DC Metro Pass [Daily Pass, Monthly Pass, Unlimited Pass]
DC Metro Pass: The DC Metro also uses the SmarTrip card or DC metro pass as the main payment card, necessary for both Metrorail and Metrobus. They are permanent reloadable smart cards that are convenient and can be obtained as physical cards or mobile pay (Apple Wallet/Google Pay). The Metrorail reduced fares ranges from $1.1 to $3.35 for hours between 5 AM to 9:30 PM and the monthly pass for Metrorail ranges from $72 to $216.
Fares are distance and time-of-day-dependent (peak vs. off-peak for Metrorail), with Metrobus fares being a flat fee. Frequent riders have several unlimited fares to choose from, such as 1-day, 3-day, 7-day, and a monthly option, which are cheaper than a single fare. SmarTrip cards are sold at Metro stops, on the internet, or at convenience stores, and can be reloaded conveniently. Each passenger must have his or her own SmarTrip card for boarding and exiting.
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Washington DC Metro Pass
Washington D.C. Metro (Metrorail) links the city with Maryland and Virginia, providing a quick, effective means of getting around. Passengers pay fares by tapping at Metro entry points using the SmarTrip card, which can be used in physical or mobile form. Cards can be purchased online, at the stations, or loaded onto digital wallets and reloaded by machines, online, or on Metrobus.
Metro costs vary with distance and duration of travel and are more expensive during rush hours. Metrobus fares are set. Discounts are provided in the case of transfers when paying with SmarTrip. There are unlimited passes (1-day, 3-day, 7-day, or monthly) that frequent travellers can use to save costs. Senior citizens, disabled persons, and students enjoy discounted fares. Knowing the SmarTrip system enables riders to travel by the Metro inexpensively and conveniently.
Metro Pass DC
The Metro system in Washington, D.C. provides different DC metro pass options that are meant to be easy and economical to travel on Metrorail as well as Metrobus services. The DC Metro passes are charged on a SmarTrip card, which may be a physical card or accessed on the SmarTrip app or Apple Wallet.
SmarTrip Card and Pass Options
SmarTrip cards or DC metro passes can be bought and refilled easily through various mediums:
- SmarTrip App: downloadable on Apple Wallet and Google Pay.
- Online: from the SmarTrip website.
- Metro Stations: At Fare Vending Machines in all Metrorail stations.
- Retail Outlets: at various commuter shops and authorised retail shops.
Every rider needs his or her own SmarTrip card for entry and departure from the Metro system. Reduced fares can be used by qualified individuals, such as people with disabilities, seniors, and Metro Lift riders. SmartBenefits Transit Pass Benefits may also be used to buy most passes, except for the 1-Day Unlimited Pass.
Pass Choices and Fees
There is also an option available for unlimited DC Metro pass choices to meet various travel requirements:
| Pass Type | Duration | Price | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Day Unlimited Pass | 1 day | $13.50 | Unlimited Metrorail and Metrobus travel. |
| 3-Day Unlimited Pass | 3 Days | $33.75 | Unlimited Metrorail and Metrobus travel. |
| 7-Day Unlimited Pass | 7 Days | $60.75 | Unlimited Metrorail and Metrobus travel. |
| 7-Day Short-Trip Pass | 7 Days | $40.50 | Designed for shorter trips on Metrorail and unlimited Metrobus travel. |
| 7-Day Regional Bus Pass | 7 Days | $13.50 | Unlimited Metrobus travel (regular fare); a discounted price of $6.75 is available. |
| Monthly Unlimited Pass | 1 Month | $72 – $216 | The price depends on the fare level. Beyond 32 Metrorail or Metrobus rides, the remainder of rides for the month are complimentary. Offers unlimited Metrobus rides. |
Bulk Orders for Metro Passes
Large groups can purchase custom SmarTrip® cards in bulk for conventions or meetings. Utilise Metro’s Trip Planner to calculate fares and select appropriate DC metro pass choices.
Ordering Options:
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Online: Order from the SmarTrip Storefront; delivered in 10–15 business days.
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By Mail: Include contact information, amount, and payment (organisation check, cashier’s check, or money order only) with a request to:
WMATA Bulk Sales, 3301 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA 22314.
Give 10–15 business days for certified mail delivery.
DC Metro Monthly Pass
The Unlimited Monthly DC Metro Pass saves a significant amount of money for daily Metrorail and Metrobus riders. Once 32 trips are made in a calendar month, any ride thereafter for the remainder of that month is free, including unlimited travel on Metrobuses. The Monthly Unlimited Pass for the DC Metro is priced between $72.00 and $216.00. What the specific price is within this bracket is based on which price point is chosen and which is what fits the average commute.
