About Congress Heights Station
Congress Heights Metro station opened on January 13, 2001, as part of the Green Line's southern extension into Ward 8, Washington DC. Situated at the intersection of Alabama Avenue SE and 13th Street SE, beneath the St. Elizabeths grounds, the station anchors a neighborhood undergoing significant investment and revitalization after decades of disinvestment.
The station sits near the edge of the historic St. Elizabeths Campus — a National Historic Landmark that operated as a federal psychiatric hospital for over 150 years before being redeveloped. The western campus now houses the Department of Homeland Security headquarters, bringing thousands of federal workers to the neighborhood each day.
Congress Heights is one of DC's most historically Black neighborhoods, with deep cultural roots and a strong community identity. Local organizations and small businesses line Alabama Avenue SE and Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, and new mixed-use development near the station is expanding housing and retail options for residents.
Lines & Schedule
Peak service (Mon–Fri 5–9:30am, 3–7pm): every 10–12 min. Off-peak and weekends: every 15–20 min. First train ~5:15am weekdays. Last train shortly before midnight Sun–Thu, ~2:00am Friday–Saturday nights.
Nearby Attractions
Station Exits
Rider Tips
- If you're heading to DHS headquarters at St. Elizabeths West Campus, exit toward MLK Ave SE. The campus entrance is about a 10-minute walk. Security-badged personnel should allow extra time for entry procedures.
- Metrobus routes serve Congress Heights station with connections to Anacostia, Congress Heights, and across the DC border into Prince George's County. Check WMATA's trip planner for the most current bus routes from this stop.
- Metrorail has no fare zones — the fare rises with the distance traveled. On a weekday between 5:00am and 9:30pm a SmarTrip trip costs between the $2.25 minimum and the $6.75 system maximum; after 9:30pm and all weekend every trip is capped at $2.50.
- The neighborhood surrounding Congress Heights station is actively developing. New mixed-use projects and community facilities are expanding, so expect the area around the station to continue changing in the coming years.
Adjacent Stations on the Green Line
Frequently Asked Questions
What is near Congress Heights Metro station?
Congress Heights Metro is near the St. Elizabeths Campus — the former psychiatric hospital now serving as the DHS headquarters. The surrounding Ward 8 neighborhood has several community centers, schools, and local businesses along Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE.
Does Congress Heights Metro have parking?
No. Congress Heights Metro station does not have a Park & Ride lot. Riders should use Kiss & Ride drop-off or nearby street parking. The closest stations with Metro parking are Anacostia one stop north and Southern Avenue one stop south.
How do I get to DHS headquarters from Congress Heights Metro?
The Department of Homeland Security's St. Elizabeths West Campus is approximately a 10-minute walk from Congress Heights Metro station. Exit toward Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE and follow signage for the campus. Security-credentialed personnel should allow extra time for entry procedures at the gates.