How to use the Metro in Washington, D.C.

Getting to downtown Washington, D.C. from Reagan National Airport or Union Station is easy if you use the Metro. Our resident D.C. expert guides you step by step between two train stations and offers tips, from the flashing floor lights to the quirky rule of escalator etiquette here. For tourists visiting, here’s how to swipe in and start riding the city’s Metrorail system. Read more: wapo.st/2CxFjFl. Subscribe to The Washington Post on KZbin: wapo.st/2QOdcqK
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[@JakeRoot]

The blinking lights on the floor is one of my favorite things about the Metro. Brilliant idea.

[@blue9multimediagroup]

Same. That and the old school door chimes on the trains.

[@taylor_h796]

Didn't those lights used to blink the same colour of the line that the train runs through?

[@michelehynes2614]

I like that jake. thanks. which serries of train do u like better the 7,000 or the 6,000 I pefer the 7,000 serries.

[@LuisCastro-np2eb]

Lol “don’t talk in your cellphone, it’s rude “ proceeded to make a whole blog in the train 🤣🤣 but awesome tips thank you! 🙏

[@modalmixture]

The MOST important protip: when you get off the train at your destination, check the station map to see which end of the station is closest to your destination. Metro stations are long, and if you exit the wrong side, you could be quite far from where you want to go. Also some stations don’t have an elevator at every entrance.

[@memememe9403]

And some elevators are broken like yesterday

[@bhyydy6353]

If you find out you are at the wrong exit, you can enter the station again and exit from the other end. If you go in and out in under 15 mins, you won't be charged.

[@Shiny101]

Also scammers leave a card on top of the machine and then when you load money onto the card they can get that money off of it because they're the ones who registered it...

[@Valentin-oc5nh]

@@Shiny101really? didn’t seem like the cards where in anyones name

[@LordPotato690]

I just love the smell in the metro

[@victort.4798]

It has a particular smell, but it's not a bad one. The NYC subway smells awful

[@BryBoskie]

The escalator rule is the most important rule

[@rockvilleraven]

Unwritten rule of Metro. That is if the escalators work.

[@thebootielover]

IN aTLANTA TOO. MARTA.

[@thebootielover]

wELL, Starting September weekends will be a flat 2 fee. I'm really looking forward to that. No needed to use my Senior reduced fare card anymore.

[@hassanalihusseini1717]

If everybody stood on the escalators it could be more efficient. I think it was shown in a study about the underground in London.

[@tomygun196]

Japan does this all the time except it’s stand on the left to allow people pass on the right side

[@jamesbooker9411]

This is extremely helpful. I'm from the-middle-of-nowhere, South Carolina and was visiting my sister who is a lawyer in DC. Was short on time, and was afraid I was going to miss my flight. Didn't have enough time to figure out how to get my card and which lines to take, so I just exited the station and took a taxi back to the hotel. Thanks so much for this video. Feel like I could confidently jump on and off with no problem now.

[@sebastianjoseph2828]

Next time, don't be afraid to ask a local! Often times folks will be busy getting to their train but we understand we get a lot of visitors in DC and it's nice to help out. I've often overheard a tourist asking about buying a card or which stop is near X and chimed in.

[@Mars-ev7qg]

It's so nice to see the DC silver line airport extension finally open. There were so many delays, cost overruns, and even a little outright corruption with that project I wasn't sure if it would ever open. But finally it's possible to take a train to Dulles airport and five other brand new stations in Northern Virginia. The Washington metro is now a world class system by any reasonable standard. Delhi India connected its main airport to its metro line many years ago. As for DC well I guess it's better late and a few billion over budget than never.

[@Jdhdisiosomf]

Lol I live in DC. Honestly I hate people that disobey the escalator rule.

[@zaybx3485]

People do it here in nyc too son 🤦🏽

[@cbjcrewfan8425]

I am waiting for Darwinism to catch up to those people!

[@fuckheinschitt239]

Punch them on the face

[@neubro1448]

Now standing on one side and pass on the other is becoming discouraged in big cities as it slows down foot traffic, uneven weight wears down the mechanism, and cause injuries.

[@sitdowndogbreath]

@@neubro1448 yawnnnnn

[@czechistan_zindabad]

As a person who just moved from San Francisco to DC, thank you for this video, honestly. I like how you very simply explained the card process because I had a hard time with that! Thank you a lot!

