yellow, or Green lines. It operates the common track with the Blue and Silver Lines between Rosslyn and Stadium–Armoury. The DC Metro Orange Line gives good access to top spots such as the National Mall, Smithsonian museums, and government institutions. Trains usually operate every 6–12 minutes in peak hours and 10–15 minutes in off-peak hours. Connecting suburbs to the central part of the capital, the DC Metro Orange Line is a major transit route for commuters and tourists alike.

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Orange Metro DC

The DC Metro Orange Line is an integral part of the Washington Metro, linking 26 stations in Fairfax County and Arlington, Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Prince George’s County, Maryland. Covering around 26.4 miles (42.5 km), it extends from Vienna in Virginia to New Carrollton in Maryland and acts as an important vein for commuters and visitors alike. The DC Metro Orange Line shares a large majority of its stations and track with the Silver and Blue Lines, notably between Rosslyn and Stadium-Armoury, and East Falls Church and Downtown Largo, respectively.

The development of the DC Metro Orange Line historically coincided with mid-20th-century regional transportation planning, and its operation officially began on November 20, 1978. It offers convenient access to many popular spots, such as the U.S. Capitol Building, the National Mall, the Smithsonian museums, and the Washington Monument, making it an essential component of getting around the nation’s capital.

DC Metro Orange Line Map

The DC Metro Orange Line map links Vienna/Fairfax–GMU in Virginia with New Carrollton in Maryland, serving 26 stations. It follows I-66 in Virginia, burrows through central Washington, D.C., and emerges past Stadium–Armoury into Prince George’s County. The line also shares track with the Blue and Silver Lines from Rosslyn to Stadium–Armoury, with principal transfer points such as Rosslyn, Metro Center, and L’Enfant Plaza. On the map, it’s represented in bold orange, with stations represented by circles and transfer stations by double circles. The schematic design is based on clarity, emphasising key links and the suburban-to-urban track of the route throughout the region.

DC Metro Orange Line Schedule

The DC Metro Orange Line runs between New Carrollton in Maryland and Vienna, Fairfax–GMU in Virginia, serving 26 stations with an average trip of 59 minutes. It operates daily, with the provision of weekend late-night service.

New Carrollton-bound trains

Vienna Fairfax–GMU-bound trains

Key Facts

• Trip Duration: ~59 minutes end-to-end
• Stops: 26 stations
• Peak Frequency: about every 6–12 minutes
• Off-Peak Frequency: about every 10–15 minutes

This schedule provides reliable connectivity to commuters, tourists, and suburban travellers between Northern Virginia, downtown D.C., and Prince George’s County, Maryland.

Orange Line Metro DC Stops

The DC Metro Orange Line Metro in DC connects suburban Maryland and Virginia to central Washington, D.C. It features a mix of above-ground and underground travel, providing fast access to business districts, cultural institutions, and important transfer points. Frequent service makes it a convenient choice for visitors and commuters throughout the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which are the Orange Line stations on the DC Metro?

The Orange Line has 26 stations along its route, which begins at Vienna/Fairfax–GMU in Virginia and terminates at New Carrollton in Maryland. Major downtown stations on the Orange Line are Rosslyn, Metro Center, L’Enfant Plaza, and Stadium–Armoury, which are also major transfer stops to other lines.

2. What is the Orange Line schedule?

During weekdays, Orange Line trains usually come every 10 minutes in the rush hour and every 12 minutes off-peak. Late night after 9:30 PM, the trains run approximately every 15 minutes, just like on weekends.

3. What are the first and last Orange Line train times?

From Monday to Thursday, service typically begins at 5:00 AM and continues until midnight. Fridays and Saturdays have later trains, typically extending until 2:00 AM, while Sundays have a bit of reduced service time.

4. Are there any ongoing Orange Line closures?

Yes, WMATA sometimes holds maintenance work or platform maintenance, which can close sections of the Orange Line temporarily. When this is the case, shuttle buses or alternative routes are made available to facilitate riders in reaching their destinations.

5. Where can I find the latest Orange Line schedule and service information?

You may also look for the up-to-the-minute information, scheduled closures, and complete schedules on WMATA’s website or their smartphone app. It’s the most comprehensive source of real-time service announcements and train schedules.