About Silver Spring Station
Silver Spring station opened on February 6, 1978, as part of the Red Line's northeast extension into Montgomery County, Maryland. It quickly became one of the most important transit hubs in the region — not just as a Metro station but as a multi-modal center where the Red Line connects with MARC Brunswick Line commuter rail, an extensive Ride On bus network, and Greyhound/regional bus services.
Downtown Silver Spring, directly above and around the station, has undergone a dramatic transformation since the early 2000s. The area now features a dense mix of restaurants, bars, movie theaters, grocery stores, and apartments — making Silver Spring one of the most walkable suburban downtowns in the Washington region. Venues like The Fillmore, the AFI Silver Theatre, and the Discovery Channel headquarters (now Warner Bros. Discovery) are a short walk from the station.
Silver Spring station is served by Ride On bus routes covering much of Montgomery County — making it a regional transit hub connecting suburban Maryland neighborhoods that aren't directly on Metro with the rail network.
Lines & Schedule
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Red Line peak service (Mon–Fri 5–9:30am, 3–7pm): every 6 min. Off-peak and weekends: every 12 min. MARC Brunswick Line runs primarily peak hours; check MARC schedule for current service.
Nearby Attractions
Station Exits
Rider Tips
- MARC Brunswick Line trains stop at the adjacent platform — transfers from Metro to MARC are a quick walk. If you're coming from western Maryland or Frederick, MARC often gets you into the Silver Spring/DC area faster than driving during peak hours.
- AFI Silver Theatre is one of the best movie houses in the DC region — a restored 1938 art deco cinema that hosts film festivals, retrospectives, and new releases. It's a 4-minute walk from the station on Colesville Road.
- The WMATA parking garage is large but fills on weekday mornings. Monthly permits are available for regular commuters. The garage is accessed directly from the station complex. Weekend parking is much easier to find.
- Downtown Silver Spring's Ellsworth Drive has an excellent concentration of restaurants and bars — including a Whole Foods, multiple national chains, and independent options. It's a legitimate dining destination in its own right on evenings and weekends.
- Metrorail fares are charged by distance, not by zone, so a trip from Silver Spring into downtown DC costs more than a short inner-city hop — weekday daytime fares run between $2.25 and $6.75 across the network, and drop to a flat $2.25–$2.50 after 9:30 pm and all weekend. The Ride On bus network at this station covers most of Montgomery County not directly served by Metro.
Adjacent Stations on the Red Line
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Silver Spring Metro connect to MARC train?
Yes. Silver Spring has a MARC Brunswick Line commuter rail platform directly adjacent to the Metro station. MARC Brunswick Line trains run between DC Union Station and Frederick, MD / Martinsburg, WV — primarily during weekday peak hours. The transfer between Metro and MARC is a short walk within the station complex. Check MARC's schedule at mta.maryland.gov for current service times.
Is there parking at Silver Spring Metro?
Yes, Silver Spring has a WMATA parking garage with daily and monthly options. Daily parking is paid via SmarTrip card. The garage fills on weekday mornings — arrive before 7:30 AM for guaranteed space. Monthly permits are available for regular commuters and offer cost savings over daily rates. Weekend parking is generally available without issue.
How much does it cost to ride from Silver Spring Metro?
Metrorail has no fare zones: the fare depends on the distance between the station where you enter and the one where you exit. Monday to Friday from 5:00 am to 9:30 pm fares range from $2.25 to $6.75. After 9:30 pm and all weekend a reduced flat fare of $2.25–$2.50 applies in either direction. A SmarTrip card gives you the best fares — paper tickets cost a significant premium.
How do I get to AFI Silver Theatre from Silver Spring Metro?
Exit at the Colesville Road exit and walk south on Colesville Road toward Ellsworth Drive. AFI Silver Theatre at 8633 Colesville Rd is approximately a 4–5 minute walk from the station exit. The theatre is on the left side as you walk south, before Ellsworth Drive. Arrive 15–20 minutes early for popular screenings as the theatre fills quickly for special events.