Fare Structure
Metrorail uses a distance-based fare system. The further you travel, the more you pay. Weekday fares (opening – 9:30 PM) are distance-based, while late night and weekend fares use a reduced flat rate. There is no separate rush-hour surcharge.
| Fare Category | Weekday | Late Night / Weekend | Senior/Disabled & Metro Lift |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boarding (minimum fare) | $2.25 | $2.25 | $1.10 |
| Short trip (1–3 miles) | $2.25 – $3.00 | $2.25 | $1.10 – $1.50 |
| Medium trip (3–6 miles) | $3.00 – $4.50 | $2.25 – $2.50 | $1.50 – $2.25 |
| Long trip (6+ miles) | $4.50 – $6.75 | $2.50 | $2.25 – $3.35 |
| Maximum fare | $6.75 | $2.50 | $3.35 |
Fare Hours
Weekday fares are distance-based. Late night (after 9:30 PM) and weekend fares use a reduced flat rate. Federal holidays use weekend fare rates.
For full operating hours, train frequency, and holiday schedules, see Metro hours & schedule.
Passes
Metro offers several pass options for frequent riders. Passes cover unlimited Metrorail and Metrobus rides for the duration of the pass.
| Pass | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Day Unlimited | $13.50 | Unlimited rail & bus; expires end of operating day |
| 3-Day Unlimited | $33.75 | Unlimited rail & bus; 3 consecutive operating days |
| 7-Day Unlimited | $60.75 | Unlimited rail & bus; 7 consecutive operating days |
| 7-Day Short-Trip | $40.50 | Rail trips up to $4.50; excess deducted from stored value |
| 7-Day Regional Bus | $13.50 | Metrobus & regional partners; $6.75 reduced fare |
| Monthly Unlimited | $72 – $216 | Priced at 32× your fare level; includes unlimited bus |
Passes require a SmarTrip® card — they cannot be used with contactless tap-to-pay. For full pass details, see WMATA pass options.
Transfers & SmarTrip
Transfer Rules
- Rail-to-rail transfers are included in your fare during a continuous trip
- Rail-to-bus and bus-to-rail transfers are free ($2.25 discount) within 2 hours with SmarTrip
- Bus-to-bus transfers are free with unlimited transfers within 2 hours
- Transfers are valid for up to 2 hours from the start of your trip
SmarTrip & How to Pay
A SmarTrip card or contactless payment is required to ride Metrorail. Cards cost $2.00 and are available at fare machines in every station.
You can also tap a contactless credit/debit card or mobile wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay) at fare gates.
WMATA Transit information provided on this site is subject to change without notice. Fares shown are sourced from the WMATA API and may not reflect temporary promotions or fare changes. For the most current fare information, visit wmata.com/fares. NextMetro is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to WMATA.