About Medical Center Station
Medical Center is a Red Line station in Bethesda, Maryland, situated directly adjacent to one of the largest biomedical research complexes in the world. The station opened on December 15, 1984, as part of the Red Line's extension into Montgomery County, and remains one of the most specialized stations in the WMATA system — its ridership is dominated by federal employees, researchers, patients, and healthcare workers rather than typical commuters.
The station sits between two major institutions: the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the United States' primary federal agency for medical research, and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (formerly the National Naval Medical Center), where the President of the United States receives medical care. Combined, these two campuses employ tens of thousands of people and attract visitors from across the country and the world.
On weekdays, the Medical Center station handles significant peak ridership from NIH and NNMC staff shifts. On weekends and evenings, traffic drops considerably — this is not a nightlife or tourism station. The surrounding Bethesda/North Bethesda area along Rockville Pike offers limited dining options within walking distance, with more options north toward the White Flint corridor.
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 & Destinations
Station Exits
Rider Tips
- NIH visitors need a valid ID and may require advance appointment confirmation at the security gate. The main visitor entrance on Rockville Pike is a 5–7 minute walk from the station exit.
- The WMATA parking garage fills quickly on weekday mornings — arrive before 8am to guarantee a spot. Parking is free on weekends and federal holidays.
- Ride On Bus Route 46 and several Metrobus routes stop at Medical Center station, connecting to areas not directly accessible on foot from the station.
- If visiting a patient at Walter Reed NMMC, confirm visiting hours and access requirements in advance — security procedures can add significant time to your arrival.
- Medical Center is in Fare Zone 2. A peak-hour trip from Metro Center costs approximately $2.65 with a SmarTrip card. Parking charges apply on weekdays.
Adjacent Stations on the Red Line
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medical Center Metro serve NIH?
Yes — Medical Center station is the primary Metro access point for the NIH main campus. The NIH visitor entrance on Rockville Pike is approximately a 5-minute walk from the station's NIH/NNMC exit. Note that all visitors must pass through a security checkpoint and present valid ID. Some areas of campus require advance authorization.
Is there parking at Medical Center station?
Yes. Medical Center has a WMATA parking garage on site. Daily parking rates apply on weekdays — the garage can fill by 8–8:30am during peak periods. Parking is free on weekends and federal holidays. Monthly permit parking is also available. Check wmata.com for current rates.
How do I get from Medical Center Metro to downtown DC?
Take any Red Line train toward Glenmont. From Medical Center, it's approximately 6 stops and 18–22 minutes to Metro Center in downtown DC, with no transfers required. The Red Line runs every 6 minutes during peak hours and every 12 minutes off-peak.
Which exit do I use for Walter Reed?
Use the NIH/NNMC exit toward Rockville Pike. Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (NMMC) is directly across from the station on the south side of the Rockville Pike intersection. Follow the signs from the station exit — the main visitor entrance is a short walk from the Metro exit.