Riders choose a pass fare that suits their trip, which is then placed on their SmarTrip card at the beginning of the month. The DC Metro pass may be bought through a SmarTrip account or via SmartBenefits provided by their employer. Although the specific cost will differ based on their trip, the DC Metro pass system is set for affordability. Riders may add an optional 7-Day Regional Bus Pass for extended regional bus travel.
DC Metro Day Pass
The Washington D.C. Metro has various day and multi-day passes available for easy and affordable travel on its Metrorail and Metrobus services. The DC metro passes are for unlimited riding over a given time and are loaded on a SmarTrip card, which may be an actual card or embedded in Apple Wallet through the SmarTrip app.
| Pass Type | Cost | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Day Unlimited Pass | $13.50 | Unlimited Metrorail and Metrobus travel for a single operating day. Activates on first tap. |
| 3-Day Unlimited Pass | $33.75 | Unlimited Metrorail and Metrobus travel for three consecutive operating days. Activates on first tap. |
| 7-Day Unlimited Pass | $60.75 | Unlimited Metrorail and Metrobus travel for seven consecutive operating days. Activates on first tap. |
| 7-Day Short-Trip Pass | $40.50 | Unlimited Metrorail fares up to $4.50 per trip (difference refunded from stored value/SmartBenefits). Covers the initial $2.25 on Metrobus Express Routes. Expires after seven consecutive operating days. Activates when first used. |
- General Information for Unlimited Passes: Passes enable unlimited Metrorail and Metrobus travel, but only pay for the first $2.25 on Express Routes. Regional buses require a distinct 7-Day Regional Bus Pass.
- How to Buy: Buy through the SmarTrip app, on the web, at Metrorail Fare Vending Machines, or commuter shops. SmartBenefits are used for most passes except the 1-Day Unlimited Pass.
Benefits of Using a Day DC Metro Pass
- Cost Savings: Unlimited travel can be less expensive than paying trip by trip if you will be riding Metrorail and Metrobus often in one day.
- Convenience: No need to calculate fares or worry about having enough money on your SmarTrip card for each ride. Just tap and go.
- Flexibility: Explore different parts of the city without fare concerns, making it ideal for tourists or those with a busy itinerary.
DC Metro Unlimited Pass
The Washington Metro system (WMATA) sells a few “unlimited” DC metro pass options for Metrorail and Metrobus that can save frequent riders money versus paying per ride. The passes are loaded onto a SmarTrip card, either a physical card or a virtual card in your Apple Wallet or Google Wallet through the SmarTrip app.
How to Purchase and Use
Unlimited DC Metro passes are stored on a SmarTrip card. You can acquire a SmarTrip card and load passes in various ways:
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SmarTrip App: Buy passes directly within the SmarTrip app and load them onto Apple Wallet or Google Wallet for mobile pay.
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Online: Buy and load passes to your plastic SmarTrip card online through the WMATA website.
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Fare Vending Machines: Available at all Metrorail stations.
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Commuter Stores/Retail Outlets: Various authorised locations sell and reload SmarTrip cards.
When using a pass, simply tap your SmarTrip card or mobile device at the fare gate for Metrorail or the farebox for Metrobus. The DC Metro pass will activate upon its first use and expire according to its specific duration.
Benefits of Using an Unlimited Pass
- Cost Savings: Frequent riders save money with passes versus paying fares separately, particularly if you make several trips a day or during rush hour.
- Convenience: No fare calculation or stored value concerns for each trip. Tap and go.
- Predictable Budgeting: Monthly passes make budgeting transportation expenses simpler.
- Flexibility: Subject to the pass, you can ride extensively throughout the Metrorail and Metrobus systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How expensive are unlimited Metro passes in Washington, D.C.?
Unlimited Metro passes vary from $13.50 for a 1-Day Pass to $60.75 for a 7-Day Unlimited Pass. A 3-Day Pass is $33.75, while the 7-Day Short-Trip Pass is $40.50, good for up to $4.50 per ride.
2. How much does the Monthly Unlimited Metro Pass cost, and what is its value?
The Monthly Unlimited Pass begins at about $72, depending on your usual fare. Beyond 32 trips, further rides in your fare zone are free for the remainder of the month, which makes it perfect for commuters.
3. Do unlimited Metro passes come with Metrobus Express or regional buses?
These DC metro passes only pay $2.25 on Metrobus Express routes and do not extend to regional buses such as Ride On or DASH. Additional fares are taken out of your SmarTrip balance.
4. Where can I purchase a Metro pass in Washington, D.C.?
You can purchase Metro passes through the SmarTrip app, WMATA website, station vending machines, and commuter shops. Most passes can also be paid using SmartBenefits.
5. Is the 7-Day Short-Trip Pass suitable for visitors or daily commuters?
Yes, it’s perfect for short journeys under $4.50. If a trip costs more than that, the overpayment is taken out of your balance. It’s suitable for visitors and daily commuters.
