About Friendship Heights Station
Friendship Heights is a Red Line station at the very northern edge of Washington, DC, sitting just steps from the Maryland border on Wisconsin Ave NW. Opened December 15, 1984 as part of the same Red Line extension into Montgomery County that brought Bethesda and Medical Center online, the station anchors one of the most concentrated upscale retail corridors in the Washington region.
The station is directly connected to two major shopping centers — Chevy Chase Pavilion, which sits above the station's north entrance, and Mazza Gallerie, across the street to the south. The surrounding Wisconsin Ave corridor features department stores, boutiques, restaurants, and services catering to the affluent residential neighborhoods of upper NW DC and Chevy Chase, Maryland.
Unlike most Red Line stations in Maryland, Friendship Heights has a notably urban character — no surface parking, high pedestrian foot traffic, and a dense mix of street-level retail. It serves a mix of shoppers, residents from the surrounding neighborhoods, and commuters heading to and from downtown DC and Bethesda.
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 ~11:30pm weekdays, ~1am Fri–Sat.
Nearby Attractions
Station Exits
Rider Tips
- Chevy Chase Pavilion is directly accessible from the station mezzanine — no need to go outside in bad weather. Head through the north exit and follow signs to the mall concourse.
- Multiple Metrobus routes (L1, L2, M4) and Ride On buses stop on Wisconsin Ave at the station, connecting to Georgetown, downtown DC, Chevy Chase MD, and Bethesda.
- Friendship Heights is in Fare Zone 2. Peak trips to Metro Center cost approximately $2.65 with a SmarTrip card. The station has no WMATA parking — plan to arrive on foot, by bus, or by bike.
- Despite being "in DC," this station is right at the Maryland border. If you're heading to Chevy Chase MD neighborhoods, you'll cross into Maryland just a block north of the station on Wisconsin Ave.
- Capital Bikeshare has docks near both exits. The 30-minute ride south on Wisconsin Ave through neighborhoods to upper Georgetown is manageable and scenic on weekend mornings.
Adjacent Stations on the Red Line
Frequently Asked Questions
What shopping malls are at Friendship Heights Metro?
Two major shopping centers are at Friendship Heights. Chevy Chase Pavilion sits directly above the station's north exit and is accessible from the station concourse without going outside. Mazza Gallerie is across Wisconsin Ave to the south, a 2-minute walk from the Jenifer Street exit. Saks Fifth Avenue, boutiques, restaurants, and a Marriott hotel are all within a block.
Is Friendship Heights in DC or Maryland?
The station is in Washington, DC — just barely. The DC–Maryland border runs along Western Ave NW, which is about one block north of the station's north exit. The neighborhood straddles both jurisdictions: the DC side is Friendship Heights/Chevy Chase DC, and the Maryland side is Chevy Chase, MD. Riders from both sides use this station regularly.
Is there parking at Friendship Heights Metro?
There is no WMATA parking at Friendship Heights. Private garages are available at Chevy Chase Pavilion (validated parking with mall purchase) and Mazza Gallerie. Street parking on side streets is available but competitive. Most riders arrive by bus, on foot, or by bike.
How do I get to American University from this station?
American University is one stop south at Tenleytown–AU station. From Friendship Heights, board any Red Line train toward Glenmont and exit at the next stop. Alternatively, the AU shuttle and several Metrobus routes connect Friendship Heights directly to the AU campus — check WMATA's trip planner for current routes.