[@himbourbanist]

the DC metro is such a great system, I just love the way the trains look. Most beautiful stations in the country too

[@youbetcha6880]

One of the things that threw me off about DC's subway is that once you get to the suburbs, especially on the weekend, the trains can run about every 15 to 20 minutes.

[@bloodaxe5028]

Low density = no profit . That is why delhi is constructing light rail in it's low density areas which will end at metro stations at the far ends

[@njv1234]

They run every 20-30-45 minutes on the weekends in downtown Miami, and it’s one route

[@youbetcha6880]

@@njv1234 I can't speak of Miami's system , but comparing DC's to Toronto's , where I'm from, I would say that the trade off for expanding to a wider part of the conmunity is less service between trains.

[@devontemccoy7721]

Don’t call it a subway, we’re not New York and it’s not a restaurant. It’s called the metro for a reason

[@blue9multimediagroup]

@@devontemccoy7721Metro is a subway

[@Cat-zp3hk]

L'Enfant Plaza and Metro Center are one of the biggest and busiest then Chinatown-galley place. Also fun fact we have the longest ecalators on this side of the world located in Wheaton station

[@victort.4798]

I live in DC, know every curve in the metro map by heart, and can tell you the names and lines of every station... why am I watching this?? xD But this is a very good guide, thank you for making this. I'm sure many people will find it helpful.

[@rolosky2851]

Same.

[@SandBoxJohn]

Gallery Place-Chinatown may be one of the busiest stations the in the Metro System, however it is not the largest of the downtown transfer station. L'Enfant Plaza and Metro Canter are larger with wider platforms and more escalators, stairs between platform levels and surface entrances. Gallery Place-Chinatown, both upper and lower levels, have platforms that are typical in width most of the non transfer stations. The platforms alone in Metro Center cover an area of around 33,600 square feet, Gallery Place-Chinatown is around 27,600 square feet. L'Enfant Plaza is larger then Metro Center.

[@victort.4798]

You're 100% right, although I will say that while they were doing the construction at L'Enfant (not sure if it's still going on) that it felt much more cramped and dark than Metro Center

[@SandBoxJohn]

@@victort.4798 That is because the lower level platform of L'Enfant Plaza is narrower at 36' 10" wide then Metro Center at 38' 1/2" wide. A typical platform in an island platform station range between 26' and 32',

[@martin7375]

@@SandBoxJohn you sound like you built that hoe

[@ShottaKenya]

DMV resident here, moved from Takoma Park to Silver Spring in 2000. I used to run (yes run) up the Wheaton escalators jumping two steps at a time everyday when I was in high school. Can’t do that any more though 😞 I didn’t know it then, but apparently they’re among the longest escalators in the world

[@lucyec1797]

HOW did you do that?! I did that once and I wouldn’t again

[@TheBearGrappler]

Hong Kong has the longest at 800m (two laps around a track)

[@ShottaKenya]

@@TheBearGrappler yeah, I think Wheaton station holds the record for the Western Hemisphere

[@ShottaKenya]

@@lucyec1797 I was a teenager back then so it was easy, I’m 32 now and working out harder than ever and still can’t get rid of this gut

[@blue9multimediagroup]

Western hemisphere, not the world

[@fawfulfan]

Ridden many metro systems, DC is my favorite.

[@katepustay304]

I had to ride the Metro from Shady Grove to Union Station when there was a snafu on the MARC which is what I usually took to catch my amtrak to NYC, luckily a nice person helped me figure out what to do

[@hassanalihusseini1717]

Nice to watch a video about the underground in Washington. I have visited Washington twice, and traveling both times from New York City I was surprised how clean it was. The New York underground was often really dirty. I hope next time I can visit the USA I again can enjoy Washington's underground again!

[@miked31784]

I really enjoy using the metro. The last two times I visited, I brought my mobility scooter and it was very accommodating for it. I also like the metro because I could park my car at my Airbnb and go to the closest metro stop and go anywhere throughout the city with no problems.

[@Orangino4u]

Thx for uploading this video. I was in Washington DC two weeks ago and buying a metrocard had no more secrets for me. All went smooth and fine with your usefull tips and tricks :-)

[@cometome8194]

Thank you for sharing great tips which are really wonderful tips. As a traveller I could get a lot from this video. Thanks:)

[@robertozaldivar4458]

This subway it’s so good! You’re the best! Very useful this video!

