About Potomac Ave Station
Potomac Ave opened on July 1, 1977, as part of the original Blue Line. Situated between Eastern Market and Stadium-Armory in Southeast Washington DC, the station serves the Hill East neighborhood — a quiet residential community tucked between the Capitol Hill historic district to the west and the Anacostia River waterfront to the east.
While often overlooked in favor of its more prominent neighbors, Potomac Ave offers easy access to one of DC's most underrated outdoor destinations: the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail. The multi-use path stretches along both banks of the Anacostia River, connecting Kingman Island, the RFK Stadium site, and the Yards Park in Navy Yard.
The station is served by the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines, giving riders frequent combined service throughout the day. Three lines sharing a single track section means trains arrive frequently even off-peak, making Potomac Ave a reliable option for Zone 1 travel within the city core.
Lines & Service
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Nearby Destinations
Rider Tips
- Potomac Ave is the closest Metro to the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail's northern entry point. Exit on the Pennsylvania Ave side and walk east along the trail to reach Kingman Island and the RFK Stadium grounds — a great option for joggers, cyclists, and casual visitors.
- Three lines (Blue, Orange, Silver) share this station, meaning combined headways during peak hours can be as low as 2–3 minutes. If you're going toward Stadium-Armory or Capitol Hill and miss one train, another is usually right behind it.
- For future DC United stadium events at the planned RFK site, Potomac Ave will likely be the preferred Metro entry — closer to the riverfront development than Stadium-Armory. Watch for WMATA service advisories for event nights once the facility opens.
- There is no WMATA parking at Potomac Ave. Street parking in the Hill East neighborhood is available but limited. If you are driving to nearby events, consider parking at Stadium-Armory (one stop east) which has more capacity.
Adjacent Stations
Frequently Asked Questions
What is near Potomac Ave Metro station?
Potomac Ave is near the former RFK Stadium site (targeted for redevelopment as a new DC United MLS stadium and mixed-use district), the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, Kingman Island, and the Hill East neighborhood. Capitol Hill historic rowhouses and Eastern Market are a short walk to the west.
Which Metro lines stop at Potomac Ave?
Potomac Ave is served by three lines: Blue (Franconia-Springfield to Largo Town Center), Orange (Vienna to New Carrollton), and Silver (Ashburn/Dulles to Largo Town Center). The combined service of three lines means very frequent trains during peak commute hours.
Is there parking at Potomac Ave Metro?
No — Potomac Ave does not have WMATA commuter parking. It is a neighborhood station in Zone 1, intended primarily for walk-up riders. If you need parking, Stadium-Armory (one stop east) has a small lot, or consider Franconia-Springfield and Van Dorn Street on the far southwest end of the Blue Line.