Everything You Need to Know about the DC Metro Map

Having a copy of the DC Metro Map makes navigating your trip from DC so much easier. When I first came to DC I was surprised at how clean and beautiful the DC Metro is. I was so focused on taking photos that I got lost. Luckily I found my way, but I don’t want anyone to be stressed during their trip to DC, so I wrote a guide on everything you need to know about the DC Metro.

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WMATA: The DC Metro System

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) operates the Metro, a reliable way to get around the D.C. area, including parts of Maryland and Virginia. The system has six lines, each identified by a different color: Red, Orange, Blue, Yellow, Green, and Silver.

DC Metro Map 2024

Here’s a handy map to help you navigate the system. Screenshot it to save to your phone in case you lose service. DC Metro goes into Washington DC and some suburbs in Maryland and Northern Virginia. It’s also useful for seeing stations and lines located near the monuments.

DC Metro Map PDF

To download a high quality DC Metro Map PDF, check out this link. The resolution is much better than the image above and its easier to read. You can also add it to whatever app you use to organize your trips.

DC Metro Map with Streets

Thia DC Metro map with streets provides a detailed layout of the Metro system, with major streets and landmarks. As someone who always gets lost, this can be very helpful. This map makes planning much easier.

What are the WMATA Metro Rules?

Food and drink are not allowed on Metro trains or stations. You can be fined.
Some seats are meant for elderly passengers and those with disabilities. They will be marked as “priority seating”.
Bikes and electric bikes are allowed. Use the gates to enter and bike racks inside the train.
Stand behind the yellow line on the platform.

Metro Lines and Things To Do Near Them

Black woman with large fro and long black dress staring at the walls of the Library of Congress

The busiest stops in the Metro system are Union Station and Metro Center. It’s a major transfer point between the Red, Orange, Silver, and Blue Lines. Be prepared for crowds, especially during rush hour. During the late evening, there aren’t as many crowds unless there’s a major event.

Red Line

This line runs from Shady Grove in Maryland to Glenmont. It passes through key areas like Bethesda, Dupont Circle, Union Station, and downtown D.C. A popular attraction near the Red Line is the Library of Congress.

Blue Line

Running from Franconia-Springfield in Virginia to Largo Town Center in Maryland, the Blue Line intersects with downtown D.C’s Orange and Silver Lines. It’s one of the most popular trains for visiting the National Mall, Capitol Hill, and Smithsonian Museums. A popular attraction off of the Orange Line is the Udvar Smithsonian Museum.

Orange Line

The Orange Line goes from Vienna, Virginia to New Carrollton, Maryland. The Orange Line services areas like Rosslyn, downtown D.C., and other Virginia suburbs. A popular attraction off the Orange Line is Eastern Market, a place foodies will love!

Yellow Line

This line connects Huntington in Virginia to Greenbelt in Maryland. It passes through Alexandria, the Pentagon, and downtown D.C., offering easy access to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

Green Line

Running from Branch Avenue in Maryland to Greenbelt, the Green Line services neighborhoods like Anacostia, Navy Yard (near Nationals Park), and U Street (popular for nightlife). Popular attractions near the Green Line are Smithsonian Museums and Monuments.

Silver Line

The Silver Line is relatively new and extends from Virginia to Largo Town Center in Maryland. It passes through Tysons Corner, downtown D.C., and connects to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). A popular attraction off the Silver Line is Smithsonian Air and Space’s Udvar-Hazy Center.

How to Buy a Card

How to Use the DC Metro Map and SmartTrip Card

To ride the Metro, you’ll need a SmarTrip card. You can purchase a SmarTrip card at any Metro station from the vending machines, which accept cash and credit/debit cards. You can also buy and reload a card online or through the SmarTrip app. Unlike New York City’s subway system, when using the metro, you are charged based on your starting and ending location.

Buy a SmartTrip Card. They are available at metro machines and can be purchased with a card or cash.
Add enough money to your SmartTrip card to cover your predicted travel costs. If you plan on using the metro for a weekend, I recommend adding at least 15 dollars. SmartTrip cards come with $10 when you buy them.
Tap your SmarTrip card on the at the turnstile to enter. The screen will show your card balance.
Follow the signs to your desired line and direction. Electronic boards display the arrival times and destinations of the next trains.
Exiting the System: Tap your card again at the exit turnstile. The fare is automatically deducted based on the distance traveled.

Using the Metro from Airports and Amtrak

The metro is accessible to both DC airports, and depending on where you’re staying, it may save you a lot of money.

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

The Yellow Line serves DCA directly. You can catch a Yellow Line train from the airport to downtown D.C. or transfer to other lines.

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

The Silver Line is accessible at IAD, and you can transfer to other lines if needed. DC has terrible traffic during rush hour, so the metro is a great alternative to Uber because it may be quicker and definitely cheaper.

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

DC”s Metrorail does not go directly to BWI. To get from BWI to DC you can take Baltimore’s MARC train to Union Station and then transfer to whichever line you need. MARC and WMATA are two separate train lines, so you’ll need two different cards. WMATA SmartTrip cards will not work on MARC trains.

Using the Metro at the DC’s Amtrak Station

I love train travel! Although Amtrak prices should be affordable like they are in Europe, I love the low stress and scenery of train rides in the USA. DC’s only Amtrak stop is at Union Station, which offers a waiting area with Wi-Fi, parking facilities, accessible platforms, and a lactation room. Both the Red and Green lines stop at Union Station.

DC Metro Tips for First-Time Users

One of the most important things to know in DC is that we have important escalator etiquette. If you are standing, stay to the right, and if you prefer to walk up the escalator, use the left lane. If you have a suitcase and you’re standing on the escalator, keep your luggage on your side, either in front of you or behind. Not following this escalator etiquette may cause some bad looks from your fellow Metrorail riders. Here’s a few more tips:

Download the WMATA app to check train times and closures.
There’s no eating on the train.
You must use your SmartTrip card to enter and exit. If you lose your card during your trip, you may have to pay extra. If you have any issues, talk to staff at the exit.
The Metro gets very busy during rush hour. Peak Hours during the weekday are 7 am -9:30 am, and around 3-6 pm during the evenings. Fares are also higher during these times.
The metro can become very crowded during major events like sporting events, concerts, or holidays.

Is the DC Metro Safe at Night

The DC Metro is usually safe at night. As a solo woman, I try to limit walking alone at night. If you’re leaving train stations that are dark and secluded such as West Hyattsville, I would not walk alone. Instead, I would take an Uber directly from the train station.

Enjoy your time in D.C., and safe travels on the Metro! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Check out my other blog posts on visiting Washington, DC.