What is the best deal when using the metro? Is it better to buy 1 day pass or a fare card. We will be there for 6 days. Plan to use it to move around.

xx

airjob, do you mean, the METRO, PARIS!
You need the Europe forum.
If so , use the search function(type in Metro) and it will bring up metro postings.

I don't live in DC, but I've been planning a trip for a couple of months now, so I'm a bit ignorant, but... it all depends on how much you plan on using it. The unlimited card won't work until after rush hour (9:30). Most recommendations I've read just involve putting $20 on a card and going about it that way.

On the flip side, I hear very nice things about the bus system other than lack of maps and schedules posted. It's $11 for a week of unlimited use (you have to pay the difference on express buses) and you can always use the rideguide (http://rideguide.wmata.com) or even access it by phone to help you get around via mass transit.

bradk, I didn't know in DC it's also called the metro. Thanks for also the rest of the info.

I travel to DC very frequently and use the Metro. I just put $20 into the machine, usually it lasts me about 5-6 days.

I strongly suggest you buy the unlimited 7 day Fast Pass ($30). The Short Trip Pass ($20) has WAY too many restrictions: the biggest being not able to use it between before 9:30am or between 3-7 pm m-f!!!! Get the unlimited 7-day Fast Pass and don't worry about times or going too far on the system or having exact "exit fare" change. Order passes online here: http://www.wmata.com/riding/passes.cfm

Also remember that it's one card per person, not one card per group. So you have to decide whether you will make the 20+ trips in your 6 days to make the $30 pass worth it.

I've used the 7 day "short trip" pass and thought it a bargain. The only "restriction" is that if your trip is over a certain price ($1.70?) during peak hours, you'll have to pay the excess (eg: $0.30 if fare is $2). Our trips during peak time never were so long as to require the extra.

I prefer the unlimited passes, as I don't think twice about hopping on even for a very short (walkable) trip if the subway will save time (especially in bad weather).

We almost always get a transfer pass from the dispenser at the station we board at, as *IF* we need to catch a bus at the destination station, it only (usually) costs $0.25 (might be more now) at the destination.

You can purchase maps of the bus routes at the wmata.com website ... they were $1.50 last time I checked for MD/DC or MD/VA versions. A good way to check bus routes ... best to still go to wmata.com & get most up-to-date schedules once you know which routes you may need to use. Enjoy your trip.

To verify/repute info in my last post: getting a transfer pass when you board a Metro(rail) allows boarding bus at destination station for $0.35 ($1.65 for Express buses) with the pass.

The "Short trip" pass allows for the first $2 on trips during peak hours. Off-peak you can travel anywhere for no extra charge.

I don't find the maps anylonger at wmata.com, but I do at http://www.commuterpage.com/merch.htm

I think commuterpage charges extra for online orders, wmata does not. Also suggest the StationMasters book which is sold at wmata.com ... altho you can access the same data online at http://www.stationmasters.com to see neighborhood surrounding each station, nearby hotels, buses, etc.

for what it's worth, i think the maps are too passe, the rideguide gives you everything you need to know specifically for the route you want to take (i.e., going from point A to point B). http://rideguide.wma.com (which I've been able to use successfully on a blackberry, but not a cell phone) or by calling 202-637-7000.

I agree about using rideguide.wmata.com, bradk, it's great! But I do find times when it doesn't seem to find my starting point, etc., and I like having materials at hand that I don't need a pc to access. I'm always collecting maps, schedules, etc., and can quickly refer to them w/out being online, but know that I'll need to verify afterwards.