About Federal Triangle Station
Federal Triangle station serves the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines along Pennsylvania Avenue NW — the historic ceremonial avenue connecting the White House to the U.S. Capitol. The station takes its name from the Federal Triangle, a massive complex of neoclassical government buildings constructed in the 1930s that forms a triangular block between Pennsylvania Avenue, Constitution Avenue, and 15th Street NW.
The station sits at the heart of Washington DC's densest concentration of federal agencies and landmark buildings. Within a short walk are the Department of Justice, the Internal Revenue Service headquarters, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Trade Commission, the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, and the National Archives — home to the original Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights.
Pennsylvania Avenue NW in front of the station is one of the most iconic streets in American history. Presidential inaugural parades travel along this route from the Capitol to the White House, and the avenue itself is lined with federal buildings, historic hotels, and memorials. The station is also convenient for visitors to the National Mall, which begins just one block south along Constitution Avenue.
Lines & Schedules
To Metro Center: ~3 min. To Smithsonian: ~3 min. To McPherson Square: ~5 min.
Nearby Attractions
Station Exits
Rider Tips
- To visit the National Archives (Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights), walk east along Pennsylvania Avenue NW for about 5 minutes. The Archives entrance is at 700 Pennsylvania Ave NW — check for timed-entry tickets in advance during peak season.
- The National Mall is just one block south on Constitution Avenue NW. Federal Triangle is a good starting point for a west-to-east Mall walk, with the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and Smithsonian museums all reachable on foot.
- The Ronald Reagan Building hosts a food court and public event spaces that are open to the public. It is a useful rest stop with restrooms and food options for travelers exploring the Pennsylvania Avenue corridor.
- If you need to connect to the Red, Yellow, or Green lines, Smithsonian station is one stop east but does not offer transfers. Continue to Metro Center (one stop west) for the Red Line, or L'Enfant Plaza (two stops east) for Yellow and Green.
Adjacent Stations
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Federal Triangle the best Metro stop for the National Archives?
Federal Triangle is one of the two closest stations to the National Archives. It is about a 5-minute walk east along Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Archives/Navy Memorial station on the Yellow and Green lines (at 7th and Pennsylvania Ave) is slightly closer to the Archives entrance. Both are good options depending on which line you are traveling.
Can I reach the National Mall from Federal Triangle station?
Yes. The National Mall is approximately one block south of the station via the Constitution Avenue exit. Walking south on 12th Street NW from the station brings you directly to the Mall. The Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial are to the west, and the Smithsonian museums begin to the east toward the Capitol.
Does Federal Triangle station have parking?
Federal Triangle station does not have a dedicated Park & Ride facility. As a Zone 1 downtown station, it is intended for pedestrian and transit access. Paid public parking garages are available in the surrounding blocks, but they are expensive. Driving to this station is not recommended — use connecting transit instead.