About Southern Avenue Station
Southern Avenue Metro station opened on December 11, 1993, as part of the Green Line's extension through Southeast Washington DC. Located at 1411 Southern Ave SE, the station sits directly on the DC–Maryland border — Southern Avenue itself forms the boundary between the District and Prince George's County — making it one of the most geographically distinctive Metro stations in the system.
Despite its border location, Southern Avenue is classified as a Zone 1 station, meaning commuters traveling from here into central DC pay the lowest Metro fares. The station serves the western edge of Ward 8 and the Maryland communities of Oxon Hill and Forest Heights just across the border. It is the northernmost of the five "border corridor" stations on the Green Line before the line turns northwest toward the Anacostia River crossing.
A WMATA parking lot at the station serves residents from both sides of the border who need a park-and-ride option. Metrobus routes connect to the broader Southeast DC network and across into Maryland communities, including the Forest Heights and Oxon Hill areas.
Lines & Schedule
From Southern Avenue to Naylor Road: ~3 min (1 stop south). To Congress Heights: ~3 min (1 stop north). To Anacostia: ~7 min (2 stops north). To Navy Yard-Ballpark: ~15 min north. To Gallery Place: ~22 min north.
Nearby Attractions
Bus Connections
Southern Avenue station has bus connections that serve both sides of the DC–Maryland border:
WMATA Metrobus: Routes along Southern Avenue and the surrounding corridors connect to Congress Heights, Anacostia, and Maryland communities including Oxon Hill and Temple Hills. The A-routes and other lines serve this area.
TheBus (Prince George's County): Select county bus routes from nearby stops provide connections into Oxon Hill, Marlow Heights, and other Prince George's County communities accessible from the border area.
Station Exits
Rider Tips
- Despite its location near the Maryland border, Southern Avenue is Zone 1 — the same fare zone as downtown DC stations. This makes it an economical option for commuters coming from just across the border in Maryland who walk or get dropped off at the station.
- The parking lot at Southern Avenue fills moderately — generally less crowded than at Branch Avenue but more crowded than at Naylor Road. If you're driving from the Oxon Hill or Temple Hills area of Maryland, this station can be a convenient entry point to the Green Line.
- The National Park Service's Oxon Hill Farm is a few miles away — a working farm demonstration site that's free and family-friendly, offering a glimpse into 19th-century farm life. It's accessible by bus from the station.
Adjacent Stations
Frequently Asked Questions
What line serves Southern Avenue Metro station?
Southern Avenue is served exclusively by the Green Line, running between Branch Avenue and Greenbelt.
Is Southern Avenue in DC or Maryland?
Southern Avenue station is technically in Washington DC, right on the DC–Maryland border. The street itself (Southern Avenue SE) forms the boundary between DC and Prince George's County, Maryland.
Is there parking at Southern Avenue Metro?
Yes, Southern Avenue has a WMATA parking lot. Daily fees apply on weekdays; weekend parking is typically free for SmarTrip users.