[@UKTechPro]

I basically grew up on these, but haven’t been back in like 5 years- going back soon. This is so nostalgic

[@fishingpinky3165]

Thank you so much in DC right now and spent big bucks on 3 Ubers today won't do that again. You really helped me understand

[@nurse55]

That was a very informative video. Thank you.

[@HamiltonMechanical]

I rode for the first time monday! It was awesome!!!

[@tusoboothe6107]

This is super helpful. Thank you

[@purpleday4379]

Nice video, thanks for uploading it!

[@pinastojumerika4759]

thanks for the info about metro in DC one of my bucket list yay

[@alainouellet7794]

beautiful trains and beautiful stations

[@SFKelvin]

Bechtel built BART in San Francisco and learned from all their mistakes in building the DC Metro - the system is very similar.

[@AlexandreJC1509]

Vídeo muito bom e bem explicativo na primeira vez que andei de metrô em D.C. isso me ajudou muito.

[@chengyoujiang6076]

I'm gonna visit Washington DC this Christmas holiday and I just saw this video !!! Thank you very much

[@johnthorton1709]

From?

[@chengyoujiang6076]

@@johnthorton1709 NYC, just a 5-day trip

[@sayloltothetroll6806]

@@chengyoujiang6076 Check out the National Cathedral! I've been told it's amazing this time of year!

[@chengyoujiang6076]

@@sayloltothetroll6806 Thank you my friend

[@benjaminchapman23]

Hope u had fun from the future

[@JustMe-to8te]

I'm excited about my upcoming trip to Dulles. I'll take the Metro.

[@Shiny101]

DONT take a smartrip card if you find one on the machine like the guy said. Scammers will leave the card, wait til you put money on it, and then get that money off of it.

[@terrigarringer]

Great video thank you

[@DrummerGrrrl]

I miss the D.C. area sometimes...not often but, yeah, I DO miss Metro.

[@thescout4313]

Thanks for the tips

[@MaJeLoOficial]

Good video! Thank you for the info!

[@stewdogg42]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@meganchristina8197]

This was helpful.

[@petermorhead4160]

I lived in Northern Va 50 years ago. They called it the 'Metro' even then, when it was just a twinkle in someone's eye.

[@marymoody8727]

Thank you - very helpful video

[@SirBrentsworth]

Super helpful video!

[@mateigarland]

I always get on the metro at the Franconia-Springfield station then get off at Gallery Pl in Chinatown.

[@denayansaneh3523]

Tysm. Good job!!

[@tube396]

Very informative video.

[@vladimirleonov9852]

5:49 "one of the most busiest stations in the country? it one of the only stations in the country.

[@sayloltothetroll6806]

LOOOOL!!!

[@mrworldextrawide2815]

Really cant tell if this is a joke

[@vladimirleonov9852]

Andrew Sheffield yes it is

[@joshuamontanez3851]

Chicago has a few union stations and it’s the center of most Amtrak routes in America. I wonder how DC is the busiest

[@dsti-xi7dl]

@@joshuamontanez3851 because DC has one huge train station the is the second largest and busiest in the country. We have the only high speed rail in the country, and it will soon be replaced by a newer version with speeds up to 165 to 180. Metro carries more people than the El. And rail carries far more than Chicago. The Northeast Corridor is really the only area where rail makes sense. Between DC and Boston there are 55 million people. That a distance of only 440 miles. The DC-Baltimore are is getting close to 10 million alone, and will overtake Chicago. And no ... really, you don’t have more Amtrak routes. I’ve been on the rickety EL and once saw a man mugged. Didn’t take it again.

[@mattnewspace]

Dc has the 🧼est 🚇 I have ever seen

[@pussybaka5872]

🧼🚇 lol are these new emoji never saw them

[@kevinohalloran203]

Brilliant!

[@joshymoe6827]

I think the escalator rule is not limited to the metro. I think it's an unspoken rule everywhere. I live in Boston and we do the same. It's especially important in airports, I think they have signs there

[@Maoilios12]

It *should be an unspoken rule everywhere. In Seattle, lots of people haven't caught on yet.

[@qwertymehta8342]

Same in London lol. I think it’s a worldwide unspoken rule

[@joshymoe6827]

@@qwertymehta8342 Especially with those massive escalators in tube stations lol

[@RichGoesPlaces]

Yes I'm from Boston too and you are right! It applies here too

[@HenggaoCai]

This was my daily commute before the pandemic. I used to take this exact route everyday.

[@johnvargo7338]

I miss it!

