Guide for visitors
With over 98 rail stations, 11 bus transportation centers, and hundreds of bus routes, Metro is the most convenient public transportation option throughout your visit to the National Capital Region.
To learn how the system works, check out our rider guide for new riders.
Ride and pay
Paying for Metro is simple and flexible.
Tap. Ride. Go.
The fastest and easiest way to pay for Metro is by tapping your contactless credit or debit card directly at the faregate or farebox.
Learn more about Tap. Ride. Go.
Smart Trip
You can also tap Smart Trip to ride. You can use Smart Trip for Wallet on your phone or watch, or tap your Smart Trip card. Every rider in your group (aged 5 or older) will need their own Smart Trip card or Smart Trip in Wallet before they ride.
How do I get Smart Trip?
You can get Smart Trip in Wallet on your phone or watch right now, and you’ll be ready to ride. If you use Smart Trip in Wallet, each rider needs their own phone or watch.
Or, you can get a Smart Trip card at a Metro Rail station or another sales location.
1- and 3- day passes
If you’re planning to ride Metro multiple times throughout your visit, you can save money with a 1- or 3- day Smart Trip pass. You add your pass to Smart Trip in Wallet or to your Smart Trip card, and tap to ride.
- A 1-day unlimited pass is $13.50
- A 3-day unlimited pass is $33.75
Planning ahead
If you don’t know which train or bus to take, you can use our Trip Planner to find out. You can see which rail stations and bus stops are near you, and where each train and bus can take you. And you can find out when your train or bus is coming.
Taking the bus
If you’re looking to do some sightseeing as you travel, consider taking Metro Bus. Unlike Metro Rail, buses travel on the street, allowing you to take in views of DC’s greatest hits!
You can pay for the bus using Tap.Ride.Go or Smart Trip, or with coins and $1 bills. Drivers can’t make change.
Destinations
Metro goes to airports and train stations, and to other places tourists like to visit. Often it’s the easiest and least expensive way to get where you’re going.