DC Metro Fares are dynamic, varying on a number of factors: how far you go, if it’s peak or off‑peak time, and which service you’re taking. Metrorail, as an example, uses a distance‑ and time‑pricing system. On peak hours (weekdays from 5 AM to 9:30 PM), regular DC Metro fares can cost between $2.25 and $6.75. Off‑peak trips (after 9:30 PM weekdays and all weekends) are less expensive, with prices ranging from $1.10‑$3.35. Metrobus routes, on the other hand, usually charge a flat rate of $2.25 for base routes, making fare computation easier for bus passengers.
Payment is made possible through the SmarTrip card, which can either be a physical credit card or an application installed on a mobile phone. Although cash is accepted aboard buses, exact change must be made. The Metro system also provides discounted fares for qualified groups, such as seniors, people with disabilities, and SNAP recipients, by way of its Metro Lift program. In addition, frequent riders can enjoy several unlimited passes – daily, weekly, or monthly – that are very affordable for regular commuting.
Washington DC Metro Prices
Washington DC Metro fares vary and change depending on service, distance, and time. DC metro fares range between $2.25‑$6.75 (regular) and $1.10‑$3.35 (reduced), with the lower prices after 9:30 p.m. and during weekends. Metrobus regular routes are $2.25 (regular) and $1.10 (reduced), with express routes costing $4.80 (regular) and $2.40 (reduced). MetroAccess fares may cost up to $4.50. Daily, multi‑day, and monthly passes are offered.
Discounted DC Metro fares are available for individuals with disabilities, seniors, and Metro Lift participants, and children under 5 travel free, with D.C. students included in the Kids Ride Free scheme. Payments are made through the SmarTrip app, SmarTrip in digital wallets, plastic SmarTrip cards or cash (buses only, exact fare). Metrobus transfers are free between Metrobus routes within 2 hours, and a discounted $2.25 transfer is available between Metrorail and Metrobus, with a free transfer available between certain Metrorail lines at Farragut stops.
WMATA DC Metro Fare Calculator
The DC Metro Fares Calculator is a web application that is meant to assist users in approximating the costs of their travel through the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) network. It offers detailed fare calculations based on considering different factors:
- Ride Type: Includes Metrorail, Metrobus, Express Bus, and Airport Express.
- Time of Travel: Determines peak and off-peak periods to provide correct pricing.
- Fare Type: Processes regular riders, discounted fare eligibility (seniors/disabled), and users of the Metro Lift program (SNAP participants, enjoying a 50% discount).
- Payment Method: Accommodates SmarTrip Card, contactless transactions, and cash.
Key Features
The Washington DC metro Fares include a calculator that now features some important updates to improve accuracy and convenience. It adds the Metro Lift Program, with a 50% discount for qualified SNAP recipients. It also takes into account changes from the Better Bus Network, which includes the redesigned bus routes. The calculator also accommodates contactless payment, in addition to fare rates on credit/debit cards and mobile wallets. Finally, it incorporates the longer weekend Metro times, coordinating with the adjusted operating plan for more efficient planning.
Functionality and Information Provided
WMATA DC Metro Fares calculator enables users to calculate single ride fares, transfer fees, and group or family travel fares. It also enables comparisons among different pass options—1‑Day, 3‑Day, 7‑Day, Monthly, and Regional Bus passes—to determine the most affordable option. It also includes information about parking fees, station accessibility amenities, and facilitates trip planning throughout the entire Metro network servicing Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
DC Metro Fares & Prices
The Washington DC Metro system is operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) and has a differentiated fare system depending on the nature of service, distance covered, and day and hour of your travel. Below is a breakdown of the DC metro fares in detail:
Metrorail Fares
Metrorail fares depend on the time of day.
| Fare Type | Weekday (5:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m) | Weekday (After 9:30 p.m.) & Weekends |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Fare | $2.25 – $6.75 | $2.25 – $2.50 |
| Reduced Fare | $1.10 – $3.35 | $1.10 – $1.25 |
Metro Passes (Metrorail & Metrobus)
Several passes provide unlimited travel or discounted fares.
| Pass Type | Regular Price | Reduced Price (where applicable) |
|---|---|---|
| 1‑Day Unlimited Pass | $13.50 | – |
| 3‑Day Unlimited Pass | $33.75 | – |
| 7‑Day Unlimited Pass | $60.75 | – |
| 7‑Day Short‑Trip Pass | $40.50 | – |
| Monthly Unlimited Pass | $72.00 – $216.00 | – |
| Regional Bus Pass (7‑Day) | $13.50 | $6.75 |
- Reduced Fares: Offered to people with disabilities, seniors, and customers participating in the Metro Lift program.
