By Metro in Washington, D.C.

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By Metro

The WMATA provides bus and subway service in the District and in the Maryland and Virginia suburbs. The Metro, which opened in 1976, is one of the country's cleanest and safest subway systems. It begins operation at 5 AM on weekdays and 7 AM on weekends. The Metro closes on weekdays at midnight and weekends at 3 AM. Don't get to the station at the last minute, as trains from the ends of the lines depart before the official closing time. During the weekday peak periods (5-9:30 AM and 3-7 PM), trains come along every three to six minutes. At other times and on weekends and holidays, trains run about every 12-15 minutes.

Fares & Schedules

The Metro's base fare is $1.35; the actual price you pay depends on the time of day and the distance traveled, which means you might end up paying $3.90 if you're traveling to a distant station at rush hour. Up to two children under age five ride free when accompanied by a paying passenger.

Buy your ticket at the Farecard machines; they accept coins and crisp $1, $5, $10, or $20 bills. If the machine spits your bill back out at you, try folding and unfolding it lengthwise before asking someone for help. Some newer machines will also accept credit cards. You can buy one-day passes for $6.50 and seven-day passes for $32.50. Locals use the SmarTrip card, a plastic card that can hold any fare amount and can be used throughout the subway system. The cost of each ride is deducted as you enter the subway. Buy passes or SmarTrip cards at the Metro Center sales office.

Insert your Farecard into the turnstile to enter the platform. Make sure you hang on to the card -- you need it to exit at your destination.

Metro Information

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (202/637-7000; 202/638-3780 TTY; 202/962-1195 lost and found. www.wmata.com).