Shaw Metro Station Washington DC [Schedule, Parking, Hours]
Shaw–Howard Metro Station in Washington, D.C., lies along the Green Line and serves the vibrant Shaw community and adjacent Howard University. It opened on May 11, 1991. The station—popularly referred to as Shaw Metro Station Washington DC, is situated on 7th Street NW between R and S Streets. It features two entrances, providing easy access to the surrounding community and popular destinations in the area.
The station is underground with one island platform and Washington Metro’s characteristic waffle‑vault ceiling. It is handicapped accessible, offering connections to Metrobus routes D32, D40, and D4X, in addition to Capital Bikeshare racks for convenient last‑mile travel. It averaged around 2,300 daily riders in 2023, putting it at a moderately trafficked stop on the system.
Aside from transit, the Shaw Metro Station Washington DC has facilitated neighbourhood renewal. Projects such as Progression Place and CityMarket at O have replaced empty lots with mixed‑use developments featuring offices, stores, and apartments, adding to the lively nature of the area while creating a debate around gentrification and cultural transformation.
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Shaw Metro Station DC
The Shaw Metro station Washington DC is a Green Line station located in the lively Shaw neighborhood and Howard University in Washington, D.C. It opened in 1991 and has facilitated considerable development, redeveloping the region with new businesses and residences. The station provides convenient access to historic attractions such as the African-American Civil War Memorial and the Howard Theatre, a vibrant dining and cultural scene, including Blagden Alley and Naylor Court. Once served by the Yellow Line, its service was cut back, with partial re-extension planned to come by December 2025.
Shaw Metro Washington DC Schedule
Shaw Metro Station Washington DC is open 10 minutes before the first train to arrive every day. It receives service from the Green Line, which means that passengers are connected to both Branch Avenue and Greenbelt. Weekdays see earlier starting times for trains to cater to commuters, whereas weekends begin a bit later. Late-night travel has varying schedules, with longer hours on Fridays and Saturdays.
First Trains Departing Shaw Metro Station Washington DC
| Rail Line | Destination | Mon–Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Line | Branch Ave | 5:22 AM | 6:21 AM | 6:21 AM |
| Green Line | Greenbelt | 5:27 AM | 6:27 AM | 6:27 AM |
Last Trains Leaving Shaw Metro Station Washington DC
| Rail Line | Destination | Mon–Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Line | Branch Ave | 11:53 PM | 1:53 AM | 1:49 AM | 11:49 PM |
| Green Line | Greenbelt | 12:21 AM | 2:21 AM | 2:21 AM | 12:21 AM |
Quick Tips for Riders
- Start early: On weekends, service starts at 6 AM (5 AM weekdays).
- Late-night fares: After 9:30 PM (weekdays) and weekends all day, flat fares apply.
- Last train alert: Terminal departures are ~30 minutes before closing time.
- Plan wisely: Use the Trip Planner for route options and check service status during maintenance periods.
Off-Peak and Peak Hours
On the Washington D.C. Metro, peak hours run weekdays from 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM and 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, when trains are more frequent, generally every 4 to 6 minutes, but more densely packed and with higher peak fares. Off-peak hours are all other times on weekdays, as well as weekends and federal holidays, with fewer full trains for lower fares, although train frequency drops to about 8 to 15 minutes.
Shaw Metro DC Parking
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) offers parking at 44 Metrorail stations in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. The majority of parking spaces are on a first-come, first-served basis, while 36 stations have reserved monthly permits as well. Greenbelt, Huntington, Franconia–Springfield, and Wiehle–Reston East have multi-day and overnight parking available for up to 10 consecutive days.
Parking Hours and Fees
Parking charges are made on weekdays—Monday through Thursday from 7:30 AM to 12:30 AM, and Friday from 7:30 AM to 2:00 AM. Parking is usually free on weekends and federal holidays, except for special events.
Standard rates vary from $1 an hour for limited-term parking and a daily rider rate between $3 and $5.20, depending on the station. Vehicle owners who park but don’t use Metro pay a higher non-rider fare, typically between $8.70 and $10 at certain places. Making the same SmarTrip payment for transit and parking within two hours guarantees the reduced rider rate.
Payment Options
- SmarTrip card—charges reduced rider fare when the same card is used for transit and parking exit.
- Pay lots accept coins or credit/debit cards; cash meters are mostly eliminated.
- ParkMobile app for short-term lots—enter space & zone, can extend remotely, extra service fee charged.
Lot Sizes and Popular Locations
Some of the stations have huge parking spaces, like Franconia–Springfield with about 5,000 and Greenbelt with about 3,400 spaces. Another big park-and-ride facility is Shady Grove with almost 5,700 spaces. Busy spots like Vienna Station may get filled up fast, particularly the South Garage, which tends to reach its limit before 9:00 AM.
Useful Parking Tips
- Get to the station early during weekdays, as popular lots get filled quickly during the morning peak.
- Use WMATA’s real-time parking availability tool to check the space before heading out.
- Always use the same SmarTrip card for both parking and Metro travel to receive discounted rider rates.
- For short-term stays, ParkMobile or pay stations are convenient, though there may be extra fees.
- For multi-day parking, only use the four designated stations with clearly marked long-term areas.
- Remember, weekend and holiday parking is free, unless there are special event policies in place.
Security
Most Metro lots and garages are equipped with lighting, cameras, and frequent Metro Police patrols. Overnight parking outside a designated area is still likely to result in tickets or towing, especially at privately operated lots such as Ashburn or Loudoun Gateway.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there a Children’s National Hospital clinic near Shaw Metro Station Washington DC?
Yes, the Shaw Metro Health Center at 641 S Street NW is within walking distance, providing pediatric care and speciality services. It’s open Mon–Thu 8 AM–8:30 PM, Fri 8 AM–5:30 PM, and the 1st & 3rd Saturdays.
2. What apartments are near the Shaw Metro Station Washington DC?
The closest alternatives are The Shaw, Heritage Living, Highview & Castle Manor, and 13|U, with prices ranging from $2,500 to $6,900. All of them are a maximum of 0.6 miles away from the station.
3. How do I travel from Metro Center to Shaw Metro Station Washington DC?
Take the Green Line straight from Metro Center. Only a couple of stops with no transfers required.
4. Were there safety incidents at Shaw Metro Station Washington DC?
Yes. Previous incidents include an attack with a knife on a Metro officer, a 2022 shooting, and an assault case. Metro Transit Police patrol the area regularly.
5. Who is DaShawn Washington with DC Metro Church, and is it close to the Shaw Metro Station Washington DC?
DaShawn Washington is associated with DC Metro Church in Alexandria, VA is not close to the Shaw Metro Station Washington DC. He has also preached at Hill City Church DC.
