This trip
Fare Structure
Metrorail uses a distance-based fare system. The further you travel, the more you pay. A weekday fare (opening – 9:30 PM) is $2.25 for the first three composite miles and $0.45 for each mile after that, up to $6.75. Late night and weekend fares are charged the same way but capped at $2.50, which a trip reaches after about three and a half miles. There is no separate rush-hour surcharge.
| Fare Category | Weekday | Late Night / Weekend | Senior/Disabled & Metro Lift |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boarding (first 3 composite miles) | $2.25 | $2.25 | $1.10 |
| Each composite mile beyond 3 | + $0.45 | + $0.45 to the cap | 50% of the fare |
| Medium trip (3–6 composite miles) | $2.25 – $3.60 | $2.25 – $2.50 | $1.10 – $1.80 |
| Long trip (6–13 composite miles) | $3.60 – $6.75 | $2.50 | $1.80 – $3.35 |
| Maximum fare (13+ composite miles) | $6.75 | $2.50 | $3.35 |
A composite mile is Metro's own unit: the average of the distance the train travels between your two stations and the straight-line distance between them. It is usually a little shorter than the route on a map, which is why a fare can come in below what the mileage suggests. Reduced fares are half the applicable fare, rounded down to the next $0.05 — so the $1.10 minimum and $3.35 maximum are simply half of $2.25 and $6.75. Late night and weekend reduced fares run $1.10 – $1.25.
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.
Fare Guides
The calculator answers "what does this trip cost". These guides answer the questions around it: what the airports cost, when the fare drops, whether a pass pays for itself, how to tap, and who rides at half price.
Fares by Line
Fare is set by distance, not by line — but the line tells you how far you are going. Each line page lists its stations in route order.
All 98 Metro Stations
Every Metrorail station, with the lines that serve it. Station pages carry live arrivals, first and last train times, and a fare calculator for that station.
Also useful: the searchable station directory, transfer stations, and operating hours and train frequency.
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.