💳 2026 Fare Guide

DC Metro
Fares & Tickets

Distance-based pricing, the $2.50 evening and weekend cap, SmarTrip card, visitor passes and everything you need to pay for the DC Metro in 2026.

💰 Fare Prices 💳 SmarTrip 🎟 Visitor Passes 🅿 Parking
Fare Prices
Chart of DC Metro fares: $2.25 to $6.75 on weekdays until 9:30 PM, $2.25 to $2.50 after 9:30 PM and at weekends, reduced fare $1.10 to $3.35, and 1-day, 3-day and 7-day passes at $13.50, $33.75 and $60.75.
Metrorail fares at a glance. Fares are charged by distance and calculated when you tap out.

How Much Does the DC Metro Cost?

Metro fares are distance-based and time-of-day based. WMATA retired the old peak / off-peak split: what matters now is whether you travel on a weekday before 9:30 PM, or in the evening and at weekends, when every trip is capped at $2.50.

Fare Type Minimum Maximum When
Weekday daytime $2.25 $6.75 Mon–Fri 5:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Weekday evening $2.25 $2.50 Mon–Fri after 9:30 PM
Weekend $2.25 $2.50 All day Saturday & Sunday
Reduced — weekday daytime $1.10 $3.35 Mon–Fri 5:00 AM – 9:30 PM, valid ID
Reduced — evenings & weekends $1.10 $1.25 After 9:30 PM and all weekend, valid ID
Children age 4 and younger Free Free Up to 2 per fare-paying adult
Metro Lift (SNAP recipients) 50% off 50% off Any time with enrollment
Save money: Travel after 9:30 PM on a weekday, or at any time on Saturday or Sunday, and no rail trip costs more than $2.50 however far you go. Get your SmarTrip card →

✈ Airport Trip Fare Estimates

Reagan Airport (DCA) → Metro CenterShort hop, near the $2.25 minimum
Dulles Airport (IAD) → Metro CenterLongest ride on the network
Evenings after 9:30 PM & weekends$2.50 maximum, both airports
See the full breakdown on our Airport Connections page — including travel times and platform tips for Reagan and Dulles airports.

🅿 Parking at Metro Stations

Daily rateVaries by station, around $5
Weekends & federal holidaysFree
Payment methodSmarTrip, credit card or mobile
Park & Ride locations40 across the system
Available linesRed, Blue, Orange, Silver, Green

Park & Ride lots are at most end-of-line and suburban stations. The largest lots are at Shady Grove, Glenmont, Franconia-Springfield, Branch Avenue, Vienna and Downtown Largo. Rates differ from station to station, so check the exact price for your station on WMATA's parking page before you travel.

Fare guides

Cards, Passes and Discounts

The rail fare table above is only part of it. Each of these has its own guide with prices, eligibility and the small print.

💳 SmarTrip card $2 Usually sold for $10 with $8 of fare loaded. Where to buy and how to top up. 🎟 Unlimited passes $13.50 – $216 1-day, 3-day, 7-day, short trip and monthly, and when each one pays off. 👤 Reduced fares $1.10 – $3.35 Seniors 65+, riders with disabilities, children and Metro Lift. 🚌 Metrobus fares $2.25 Flat fare on regular routes, $4.80 on the four express routes.

Fares as published by WMATA and checked on 27 August 2026. Metro sets fares by tariff and they can change — confirm at wmata.com before you travel.

Payment Methods

How to Pay on the DC Metro

The Metro accepts several payment methods at every faregate. Here's how each one works.

💳

SmarTrip Card

The traditional reloadable card. Best for regular riders and those who need parking. Load value at kiosks or the DC SmarTrip app.

Recommended
📱

Apple Pay / Google Pay

Tap your phone or smartwatch at the faregate. Works exactly like SmarTrip — same price, no physical card needed. Contactless only.

Easiest for visitors
💳

Contactless Credit/Debit

Tap any contactless Visa, Mastercard, Amex, or Discover card directly at the faregate. Same fares as SmarTrip. No setup required.

No app needed
🎟

Visitor Passes

Sold at station kiosks. 1-day ($13.50), 3-day ($33.75) or 7-day ($60.75) unlimited passes covering rail and bus. Best when making several trips per day.

Great for tourists
FAQ

Fare Questions Answered

The most common questions about DC Metro fares, SmarTrip cards, and how to avoid overpaying.

How does distance-based pricing work?

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Metro charges based on the distance you travel and the time of day. The minimum is $2.25. Longer trips into the suburbs reach $6.75 on a weekday between 5:00 AM and 9:30 PM, but after 9:30 PM and all weekend the same trip is capped at $2.50. The fare is calculated when you tap out at the exit faregate — always tap both in and out or you'll be charged the maximum fare.

What happens if I don't tap out?

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If you forget to tap out, you'll be charged the maximum fare for your line from your entry station. Always tap your card or phone at both entry and exit faregates. If you're charged incorrectly, you can request a refund through WMATA's online portal within 7 days.

Can I use the same card for multiple people?

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No — SmarTrip cards and contactless payments are for one person at a time. Each rider needs their own payment method. The exception is children age 4 and younger: up to two ride free with each fare-paying adult and do not need a card. From age 5 they pay the full fare.

Are there discounts for students or military?

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WMATA currently offers reduced fares for seniors (65+) and persons with disabilities. There is no general student or military discount. Some federal agencies offer transit benefits (SmartBenefits) to employees. Check with your employer or agency for eligibility.

What is Metro Lift?

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Metro Lift is a WMATA program offering 50% discounted fares to SNAP (food stamps) recipients in the DC region. Eligible riders must enroll through their local SNAP office to get a reduced-fare SmarTrip card. Learn more at wmata.com/fares/metro-lift.

Do fares change during special events?

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No — Metro does not charge premium fares during special events like the Fourth of July, Nationals games, or the Cherry Blossom Festival. The normal weekday and weekend fares apply regardless of crowding. Check the schedule for extended service hours during major events.

Plan Your Full Trip

Got your fares figured out? Now check the schedule and view the map to find the fastest route to your destination.

⏱ Metro Hours & Schedule 🗺 System Map ✈ Airport Connections