About Archives–Navy Memorial–Penn Quarter Station
Archives–Navy Memorial–Penn Quarter station opened on December 15, 1983, on the Yellow and Green lines in the heart of downtown Washington, DC. The station sits beneath Pennsylvania Avenue NW — one of the city's most historic corridors — at the intersection of government, culture, and dining.
The station's long official name reflects three distinct landmarks it serves: the National Archives (with direct plaza-level access), the Navy Memorial (visible at street level), and the Penn Quarter neighborhood — DC's liveliest restaurant and arts district. The station is entirely within Zone 1, making it an economical and central stopping point for visitors and commuters alike.
Penn Quarter has evolved into one of DC's most dynamic urban neighborhoods, with award-winning restaurants, the Shakespeare Theatre Company, and the Newseum site all within a few blocks. For transfers, Gallery Place–Chinatown (Red Line) is one stop north, and L'Enfant Plaza (Blue, Orange, Silver) is one stop south.
Lines & Schedule
From Archives to downtown Metro Center: ~4 min via Yellow or Green Line. Transfer to Red Line at Gallery Place–Chinatown (1 stop north). Transfer to Blue, Orange, Silver at L'Enfant Plaza (1 stop south).
Nearby Attractions
Station Exits
Rider Tips
- The National Archives holds the original Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and Bill of Rights. Admission is free but timed-entry passes are strongly recommended in summer and peak tourist seasons — book online at archives.gov before your visit to avoid long queues at the door.
- The Navy Memorial outdoor plaza is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The nearby Naval Heritage Center museum is also free and a worthwhile stop before or after visiting the Archives.
- Penn Quarter is widely considered DC's best restaurant district. José Andrés's flagship restaurants and many other acclaimed dining spots are within a two-block walk of the 7th St exit — perfect for lunch or dinner around a cultural visit.
- For transfers: head one stop north to Gallery Place–Chinatown for the Red Line, or one stop south to L'Enfant Plaza for Blue, Orange, and Silver Line connections. This station does not serve those lines directly.
- While there is no WMATA parking lot at Archives station, numerous Metrobus routes serve Pennsylvania Ave NW and 7th St NW. The station is also a short walk from several Capital Bikeshare docking stations.
Adjacent Stations
Frequently Asked Questions
What's near Archives Metro station?
Archives–Navy Memorial–Penn Quarter station is surrounded by some of DC's most visited destinations. The National Archives (housing the original Constitution and Declaration of Independence) is directly connected at plaza level. The Navy Memorial is also at plaza level. Nearby attractions include the National Portrait Gallery (0.3 mi), the Shakespeare Theatre (0.1 mi), the International Spy Museum (0.4 mi), and Penn Quarter's acclaimed restaurant row.
How do I get to the National Archives by Metro?
Take the Yellow or Green Line to Archives–Navy Memorial–Penn Quarter station. The National Archives entrance is directly accessible from the station's Pennsylvania Ave NW exit — a covered plaza connection. No outdoor walking required. Timed entry is recommended, especially in summer; tickets are free but advance reservations save time.
Does Archives station have parking?
No. Archives–Navy Memorial–Penn Quarter station does not have a WMATA parking lot. The station is in the heart of downtown DC and is best reached by Metro, Metrobus, or rideshare. Many paid commercial garages are available within a few blocks in the Penn Quarter neighborhood.
What lines serve Archives station?
Archives–Navy Memorial–Penn Quarter is served by the Yellow Line (Huntington to Greenbelt) and the Green Line (Branch Ave to Greenbelt). Transfer to the Red Line is available one stop north at Gallery Place–Chinatown. Transfer to Blue, Orange, and Silver lines is available one stop south at L'Enfant Plaza.