About Wheaton Station
Wheaton station opened on September 22, 1990, as part of the Red Line's northeastern extension through Montgomery County, Maryland. It serves the diverse and lively Wheaton neighborhood of Montgomery County, one of the most densely populated and culturally varied communities in the DC suburbs. The station sits beneath Reedie Drive and Georgia Avenue, with the Westfield Wheaton mall and a bustling commercial corridor above.
What makes Wheaton notable is its escalator. The main escalator bank descending from street level to the mezzanine and platform is approximately 230 feet (70 meters) long — the longest set of single-span escalators in the Western Hemisphere. The station lies about 145 feet (44 meters) below the surface, and the ride takes long enough to be a minor tourist attraction in its own right.
Above ground, Wheaton is a thriving hub. Georgia Avenue and University Boulevard host an eclectic mix of restaurants, markets, and businesses reflecting the neighborhood's large Central American, Korean, and West African communities. The Westfield Wheaton mall is within easy walking distance, and Wheaton Regional Park — one of Montgomery County's largest — is reachable by bus or a short ride-share from the station.
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 shortly before midnight on weekdays, ~2am Fri–Sat.
Nearby Destinations
Station Exits
Rider Tips
- The main escalator is roughly 230 feet long — the longest single-span escalator bank in the Western Hemisphere. The ride to street level takes a couple of minutes. If you are in a hurry, walking up the escalator is allowed and the left side is typically kept clear for those who prefer to walk. Budget extra time compared to shallower stations.
- Wheaton's parking lot is large but fills on weekday mornings. The target arrival time for a guaranteed space is 7:30 AM or earlier. Monthly SmarTrip permits are available for regular commuters and are often cheaper than daily rates over a full work month. Check WMATA's permit availability at wmata.com.
- Wheaton is a major hub for Montgomery County Ride On buses. Several routes depart from the Georgia Avenue bus loop directly above the station, connecting Wheaton to Glenmont, Rockville, Aspen Hill, Olney, and White Oak. Check Ride On's schedule app for connections — some routes only run during peak hours.
- Wheaton has one of the best and most diverse food scenes in the DC suburbs. Georgia Avenue and University Boulevard host a dense concentration of authentic Salvadoran, Korean, Ethiopian, Vietnamese, and West African restaurants within a 5-minute walk of the station. If you are heading here specifically to eat, Thursday through Sunday evenings have the most full-service options.
Adjacent Stations on the Red Line
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Wheaton Metro have the longest escalator in the world?
Wheaton has the longest set of single-span escalators in the Western Hemisphere, measuring approximately 230 feet (70 meters) in length. It is not the longest in the world, but it is long enough to be a minor attraction in its own right: the station sits about 145 feet (44 meters) below the surface, so the ride between platform and street level takes a couple of minutes.
How is Wheaton different from the Forest Glen station nearby?
Both Wheaton and Forest Glen (one stop south) are unusually deep stations on the same Red Line segment, opened the same day in September 1990, but they handle their depth differently. Forest Glen goes deeper (196 ft) and is the deepest station in the system — it uses only high-speed elevators, with no escalators to the surface at all. Wheaton is shallower (about 145 ft) and uses a record-length escalator bank as its primary access. Both stations are engineering landmarks in their own right.
Is there parking at Wheaton Metro?
Yes — Wheaton has a large WMATA surface parking lot accessible from Reedie Drive. Daily parking costs $4.45 with a registered SmarTrip card. The lot fills on weekday mornings; arriving before 7:30 AM is recommended for guaranteed availability. Monthly permits are also available for regular commuters. On weekends, parking is typically available throughout the day.
How much does it cost to ride from Wheaton Metro?
Metrorail fares depend on the distance travelled — there are no fare zones. Monday to Friday from 5:00 am to 9:30 pm fares run from $2.25 to $6.75 depending on your destination. After 9:30 pm and all weekend a reduced flat fare of $2.25–$2.50 applies. A SmarTrip card is needed to pay the standard rate, and weekly or monthly passes can lower the per-trip cost for daily commuters.