What WMATA Metro Is and Who Runs It

WMATA stands for Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority. It is the government agency that operates the Metro system — the subway and bus network serving Washington DC, Arlington, Alexandria, and surrounding areas in Maryland and Virginia. WMATA does not operate any other transit system; it is specific to this region.

The Metro system has two parts: the rail network (the colored lines you see on the map) and the bus system (Metrobus). Both use the same fare card, called a WMATA card or SmarTrip card. You do not need to choose between them — you can use either or both with the same card.

WMATA is funded by a mix of passenger fares, federal grants, and local tax revenue from the jurisdictions it serves. This means fares and service levels can change when the agency's budget changes, which happens most years.

Key Takeaways

  • WMATA operates the Metro rail system (six colored lines) and Metrobus throughout DC, Arlington, Alexandria, and nearby Maryland and Virginia counties.
  • You pay per trip using a SmarTrip card, and the fare depends on how far you travel on rail; bus fares are flat regardless of distance.
  • Rail fares range from about $2.15 to $6.50 depending on the time of day and distance, while bus fares are typically $2.00 during peak hours and $1.50 off-peak.
  • You can buy a SmarTrip card at any Metro station, load money onto it online or at a machine, and use it when ready on any train or bus.
  • Service runs from roughly 5 a.m. to midnight on weekdays, with reduced hours on weekends, and schedules vary by line.

How Rail Fares Work and When They Change

Metro rail fares are distance-based, meaning you pay more the farther you travel. The system divides the region into zones, and your fare depends on how many zones you cross. A short trip within one zone costs less than a trip crossing three zones.

Fares also depend on the time of day. Peak hours (weekday mornings 5 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and afternoons 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.) have higher fares than off-peak times. Weekend fares are always off-peak pricing. As of 2024, a peak-hour trip might cost $2.15 to $6.50, while the same trip off-peak could be $1.70 to $5.25. These amounts change periodically, so check WMATA's website before your first trip.

When you enter a station, the fare gates show the price to reach each destination. You tap your SmarTrip card, and the correct amount is deducted. You do not choose your fare — the system calculates it based on where you exit.

Bus Fares and How They Differ From Rail

Metrobus fares are flat, not distance-based. You pay the same amount whether you ride one stop or ten stops. During peak hours (weekday 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.), a bus ride costs around $2.00. Off-peak, it is around $1.50. Again, these amounts change, so verify the current fare on WMATA's website.

You pay when you board by tapping your SmarTrip card on the reader near the driver. If you transfer from a bus to another bus within two hours, you do not pay again — the system recognizes the transfer and does not charge a second fare. Transfers from rail to bus or bus to rail also work this way, though the second leg is charged at the appropriate rate for that mode.

Some bus routes run 24 hours, but most operate from around 5 a.m. to midnight. The WMATA website and the Metro app show which routes run late and which do not.

Getting a SmarTrip Card and Loading Money Onto It

A SmarTrip card is a reloadable plastic card that stores your fare balance. You can buy a new card at any Metro station from a ticket machine or a station manager. The card itself costs a small amount (around $2 to $5, depending on whether it comes preloaded with fare value), and you can use it when ready.

To add money to your card, you have three options: use a fare machine at any Metro station, go online through WMATA's website and set up an account, or use the official Metro app on your phone. Online and app-based reloading takes a few hours to appear on your card, so plan ahead if you are running low. Machines at stations are when ready.

You can also set up automatic reloading through your online account. When your balance drops below a certain amount you choose, the system automatically adds money using a credit or debit card you have saved. This means you never run out of fare value mid-trip.

Understanding the Rail Lines and Where They Go

The Metro rail system has six lines, each identified by a color: Red, Blue, Orange, Silver, Green, and Yellow. Each line serves different neighborhoods and connects to different areas outside DC.

The Red Line runs north-south through the center of DC, serving downtown, the medical district, and extending into Maryland. The Blue and Silver Lines serve Arlington and Alexandria, with the Silver Line extending to Dulles Airport. The Orange Line runs west from downtown through Arlington and into Virginia. The Green Line serves Southeast DC and Prince George's County in Maryland. The Yellow Line runs south from downtown to the Fairfax County area.

Most lines intersect at Metro Center or Gallery Place in downtown DC, so you can transfer between lines at these stations. Check the official map on WMATA's website to see which line serves your starting point and destination.

Service Hours, Schedules, and Real-Time Information

Metro rail typically opens at 5 a.m. on weekdays and closes around midnight. Weekend service starts at 7 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Some lines run slightly different hours, so check before planning a very early or very late trip.

Trains run more frequently during peak hours (every 3 to 6 minutes on busy lines) and less frequently off-peak (every 10 to 15 minutes). Late-night service is much less frequent, sometimes 15 to 20 minutes between trains.

The best way to check real-time arrival information is the official Metro app or the WMATA website. Both show how many minutes until the next train arrives at your station. You can also look at the digital signs inside stations, which display the same information. Text alerts are also available if you sign up through the website.

Passes, Discounts, and Special Fares

WMATA offers several types of passes for regular riders. A 7-day pass covers unlimited rail and bus travel for seven consecutive days and costs around $60 to $65. A 28-day pass covers a full month and costs around $110 to $120. These passes are loaded onto your SmarTrip card just like regular fare value.

Reduced fares are available for seniors (65 and older), people with disabilities, and children. You must register for a reduced-fare card at a Metro station with proof of age or disability status. Once registered, your card is marked, and you automatically pay the lower rate when you tap it.

Students do not receive a discount directly from WMATA, but some employers, universities, and organizations offer subsidized passes to their members. Check with your school or employer to see if they participate in WMATA's benefits programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my phone to pay instead of a SmarTrip card?

WMATA does not currently accept mobile wallet payments like Apple Pay or Google Pay on the fare gates. You must use a physical SmarTrip card. However, you can manage your card balance through the Metro app, so you do not need to visit a station to reload.

What happens if I tap my card twice by accident?

If you tap your card twice within a short time (usually within a few minutes), the system recognizes it as a double-tap and does not charge you twice. However, if you exit and re-enter the system later, you will be charged for a new trip. If you believe you were charged incorrectly, contact WMATA customer service through their website.

Do I need to tap my card when I exit the station?

Yes, on rail you must tap your card both when entering and exiting. The system uses your exit tap to calculate the correct fare based on distance. On buses, you only tap when boarding.

What if the Metro is on strike or service is suspended?

WMATA occasionally experiences service disruptions due to maintenance, weather, or labor actions. Check the WMATA website or app before traveling, as they post alerts about major service changes. During some disruptions, WMATA offers free or reduced-price shuttle bus service as an alternative.

Can I get a refund if I load too much money on my card?

SmarTrip cards do not expire, so unused balance stays on your card indefinitely. You can use it on future trips. If you no longer need the card, you can request a refund of the remaining balance through WMATA's website, though the process takes several weeks.