Washington DC Transportation

Washington DC is often cited as having some of the nation’s worst traffic and congestion. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) operates the city’s rapid transit system, Metrorail (most often referred to as simply “the Metro”), as well as Metrobus.

Metro: Most popular tourist attractions are near the many metro stops. Metro fares depend on the distance traveled. Fares range from $1.35 to $3.90 during morning and evening rush hour and after 2 AM, and from $1.35 to $2.35 at all other times.

Bus: Bus fares are $1.25 (exact change only) for regular routes, and $3 for express routes. Transfers between buses are free; transfers from the metro to the bus take 90¢ cents off your bus fare. One-day passes are available for $3 on buses and $6.50 on the metro.

Taxi: Taxis don’t have fare meters. They are a pretty decent value with most cross-town fares ranging $5.00 to 12.50. (Surcharges start during peak hours and for each additional passenger.)