About Van Ness–UDC Station
Van Ness–UDC is a Red Line station on Connecticut Avenue NW in upper Northwest Washington, DC, serving the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) — the only public university in the District — and the quiet, largely residential Van Ness neighborhood. The station opened December 5, 1981 as part of the same Red Line segment that brought Tenleytown–AU and Cleveland Park online.
Unlike the commercial corridors of Friendship Heights or the tourist draw of the nearby National Zoo, Van Ness–UDC has a distinctly neighborhood character. Connecticut Avenue here is a mix of apartment buildings, small restaurants, and local services rather than major retail. The station's primary generators are UDC students and faculty, residents of the surrounding neighborhoods, and commuters passing through on their way downtown or toward Shady Grove.
The Van Ness area sits at a relatively elevated position in Northwest DC, contributing to shallower station depth compared to Dupont Circle or Bethesda. The neighborhood is bordered by Rock Creek Park to the east, making it a practical trailhead for hikers and cyclists heading into the park's extensive network.
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
- UDC's main campus is directly at the north exit — no transfer or shuttle needed. The university library, student center, and main academic quad are a 2–3 minute walk from the station platform.
- Rock Creek Park's trail network is accessible via Van Ness Street heading east from the station. The main trail runs along Beach Drive and connects north to Maryland and south to the National Mall area.
- Van Ness–UDC is in Fare Zone 1. All trips to downtown DC stations (Metro Center, Gallery Place, Union Station) are Zone 1 minimum — $2.25 peak with SmarTrip.
- Multiple Metrobus routes on Connecticut Ave stop at the station, including the L2 (to Chevy Chase) and routes heading toward Dupont Circle and Adams Morgan without a Metro transfer.
- Capital Bikeshare docks near both exits make it easy to connect to Rock Creek Park trails or reach nearby neighborhoods not served directly by the Red Line.
Adjacent Stations on the Red Line
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Van Ness–UDC the closest Metro to the University of DC?
Yes — Van Ness–UDC is the primary Metro station for the University of the District of Columbia. The UDC campus main entrance on Connecticut Ave NW is directly adjacent to the station's north exit, making it one of the most convenient university-Metro connections in the system. No shuttle is required.
What fare zone is Van Ness–UDC in?
Van Ness–UDC is in Fare Zone 1, meaning the minimum Metro fare applies for all trips. With a SmarTrip card, peak-hour trips cost $2.25 and off-peak trips cost $2.00. Trips to all downtown DC stations (Metro Center, Gallery Place, Union Station, etc.) remain at the Zone 1 minimum fare.
How do I get to Rock Creek Park from Van Ness Metro?
From the north exit, head east on Van Ness Street NW for about 0.3 miles (6 min walk) to reach the western edge of Rock Creek Park. The main trail runs along Beach Drive, which is closed to car traffic on weekends, making it ideal for cycling and running. The trail connects north into Maryland and south toward the National Zoo and downtown.
Is there parking at Van Ness–UDC Metro?
There is no WMATA parking at Van Ness–UDC. The station is in a residential neighborhood with limited metered street parking. UDC has campus parking but it requires a permit. Most riders arrive on foot, by bus, or by bike — Capital Bikeshare has docks at both exits.