About Brookland–CUA Station
Brookland–CUA opened on February 6, 1978, as part of the Red Line extension into northeast Washington DC. The station takes its name from the Brookland neighborhood — one of the most distinctive residential communities in the city — and Catholic University of America (CUA), whose campus borders the station directly to the north along Michigan Avenue NE.
Brookland has earned a reputation as one of DC's most charming and community-oriented neighborhoods. A walkable main street along 12th Street NE offers independent restaurants, coffee shops, and the Monroe Street Market arts corridor. The neighborhood's low-rise architecture and tree-lined streets give it a small-town feel that stands in contrast to much of urban DC.
In addition to the Basilica and Catholic University, the station also serves Trinity Washington University, the Dominican House of Studies, and Washington Theological Union — making the immediate neighborhood home to one of the highest concentrations of Catholic institutions in the country, giving Brookland its informal nickname "Little Rome."
Lines & Schedule
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Peak service (Mon–Fri 5–9:30am, 3–7pm): every 6 min. Off-peak and weekends: every 12 min. Last train shortly before midnight on weekdays, ~2am Fri–Sat.
Nearby Attractions
Station Exits
Rider Tips
- The Basilica of the National Shrine is the top visitor attraction near this station. It's a 8-minute walk north on Michigan Avenue. Entry to the church is always free. Guided tours are available daily. The Great Upper Church is enormous — allow at least an hour for a proper visit.
- Brookland's main street along 12th Street NE has excellent dining options — from the flagship Busboys and Poets to neighborhood spots like Menomale (Neapolitan pizza), Primrose, and Brookland's Finest. The area has exploded with new options in the past five years.
- If visiting Catholic University for an event or admissions tour, use the Michigan Avenue exit. The main campus gate is a 3-minute walk. Parking on campus is limited on event days — Metro is the recommended option.
- Metrorail fares are based on the distance between your entry and exit stations. On a weekday between 5:00 AM and 9:30 PM the fare rises with distance, from $2.25 up to a $6.75 maximum. After 9:30 PM and all weekend a flat reduced fare of $2.25–$2.50 applies.
- Brookland–CUA has no full park-and-ride lot: only a small number of metered spaces plus a Kiss & Ride drop-off area. If you're driving to catch Metro here, arrive early — capacity is far smaller than at the Maryland Park & Ride facilities.
Adjacent Stations on the Red Line
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to the Basilica of the National Shrine from Brookland Metro?
Exit at the Michigan Ave exit and walk north on Michigan Avenue NE for approximately 8 minutes (0.4 miles). The Basilica's main entrance is at 400 Michigan Ave NE. The dome is visible from the station area. Entry is always free and the church is open daily from early morning to evening. Guided tours are available on a scheduled basis.
How do I get to Catholic University from Brookland Metro?
Catholic University of America is directly adjacent to the station. Exit at the Michigan Avenue exit — the university's main gate at 620 Michigan Ave NE is approximately a 3-minute walk. The campus Visitors Center can provide maps and event information. On graduation days and major events, the station can be crowded and trains may be standing-room only heading toward downtown.
Why is Brookland called "Little Rome"?
Brookland earned the nickname "Little Rome" due to its extraordinary concentration of Catholic institutions within a small area. Within walking distance of the Metro station are Catholic University of America, the Basilica of the National Shrine, Trinity Washington University, the Dominican House of Studies, the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land, and several other Catholic religious institutions and seminaries.