About Takoma Station
Takoma station opened on February 6, 1978, as part of the Red Line's northeast extension. Situated almost exactly on the border between Washington DC and Takoma Park, Maryland, the station straddles two jurisdictions — serving a neighborhood known for its progressive community character, Victorian-era architecture, and uncommonly walkable village-style center.
The station sits at the edge of Old Takoma, a small commercial district with a particular charm that long-time DC residents consistently rank among their favorites. Cedar Street and Carroll Street host a collection of independent coffee shops, bookstores, restaurants, and small businesses that give the area a neighborhood identity distinct from anything found closer to the urban center.
The neighborhood around the station is a comfortable residential area popular with commuters who value the walkable main street and the easy Red Line connection into downtown DC — typically 15–18 minutes to Metro Center from Takoma.
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
- The Takoma Park Farmers Market runs every Sunday morning (approximately 10am–2pm) on Laurel Avenue, a short walk from the Carroll Ave exit. It's one of the best farmers markets in the DC area — arrive by 11am for the best selection.
- Multiple Ride On (Montgomery County) bus routes connect from Takoma station into deeper Maryland suburbs — including Wheaton and Silver Spring. This makes Takoma a useful transfer point if coming from the Maryland bus network.
- The Old Takoma commercial strip on Carroll Avenue has excellent independent restaurants — Mark's Kitchen, Republic, Cielo Rojo (Mexican), and Taim (falafel) among them. The area is especially lively on weekend evenings.
- Takoma is in Zone 2. From here, it's about a 15–20 minute ride to Metro Center. The station can be relatively quiet on evenings and weekends compared to inner-city stations — one of the advantages of riding at the edge of the city.
Adjacent Stations on the Red Line
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Takoma Metro in DC or Maryland?
Takoma station is located in Washington DC, just inside the DC–Maryland boundary. However, it serves both the DC side (Takoma neighborhood of DC) and the Maryland side (Takoma Park city). The station has exits on both sides of the border — the Cedar Street exit leads into DC, and the Carroll Avenue exit leads into Takoma Park, Maryland.
Is there parking at Takoma Metro station?
Takoma does not have a WMATA parking facility. Street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood but can be competitive during peak commuting hours. The station is best accessed by foot, bike (Capital Bikeshare docks are nearby), or Metrobus. If parking is essential, consider driving to Fort Totten or Silver Spring, which have better parking options.
How far is Takoma Metro from downtown DC?
By Metro, Takoma is approximately 15–18 minutes from Metro Center on the Red Line. It is 5 stops from Gallery Place–Chinatown and 6 stops from Metro Center. Peak-hour trains run every 6 minutes, so total commute time including wait is typically 20–25 minutes to the downtown core.
When is the Takoma Park Farmers Market?
The Takoma Park Farmers Market is held every Sunday morning, approximately 10am to 2pm, on Laurel Avenue in Takoma Park, Maryland — about a 5-minute walk from the Carroll Avenue station exit. The market runs year-round and features local produce, baked goods, meat, dairy, prepared foods, and artisan vendors. Arrive early for the best selection and shorter crowds.