About Judiciary Square Station
Judiciary Square is one of the original stations of the WMATA Metrorail system, opening on November 20, 1976, as part of the inaugural Red Line segment. Located at 4th and F Streets NW, the station sits at the heart of Washington DC's civic and judicial district — a cluster of federal and local courthouses, government office buildings, and civic institutions occupying the blocks between the National Mall and Mount Vernon Square.
The station takes its name from the judicial complex that surrounds it. DC Superior Court, the US District Court for the District of Columbia, and the DC Court of Appeals are all within easy walking distance. This makes Judiciary Square one of the most heavily used stations by legal professionals, attorneys, jurors, and litigants on court business days.
Beyond the courts, the neighborhood holds the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, the Metropolitan Police Department headquarters, and the DC Jail. The station also provides access to the growing residential and mixed-use development emerging in the Mount Vernon Triangle area to the north.
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
- If you have jury duty at DC Superior Court, this is your station. The court is a 2-minute walk east on F Street. Allow extra time going through courthouse security screening, especially on Monday mornings when jury pools report.
- The National Building Museum's Great Hall is one of DC's most impressive interior spaces — eight massive Corinthian columns, 75 feet tall, in a 316-foot-long hall. Entry to the building itself is free; exhibits have varying admission fees.
- Shakespeare Theatre Company has two stages (Lansburgh and Harman Hall) a short walk away. Judiciary Square is the best Metro stop for evening performances — far less crowded than Gallery Place on show nights.
- Weekday lunch options are concentrated on F Street and 5th Street. The neighborhood quiets considerably after 6pm — plan dining before or near Gallery Place if you're staying for an evening event.
- Judiciary Square is Fare Zone 1. Minimum fare applies: $2.25 peak, $2.00 off-peak with SmarTrip. One stop to Gallery Place for Red/Yellow/Green transfers, or Union Station one stop the other direction.
Adjacent Stations on the Red Line
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Metro line serves Judiciary Square?
Judiciary Square is served exclusively by the Red Line, running between Shady Grove (Maryland) and Glenmont (Maryland). The nearest multi-line transfer is Gallery Place–Chinatown (Red/Yellow/Green Lines), one stop toward Shady Grove. Union Station, one stop toward Glenmont, is Red Line only.
How do I get to DC Superior Court from Judiciary Square Metro?
Take the main exit at 4th and F Street NW and walk one block east on F Street. DC Superior Court at 500 Indiana Ave NW will be directly ahead. The walk takes under 3 minutes. Security lines at the courthouse can be long on busy court days — arrive 15–20 minutes early if you have a scheduled appearance.
Is the National Building Museum free?
Entry to the National Building Museum building and Great Hall is free. Temporary and permanent exhibits inside charge admission, typically $10–$16 for adults. The Great Hall alone — with its eight massive Corinthian columns and historic architecture — is worth a visit at no cost. The museum is at 401 F Street NW, directly across from the station exit.
How do I get to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial from Judiciary Square?
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial is in Judiciary Square Park, just a 2-minute walk from the station exit. From the main exit at 4th and F Street, walk east on F Street and then south on 4th Street — the memorial's curved marble walls are visible in the landscaped plaza. The Memorial Museum at 444 E Street NW is nearby with ticketed exhibits covering law enforcement history.
Is there parking near Judiciary Square station?
There is no WMATA parking at Judiciary Square. Street parking is limited and court days bring significant additional traffic. Several private garages operate on nearby blocks — typical daily rates run $15–$25. On days with jury duty or court appearances, Metro is strongly recommended to avoid parking stress and arrive on time.