- Children: Two children 4 and under travel free with a fare-paying passenger. Children 5 and above pay the full fare.
- DC Kids Ride Free Program: Free rides for Metrorail and Metrobus travel for DC public, private, charter, or parochial school students.
How to Pay for Metro Prices in Washington, DC
DC Metro Fares are paid for through the SmarTrip app, SmarTrip stored in Apple Wallet and Google Pay, plastic SmarTrip cards, or cash (exact fare for buses). SmarTrip cards and fares are available for purchase online, at DC Metro Fare Vending Machines in Metrorail stations, and retail stores.
Transfer Rules
- Metrobus to Metrobus: Unlimited free transfers within 2 hours when paying with a SmarTrip card.
- Metrobus to Metrorail / Metrorail to Metrobus: A $2.25 reduction within 2 hours. This reduction is not valid on express routes.
- Farragut Crossing: Free transfer between Red Line and Orange, Silver, and Blue lines by getting off at Farragut West and boarding at Farragut North (or vice versa).
DC Metro Bus Fare
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) operates the DC Metrobus system offers wide bus coverage throughout Washington, D.C. and into Maryland and Virginia. The fare is simple on different types of routes, and eligible riders may buy it at a discounted price.
Metrobus fares differ mainly by the route type – whether regular or express route.
| Route Type | Regular Fare | Reduced Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Regular | $2.25 | $1.10 |
| Express | $4.80 | $2.40 |
- Regular Routes: These include typical local services, such as those formerly marketed as MetroExtra and Metroway, which were incorporated into the new “Better Bus Network” that began on June 29, 2025.
- Express Routes: These are generally quicker trips with fewer stops, usually covering longer distances or commuter routes.
Payment Methods at Washington DC Metro
Metrobus strongly recommends cashless payment with a SmarTrip® card or the SmarTrip® mobile app (in Apple Wallet and Google Pay). While cash is accepted on most routes, exact fare is expected since bus drivers don’t handle cash.
Transfers
-
Metrobus to Metrobus: Riders using a SmarTrip® card enjoy free, unlimited transfers on Metrobus routes within two hours.
-
Metrobus to Metrorail / Metrorail to Metrobus: A $2.25 transfer discount is available for switching between Metrobus and Metrorail service (or vice versa) within two hours, if a SmarTrip® card is used. This discount does not pay for the entire transfer to or from express bus routes.
Reduced Fares and Free Rides
- Discount Fares: These are offered to eligible seniors (65+), customers with disabilities, and customers who are enrolled in the Metro Lift program. The Metro Lift program provides a 50% discount on all Metrorail and Metrobus fares for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit recipients.
- Children: Two children, 4 and under, can ride with each paying adult at no charge. Children aged 5 and over ride at full fare.
- DC Kids Ride Free Program: Metrorail and Metrobus travel are free for DC students who go to public, private, charter, or parochial schools under this program.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does it cost to ride the Washington, DC Metro now?
As of the last update, weekday Metrorail costs are between $2.25 and $6.75, based on distance travelled and time of day. Late-night (after 9:30 PM) and weekend fares are lowered to between $2.25 and $2.50. Metrobus fares are $2.25 for regular routes and $4.80 for express rides.
2. Where are the DC Metro fare rates and fare chart located?
The DC Metro fare chart defines a distance- and time-based fare system. Weekday fares range from $2.25 to $6.75, and weekend and late-night fares are lower, ranging from $2.25 to $2.50. Metrobus fares stay at $2.25 for local buses and $4.80 for express buses.
3. Are weekend DC Metro fares less, and is there a fare calculator?
Yes, weekend DC metro fares are cheaper and range between $2.25 and $2.50, providing more economical travel. Customers can calculate exact costs for particular trips, including weekends and late evenings, using the WMATA Trip Planner tool online.
4. Is there a downloadable fare chart or a Metro fare calculator for DC?
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) offers an online PDF fare chart for DC metro fares, consisting of weekday and weekend fares. The online fare calculator on the Trip Planner also permits passengers to enter their travel information in order to see exact fare costs for Metrobus and Metrorail.
5. Did Washington, DC’s Metro raise fares recently?
Yes, a fare increase went into effect on June 30, 2024. The new rates raised Metrobus fares to $2.25 (local) and $4.80 (express), and weekday DC metro fares now cost up to $6.75. Weekend and late-night DC Metro fares usually range between $2.25 and $2.50. No other hikes have been announced for 2025 yet.