About Gallery Place–Chinatown
Gallery Place–Chinatown is one of DC's most versatile stations — a 3-line interchange in the heart of the Penn Quarter entertainment district, steps from Capital One Arena. It sits at the crossroads of H Street NW and 7th Street NW in a corridor packed with restaurants, bars, galleries and one of DC's last remaining Chinatown blocks.
Like Metro Center, the station has two separate levels: the upper platform serves the Red Line (east–west), while the lower platform is shared by the Yellow and Green lines (north–south). Free transfers between any of the three lines happen within the paid zone.
The neighborhood around the station has transformed dramatically since Metro opened. Penn Quarter is now one of DC's top dining destinations, and the "Chinatown" — while much reduced from its historic peak — still has the iconic Friendship Arch on H Street and a handful of Chinese restaurants that survive amid the newer development.
Lines & Schedules
Nearby Attractions
Station Exits
Rider Tips
- Capital One Arena hosts Capitals (NHL), Wizards (NBA) and Mystics (WNBA). On game nights the station is extremely crowded — plan on standing-room trains from roughly 45 minutes before tip-off and for 30–45 minutes after the final buzzer. If you're nearby, consider walking to Metro Center (0.3 mi) to board a less crowded train.
- Gallery Place is in Fare Zone 1 — you'll always pay the minimum Metro fare ($2.25 peak / $2.00 off-peak) for trips starting or ending here.
- To transfer between the Red Line and the Yellow or Green line, use the escalators or elevators inside the paid zone between the upper and lower platforms. No need to exit and re-enter — the transfer is free.
- The National Portrait Gallery courtyard (free admission) on G Street NW is a superb lunch or afternoon stop. Open daily — one of the most underrated spaces in the city.
- Metro Center is just one stop west on the Red Line (or a 0.3-mile walk). If you need to transfer to the Blue, Orange or Silver Line and the platforms are crowded, walking to Metro Center may be faster than waiting for a train.
Adjacent Stations
Frequently Asked Questions
What Metro lines serve Gallery Place–Chinatown?
Three lines stop here: Red (Shady Grove – Glenmont), Yellow (Huntington – Greenbelt), and Green (Branch Avenue – Greenbelt). The Red Line platform is on the upper level; Yellow and Green share the lower platform. Free transfers between all three lines happen inside the paid fare zone.
How do I get to Capital One Arena by Metro?
Take any line to Gallery Place–Chinatown and use Exit A (7th & H St NW). Capital One Arena is directly across 7th Street — about a 1-minute walk. On event nights, trains are packed in both directions. Arrive early or budget extra time getting out of the station after the event.
Is there a real Chinatown near this station?
DC's original Chinatown has shrunk significantly over the past 30 years due to development, but the Friendship Arch at 7th and H Streets NW (steps from Exit A) marks the neighborhood. A handful of authentic Chinese restaurants remain, though the area is now mostly general dining, bars and retail. The arch itself is one of the largest single-span Chinese ceremonial arches in the US.
What museums are near Gallery Place Metro?
The Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery and American Art Museum share a building at 8th and F Streets NW (about 4 minutes walk from Exit B) and are free to enter. The National Building Museum is about 8 minutes walk on F Street NE. Both the Spy Museum and the International Spy Museum are within a 5-minute walk.