[@juancamilomurillo7676]

I travel to DC for four days. I what to know what is the recomendation to buy tickets for the metro during my visit to visit DC.

[@rajae8174]

What an idea

[@Ken2234]

You’re awesome

[@ShosinMelotic]

We need this, but for every city

[@brianna_lynch]

The escalator rule also applies to New York City, Chicago and San Francisco. It might also apply to Seattle and Boston but I might be wrong.

[@robertmick4431]

DO YOU NEED AN HACKER NOTE: Not For Free He Provide: * WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Email hacking * Online games hacking * Website hacking * Android hacking ( unnoticeable) * Location tracing (unnoticeable) * Pubg hacking * Carding * Credit cards top up And many MORE services..... : NOT FOR FREE Have been duped many times for many years but I didn't relent, I keep searching for the best hacker and now I got one, since when I get in touch with this ethic and legit hacker my life really changed alot. He's fast and 100% reliable hacker. He do clean jobs; Contact at ([e-mail]) 100% assurance and thank me later....

[@BoiledBagels]

I can't speak for the West Coast, but I've always thought this was an unspoken rule all over the US at least regarding escalators in subway stations and airports😅I can add Atlanta (metro/airport) and airports in Texas, Charlotte, Jersey, Philly to the list!

[@brianna_lynch]

@@BoiledBagels I never even heard of the escalator rule until I visited New York City and got yelled at.

[@BoiledBagels]

@@brianna_lynch Dang, sorry about that. Figures that would happen in NYC of all places!

[@brianna_lynch]

@@BoiledBagels no I wasn’t mad, I should’ve done research before going to NYC

[@michelehynes2614]

awsome. which way do you think is faster from veanna to union stn? orange line to metro ctr transfer to the red line OR orange line to l'efant transfer to the green & yellow and transfer at gallery Pl for the red line. I would go #1.

[@kasseemsmith9175]

One correction though, SmarTrip Cards can’t become demagnetized because there is no magnet in the card.

[@blue9multimediagroup]

The RFID chip in the card can be magnetized. No card has magnets in it. They're referring to either the internal chip or the swipe strip encoded information being wiped clean by an external magnet.

[@kasseemsmith9175]

@@blue9multimediagroup there is no chip in the card, I work for WMATA that’s how I know this to be the case. There is a thin wire that runs along the broader that’s why you shouldn’t bed the cards as it the wire is broke the card will not work any longer. But I assure you it cannot become demagnetized. Also SmarTrip cards don’t have have a swipe strip like NYC cards.

[@blue9multimediagroup]

@@kasseemsmith9175 somebody lied to you. There certainly is a chip embedded within the plastic. That's why they say not to bend it because it can break the components. All RFID cards have a chip embedded either at the bottom as used in ATMs, or within the card itself as used for contactless use.

[@blue9multimediagroup]

Take a sideways look at a SmarTrip card next time and notice that it is 2 pieces sandwiched together. Your chip, transponder and receiver are all within the middle section and are paper thin.

[@kasseemsmith9175]

@@blue9multimediagroup I know how it works and I know it can’t become demagnetized. I also know that Metro says not to bend because you with break the wire that runs around the edge that is why you can get a card to work sometimes by doing that.

[@leilamorales2997]

"the dc metro takes you to *all* parts of dc" except georgetown

[@xamo8667]

Washington highlands, Mayfair.

[@Indigolily80]

I hear that there are plans to change that in the future

[@rolosky2851]

@@Indigolily80 it will never happen for many reasons.

[@rat7963]

You'd just have to get off at Foggy Bottom and walk for 20 minutes 💀 Also doesn't take you to Southeast DC either.

[@TheBearGrappler]

0:59 - what if someone reported the card lost or stolen? do they block the use of your "found" card and take the money you've added to it?

[@blue9multimediagroup]

If they register it online, they can have it Hotlisted so that it can't be used again.

[@sellomops]

Interesting escalator rule. In South Africa, you keep left and move you on your right.

[@bryansu5824]

Its cause British commonwealth countries do it opposite. They also drive from the right, which is why everything is flipped

[@sellomops]

@@bryansu5824 True that.

[@mrxman581]

Very helpful tips. Too bad they don't have capped fares. LA Metro recently switched to a capped fare system. Now, no matter how far or how many transfers you do you won't pay more than $5 a day or $18 a week. It simplifies things a lot more especially for tourists. It seems people are embracing the new fare structure because ridership is up significantly in the last few months.

