Visitor Information

Metro Fare Basics

Use Metro's Trip Planner to calculate fares and to determine the best way to travel (rail, bus, or both).

Each passenger must pay a fare; however, two children under age five may travel free with a paying passenger.

• SmarTrip® cards are used to pay fares on both Metrorail and Metrobus.
• Metrorail fares are variable depending on time-of-day, distance traveled, and whether or not a SmarTrip® card is used.
• Regular (non-express) bus fares are the same throughout the system.
• For an additional fee, Metrorail also accepts paper farecards and Metrobus also accepts bills and coins.

Save Time and Money with a SmarTrip® Card

• Avoid the Paper Farecard Surcharge: Metrorail trips are $1 less each way with a SmarTrip® card.
• Get Free/Discounted Transfers: With a SmarTrip® card, Metrobus transfers are free and Metrobus-to-Metrorail transfers are discounted.
• Avoid Carrying Change: Exact change is required on Metrobus if the fare is paid in cash.
• Save on a One Day Unlimited Metrorail Pass: A SmarTrip® card with a pre-loaded Metrorail One Day Pass is less expensive when purchased online.
• If you live in the US, consider purchasing a SmarTrip® card online 10 business days before you travel.
• SmarTrip® cards are also available at Metrorail vending machines, authorized retailers and Metro sales offices.

Parking

Metro operates parking facilities at 42 Metrorail stations.

• Parking is free at Metro-operated lots on weekends and federal holidays. On most weekends, it's easy to find a space at Metro parking lots.
• Metro-operated lots accept SmarTrip® cards and major credit cards to pay for parking.

Bulk Sales

• There is no discount for group sales. However, as a convenience, groups may order SmarTrip® cards by mail tailored to the group's needs.
• Use Metro's Trip Planner to calculate fares and determine which fare or pass products will suit your needs.

Include the following with your order:

1. Your name, address and contact information.
2. The type and quantity of each product, e.g., 15 SmarTrip® One Day Metrorail Passes.
3. Your organization's check, cashier's check or money order made payable to WMATA. (Credit cards and personal checks are not accepted for group sales.)

Mail your order to:

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
Bulk Sales
3301 Eisenhower Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22314

Your order will be shipped via the U.S. Postal Service, Certified Mail. Allow 10-15 business days for delivery. You may also call Bulk Sales at 202-962-5700 for assistance.