Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority · USD · verified 2026-04-15
Washington, D.C. transit fares
MetroRail + MetroBus (core DMV network)
Published fares (snapshot)
Figures reflect operator-published tariffs - not a substitute for station validators or agency fare engines.
| Fare type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Typical short rail trip inside city core | $2.25 |
| Airport-bound rail (DCA walk-up; verify station pair) | $2.95 |
| Long cross-suburb rail | $5.00 |
SmarTrip pay-as-you-go; rail fare is distance/time based. Weekend flat fare may apply on select schedules.
Rider tips
- Metrobus $2 flat (verify pass integration).
- Peak vs off-peak rail prices differ materially.
Reference trip vs taxi
Same 5.0 mi · 15m reference used on rideshare hub pages. Transit shows a representative single-ride amount (median of tabular rows or flat fare).
- Representative transit ride
- $2.95
- Metered taxi (standard)
- $16.11
- $14.24 – $21.55 traffic band
Live calculator
Route door-to-door with OpenStreetMap - compare metered taxi and rideshare on identical GPS distance.
Route in Washington, D.C.
Transit fares stay on this page; taxi and app estimates appear after routing.
FAQ
What does a single Washington, D.C. transit ride cost?
It depends on distance or zones - consult the fare table below. Figures reference WMATA fares as of 2026-04-15.
Which agency operates this network?
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority sets fares cited here; confirm details at WMATA fares.
Do transfers cost extra?
Transfer rules vary by ticket medium (contactless versus paper). Read the operator notes linked above.
Why can Washington, D.C. taxis cost much more than transit?
Taxis charge regulated distance and time on curb-to-curb routing; transit spreads fixed infrastructure costs differently - compare both tools before deciding.