General Metrobus information
Where to wait for the bus
Metrobus
stops are easy to identify. They have red, white and blue signs or flags. Some have
four-sided cases that include route and schedule information. Remember, you can only board
Metrobuses at designated stops. On selected routes operating after 9 p.m., you can ask the
Metrobus driver to let you get off the bus anywhere along the route—not
necessarily a bus stop—that is more convenient to your destination and considered
safe by the driver.
Identifying and boarding your bus
As the bus approaches the stop, look for the route number and destination displayed above the windshield. A destination sign is also located on the boarding side of the bus. Board the bus using the front door.
Paying Metrobus fares
Unless you have a pass or SmarTrip card, you'll need exact change because Metrobus drivers do not carry cash. Pay as you board the bus, inserting your fare into the coin box next to the driver.
For Metrobus fares, go to the Fares and Hours page.
Metrobus-to-Metrobus transfers
If you pay your fare in cash, ask your bus driver for a FREE transfer. If you pay with a SmarTrip card, you don't need a paper transfer. This transfer is valid for unlimited Metrobus connections-including round trips-within the two-hour period shown on transfer.
Transfers to Express route
A passenger transferring to a $3.10 express route with a $1.35
transfer is required to pay the $1.75 cent difference. Such passengers
are also allowed to pay the full fare ($3.10) on the $1.35 route
and get a $3.10 punched transfer to be used for the express route.
Metrorail-to-Metrobus transfers
Rail-to-bus transfers are worth 90¢ off your bus fare, whether you ride a regular or express route and whether you pay with cash or a SmarTrip card.
Bus fare with transfer:
- Regular route using SmarTrip 35¢
- Regular route using cash 45¢
- Express route using SmarTrip $2.10
- Express route using cash $2.20
Acceptance of other fares/transfers
1. Ride On token is valid for $1.25 on regular and express Metrobus routes. (Pay additional $1.75 to ride the express Metrobus.)
2. MARC/VRE Transit Link Card, MARC weekly and monthly passes and VRE passes and tickets are valid for the regular Metrobus fare.
3. Transfers from Connect-A-Ride, DASH, PRTC OmniRide, Ride On are valid for the full fare on regular Metrobus routes.
Fairfax Connector transfers are valid for full fare on regular Metrobus.
4. Fairfax Connector Routes 380, 595 and 597 transfers are valid for full fare on express Metrobus*
5. All other Fairfax Connector routes pay additional $1.75 to ride the express Metrobus.
6. Transfers from ART, George and The BUS are valid for partial payment of Metrobus fare. See table below for additional fares due during transfers.
Transfer fees from local buses to Regular and Express Metrobus |
Additional fare due |
|
|---|---|---|
Regular |
Express |
|
ART Route 90 transfer to Metrobus |
75¢ |
$2.50 |
All other ART transfers to Metrobus |
free |
$1.75 |
The BUS |
50¢ |
$2.25 |
Connect-a-Ride |
free |
$1.75 |
DASH |
free |
$1.75 |
Fairfax Connector Routes 383, 384, 385, and 989 transfer to Metrobus |
free |
free |
All other Fairfax Connector transfers to Metrobus |
free |
$1.75 |
George |
75¢ |
$2.75 |
PRTC Omniride |
free |
free |
Ride On to Metrobus transfer |
free |
$1.75 |
*Fairfax Connector lines whose transfers are valid for full fare on Metro are subject to change without notice. For an up-to-date list, contact Fairfax Connector.
Metrobus timetables
To get a timetable for any Metrobus route, go to the Timetable page, pick the state the route is in, then download the route timetable.
