In 2020, Washington DC ranked 4th in the list of the best U.S. city for public transport. The Washington Metro (or simply Metro), formally the Metrorail, is a rapid transit system serving the Washington metropolitan area of the United States.
Many Metro stations were designed by Chicago architect Harry Weese, and are examples of late-20th century modern architecture.
Since opening in 1976, the Metro network has grown to include six lines, 91 stations, and 118 miles (190 km) of route.
Washington DC #4 best U.S. city for public transport
– Walkscore.com, 2020
- It is “Metro” not “Subway”
- Don’t be an escalefter: Walk on the left, stand on the right side of the escalators
- Let riders off the train before entering
- If the bell chimes, don’t try to board; the doors close firmly and can separate you from your party
- Metro hours: Mon. – Thurs. 5 am – 11:30 pm, Fri. 5 am – 1 am, Sat. 7 am – 1 am, Sun.
- To travel on Metro, you will need a SmarTrip card, which can be purchased online at wmata.com ahead of your trip. Metrorail One Day Passes are also available.
- Use your SmarTrip card to enter / exit
- Metro fares are calculated by how many stops you travel and vary during peak and off-peak hours. During peak hours, most fares range from $2.25 to $6 per trip. During off-peak hours, fares typically range from $1.85 to $3.85. Metro riders must pay via SmarTrip card.
- You can use a 1-Day Unlimited Pass for $13.00. The 1-Day Unlimited Pass gives you Metrorail and Metrobus travel with no time restrictions.
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