About Metro Center Station
Metro Center is the most central and heavily trafficked station in the Washington DC Metrorail system. Located at the intersection of 12th Street NW and F Street NW in downtown DC, it serves as the main interchange between four of the six Metro lines: Red, Blue, Orange, and Silver.
The station has two levels of platforms. The upper platform serves the Red Line (running east–west along the city's northern corridor), while the lower platform serves the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines (running through Northern Virginia into Maryland). Free transfers between all lines are included within a single fare.
Above ground, the station exits onto the 12th and F Street NW corridor — within two blocks of the National Mall, the Washington Convention Center, and the retail and restaurant cluster around Gallery Place.
Lines & Schedules
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
|
Nearby Attractions
Station Exits
Rider Tips
- During rush hour (7–9am, 5–7pm), Metro Center platforms get extremely crowded. If you're transferring between the Red and Blue/Orange/Silver lines, allow extra time — the transfer requires going up or down stairs between levels.
- Metro Center is in Fare Zone 1 — the cheapest zone. All trips originating or ending here are at the minimum fare: $2.25 peak, $2.00 off-peak.
- On game days at Capital One Arena (about 0.4 miles away), trains get packed around 7pm and midnight. The nearby Gallery Place station is also an option to avoid Metro Center crowds.
- Several major downtown hotels are within 5 minutes on foot: Grand Hyatt Washington (connected underground), JW Marriott, and Renaissance DC are all a short walk from Exit B.
- If arriving at Dulles Airport, take the Silver Line directly to Metro Center — no transfer needed. The trip takes approximately 55 minutes.
Adjacent Stations
Frequently Asked Questions
What lines stop at Metro Center?
Metro Center is served by four Metrorail lines: the Red Line (Shady Grove – Glenmont), the Blue Line (Franconia-Springfield – Largo Town Center), the Orange Line (Vienna – New Carrollton), and the Silver Line (Ashburn/Dulles Airport – Largo Town Center). It is the only station in the system where all four of these lines intersect.
How do I transfer between lines at Metro Center?
The Red Line platform is on the upper level, while the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines share the lower platform. To transfer, use the escalators or stairs inside the paid fare zone — no need to tap out and back in. The transfer is included in your trip fare at no extra cost.
Is parking available near Metro Center?
Metro Center does not have a WMATA commuter parking lot. Being in downtown DC, it is surrounded by private parking garages. The closest options are the 1300 G Street NW garage and the Ronald Reagan Building garage on Pennsylvania Ave. Expect to pay $15–30 for daily parking. Taking Metro from a suburban park-and-ride station is typically cheaper.
Can I walk to the National Mall from Metro Center?
Yes. From Exit A (12th & G St NW), the National Mall is approximately an 8-minute walk south. The Smithsonian and Federal Triangle stations are also close alternatives if you're heading to specific parts of the Mall — Smithsonian is best for the Air and Space Museum and the Castle.
What hotels are near Metro Center station?
Several major hotels are within walking distance: the Grand Hyatt Washington (connected underground via the station concourse), JW Marriott on Pennsylvania Ave (3 min walk), Renaissance Washington DC (4 min walk), and the W Hotel near the White House (6 min walk). The area is one of the most hotel-dense corridors in DC.