About Waterfront Station
Waterfront Metro station opened on July 1, 1991, as one of the original stations on the Green Line. Located on M Street SW in Washington DC's Southwest neighborhood, the station predates the dramatic transformation of the surrounding waterfront by more than two decades — and today serves as the primary transit gateway to one of DC's most celebrated recent urban developments.
The arrival of The Wharf — a $3.5 billion mixed-use development stretching along the Potomac River waterfront — has made Waterfront station one of the most visited destinations on the Green Line. The Wharf's first phase opened in 2017 and its second phase in 2022, bringing hundreds of restaurants, hotels, music venues, parks, and residential buildings to the formerly underutilized Southwest waterfront.
The Maine Avenue Fish Market — the oldest continuously operating open-air fish market in the United States, dating to 1805 — is also steps from the station. The market is a beloved DC institution where vendors have sold Chesapeake Bay seafood for over two centuries, and it remains one of the city's most unique food experiences. Southwest DC is also home to a large federal government campus, with agencies including USDA, HUD, and DOT headquartered nearby.
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 ~5:10am weekdays. Last train ~11:30pm weekdays/Sunday, ~1:00am Friday–Saturday nights. Late nights on weekends make this station convenient for evening visits to The Wharf.
Nearby Attractions
Station Exits
Rider Tips
- The Wharf is a 5-minute walk from Waterfront station — exit onto M Street SW and head west toward the river. The development stretches over a mile of waterfront with dozens of dining and entertainment options. Weekend evenings are extremely popular; Metro is by far the easiest way to get here given limited parking.
- For Arena Stage performances, Waterfront is the closest Metro station — about a 4-minute walk. The theater is at 1101 6th Street SW. Pre-show dining is excellent at nearby Wharf restaurants, and the Green Line provides late-night return service until 1am on Friday and Saturday nights.
- The Maine Avenue Fish Market is best visited in the morning when the freshest catch arrives. Market vendors sell live crabs, shrimp, oysters, and fresh fish. It's a cash-friendly market and a beloved DC institution — worth a visit even if you're just browsing.
- Federal workers at USDA, HUD, DOT, and other Southwest DC agencies can reach their campuses from Waterfront in a short walk. L'Enfant Plaza (one stop north) is an alternative for some agencies along 7th Street SW — check which station is closer to your specific building.
Adjacent Stations on the Green Line
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to The Wharf from Waterfront Metro?
The Wharf is approximately a 5-minute walk from Waterfront Metro station. Exit toward M Street SW and walk west along the waterfront. The Wharf's main promenade, restaurants, and entertainment venues are directly on the water along Maine Avenue SW. This is one of DC's most popular dining and nightlife destinations and the walk from Metro is easy and well-signed.
Is Waterfront Metro near the National Mall?
Waterfront station is about a 15-minute walk from the western end of the National Mall near the Jefferson Memorial. It is not the closest Metro station to most Mall attractions — L'Enfant Plaza (one stop north, on the Green/Yellow/Orange/Silver/Blue lines) is a better option for central Mall destinations like the Smithsonian museums.
What is the best Metro station for The Anthem concert venue?
Waterfront Metro is the closest station to The Anthem at The Wharf. The venue is approximately a 6-minute walk from the station exit. For concerts, the Green Line runs until 1am on Friday and Saturday nights, which typically covers the end of most shows. Check WMATA's schedule in advance for any service changes on event nights.