About Cleveland Park Station
Cleveland Park is a Red Line station nestled in one of Washington DC's most desirable upper-northwest neighborhoods, sitting on Connecticut Avenue NW between Woodley Park and Van Ness–UDC. The station opened on December 5, 1981, as part of the second phase of the Red Line's northwest extension, bringing subway access to this quiet, tree-lined residential enclave perched above Rock Creek Park.
The neighborhood itself takes its name from President Grover Cleveland, who maintained a summer retreat here in the 1880s. Today Cleveland Park is known for its beautifully preserved Victorian and Arts and Crafts homes, a thriving Connecticut Avenue restaurant and retail strip, and easy access to two of DC's most visited destinations — the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Washington National Cathedral.
The station features the signature coffered concrete barrel-vault architecture designed by Harry Weese for the entire Metrorail system. Its single street entrance opens directly onto Connecticut Ave NW, making it straightforward to navigate despite being approximately 70 feet below street level.
Lines & Schedule
|
Peak service (Mon–Fri 5–9:30am, 3–7pm): every 6 min. Off-peak and weekends: every 12 min. Last train ~11:30pm weekdays, ~1am Fri–Sat.
Nearby Attractions
Station Exits
Rider Tips
- For the National Zoo, both Cleveland Park and Woodley Park stations work. Cleveland Park is closer to the Zoo's Connecticut Ave main entrance if you're coming from the Shady Grove direction; Woodley Park is better if you're coming from downtown Glenmont-direction trains.
- Cleveland Park is in Fare Zone 1 — the minimum Metro fare applies for trips within the zone. All trips originating here cost $2.25 peak or $2.00 off-peak with a SmarTrip card.
- The L2 bus stops on Connecticut Ave just outside the station, connecting to Georgetown via Calvert St NW. It's a fast, inexpensive way to reach Georgetown without transferring trains.
- For Washington National Cathedral, exit the station and walk west on Ordway St NW, then north on 34th St NW or take the N4 bus on Connecticut Ave. The Cathedral charges an admission fee for the nave and tours.
- The Connecticut Ave strip between Macomb and Ordway streets has a variety of independent restaurants within steps of the station — ideal for a pre- or post-Zoo meal without backtracking downtown.
Adjacent Stations on the Red Line
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Metro line serves Cleveland Park station?
Cleveland Park is served exclusively by the Red Line, which runs from Shady Grove in Montgomery County, Maryland, through downtown Washington DC, to Glenmont in Montgomery County on the opposite side. There are no transfers to other lines at this station. The nearest transfer points are Metro Center (Red/Blue/Orange/Silver) and Gallery Place (Red/Yellow/Green), several stops toward Glenmont.
How do I get to the National Zoo from Cleveland Park Metro?
Exit at the main entrance on Connecticut Ave NW and walk south (downhill) for about 0.4 miles — roughly 7 to 8 minutes. The Zoo's main Connecticut Ave entrance will be on your right. Note that Woodley Park–Zoo/Adams Morgan station is also a viable option and is slightly closer to the Zoo's Rock Creek Park entrance on the south side. Admission to the National Zoo is free.
Is there parking at Cleveland Park Metro?
There is no WMATA parking facility at Cleveland Park. The neighborhood is dense and residential. Limited metered street parking exists on Connecticut Ave NW and surrounding residential streets, but it is competitive, especially on weekends when Zoo traffic is heavy. Using Metro is strongly recommended for Zoo visits.
How far is Cleveland Park station from the National Cathedral?
Washington National Cathedral is approximately 0.8 miles from Cleveland Park station — about a 15 to 18 minute walk. Head west on Ordway St NW from the station exit, then north up Wisconsin Ave NW or Massachusetts Ave NW. Alternatively, the N4 bus stops on Connecticut Ave and connects to Wisconsin Ave near the Cathedral. Admission fees apply for nave entry and guided tours.
What is the Uptown Theater near Cleveland Park?
The Uptown Theater is a beloved single-screen movie palace at 3426 Connecticut Ave NW, just steps from the station exit. Built in 1936, it features one of the largest screens on the East Coast and a classic art deco interior. It regularly screens first-run blockbusters and special engagements, and is a favorite landmark of the Cleveland Park neighborhood.