Public Transportation in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. is a challenging city to drive in. Narrow one-way streets, hideously expensive and scarce parking, and some of the worst commuter traffic in the country make ditching the car when visiting the U.S. capital your best option. Fortunately, it's very easy to get around Washington, D.C. without a car using only public transportation. Here are some mass transit options for the business or vacation traveler to "The District."

MARC and Amtrak: Getting to D.C.

MARC, the Maryland Area Regional Commuter train service, runs Monday through Friday, from Martinsburg, West Virginia; Frederick, Maryland; and Baltimore, Maryland. All trains end at Union Station in downtown Washington, D.C. MARC fare ranges from $5 to $15 depending on your station of origin. These trains are often crowded during rush hour and poorly climate controlled. Wear layers as you may be frozen in summer or overheated in winter. Amtrak is also an option for weekend travelers, especially along the Northeast Corridor. Amtrak trains terminate at Union Station as well. From there, it's easy to connect to the Washington,D.C. Metro.

D.C. Metrorail System

The Washington, D.C. Metrorail, or Metro, is a clean, fast subway system open seven days a week. Five color-coded lines cover the bulk of the District. There is parking available at 42 stations, which is free on weekends and federal holidays. On weekdays, parking must be paid for with a SmarTrip card except at a few select stations. Fares range from $1.35 off peak minimum to $ 4.50 rush hour maximum. The Washington, D.C. Metro operates from 5 AM to midnight weekdays. It opens at 7 AM on weekends and closes at 3 AM Friday and Saturday nights.

The most commonly used Washington Metro stations are clean, well kept and feel safe and secure even at 2 AM. Security guards are often around. In more remote areas of D.C. they may be poorly kept and grungy. Many stations have extremely long skinny escalators, scary for those prone to vertigo. Elevators are occasionally not operational.

When riding the Metro, bring minimal luggage and carry it in your lap to keep the seats around you clear. Food and drink are prohibited on all D.C. Metro trains. Flashing lights provide an alert at Metro stations that a train is about to arrive, and a chime sounds before the doors close. Keep your SmarTrip card or farecard handy as it is scanned by the gate both at the beginning and end of the trip.

D.C. Metrobus System

The Washington, D. C. Metrobus is a comprehensive network of bus routes covering the entire District. It is useful for those areas where there are no nearby D. C. Metro stations. Fares are $1.35 cash for regular bus routes, and $3.10 for express buses. Buses run on a limited schedule which varies considerably from route to route. The WMATA website offers a trip planner, available online and for mobile phones, which can help to determine the optimum route by time of day, using bus only, rail only, or both. If paying cash for a trip, bring exact change as no change is returned by drivers.

SmarTrip Farecards

SmarTrip cards can be purchased from vending machines in Washington Metrorail stations or online. They cost $30 for a basic card, with $25 of preloaded fare value on the card. Commemorative cards are available but more expensive. SmarTrip cards can be used on the D.C. Metro or on Washington, D.C. buses. These cards allow free transfers from bus to bus within 3 hour period, and a fare discount of $0.50 when transferring from rail to bus or vice versa. They are also the only acceptable tender at the majority of Metro parking lots.

Metrorail Passes and Farecards

If you don't wish to purchase a SmarTrip card, there are other options. For D.C. Metro riders, there are 7-day Rail Fast Passes allowing unlimited travel. The 7-Day Short Trip Pass is less expensive for those who are travelling only during rush hour and staying close to downtown. An unlimited One Day Pass allows unlimited D.C. Metro travel after 9:30 weekdays or all day on weekends. For Washington Metrobus riders, a weekly pass, valid Sunday-Saturday, allows unlimited bus trips. A Metrorail Farecard, available at all Metro stations, is free and can be loaded with up to $45.

MARC, MTA Maryland.com

Metrorail, Washington Area Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Metrobus, Washington Area Metropolitan Transportation Authority