[@ChantalA489]

As of May 2024, EVERYWHERE on any train line on the Metro is only $2 each way on weekends! Worth it if you travel all around the city or into the suburbs. And when going through the turnstiles or riding on the escalator, do not hold up the line for people behind you. Move aside and let busy folks through. And leave your giant strollers/buggies at home. A huge pet peeve of DMV natives is trying to go pass large crowds and strollers when it's rush hour and people need to get to work or school on time.

[@susanlucas1125]

What line and stop if you want to travel to McPherson Square from Ronald Regan Airport?

[@braedonallen4291]

The blue line towards Franconia Springfield.

[@vadagomez4826]

Kinda knew this bc I’m a local lol. Didn’t know about the talking on the phone thing, I typically talk quietly bc I don’t wanna be loud since that Ik is rude. Sometimes you get ppl blasting their music in the metro

[@baderbatarfi4608]

Virginia Railway Express (VRE) at Union Station to Lawrence Station

[@baderbatarfi4141]

Steve Jobs Theater for MacBook Pro 16 inch 2020 in SuperMarioLogan Black Yoshi’s Call Of Duty Special Edition

[@Fun-rf9vs]

@@baderbatarfi4141 SUPER MARIO BROS ROBLOX GAMER SCHOOL CHINA CHAIRS

[@dualityofbrina]

why am I watching this im from southeast DC

[@trishplusmama]

Do you have an app to get updates on the train schedules?

[@leah2809]

dc resident here, i've used both metrohero and the metro and bus app. both work well but the metro and bus app is a bit simpler. has a ton of ads though.

[@rockvilleraven]

There's a half price sale on various passes right now.

[@stephaniealexander460]

gallery place is the gateway

[@lashaegreen8762]

But if you find a card laying around be careful because sometimes people don’t tap out from their last stop and then they owe money. So if you find a card like that you’d have to go to the station manager for them to clear it.

[@noonemeansnoone397]

I’m confused why do blue silver and orange must run to the same direction and stations at the center?

[@blue9multimediagroup]

Because that's their design. Why does it matter?

[@nicolepierson7710]

YEAH

[@carljackson7330]

I have to take this to school dci it alright

[@brandondavis1155]

DC's system is definitely cleaner than New York's.

[@jordanjohnson3396]

Does children’s National have their own stop

[@TheRickAustin]

May be worth correcting the bit about the SmartTrip cards - they are not magnetic and placing next to a phone or even a magnet will not affect the card.

[@kay.diorr_]

Coooooiol

[@boyversusworld658]

Is the 1-day pass unlimted rides?

[@ge69rh]

DC has recently gotten rid of the 1 day and 5 day passes. Now it's just the reload card and are currently implementing smart phone adaptation.

[@rat7963]

Not worth it, unless you plan on riding to every metro stations in the system in one whole day.

[@jaxonhenrichs]

I think L'Enfant is bigger however, it is huge!

[@ericgilbert8725]

I'm Driving to DC with my gf and staying at an Air BnB....would it be better to just drive around or use the metro?

[@davidl9155]

Just drive if you already have a car. Traffic isnt too bad and parking is fairly easy to find.

[@victort.4798]

Depends on where you're staying and where you're going. You may want to consider the metro for seeing the National Mall or something so that you don't have to find parking and then walk back to your car. But otherwise there tends to be parking available

[@edwardglass1173]

Drive.

[@tyrajones9255]

Better than NY subways 🚇 🚊

[@quanbrooklynkid7776]

haha

[@bastipro1333]

NY subways suck bad I even saw a man use it as his apartment

[@fernandoifill-ruiz3475]

The metro in Washington D.C looks a lot better and cleaner than NYC Subways.

[@scscscscscscscscsc]

Fernando Ifill-Ruiz it is.

[@oumarkoume7238]

As someone who spent considerable time in both cities. I'ma give it to NYC, say what you will but they got more lines, more people, and 24/7 service. Love DC tho

[@rooseveltmartin7103]

REMEMBER even though all metro stations are accessible, not all entrances and exits are accessible. Check your exits if you're disabled or traveling with a stroller.

[@yumitokushige8486]

1:07 How likely do you find a metro card still with some money remained there by chance? I've never done that in my life. Are those metro lines safe? Safe enough to fall asleep on there? No dogs or lots of kids? Wish I had a lot of spare money to travel the US. I've been to DC once at least. Mainly, Smithsonian area.

[@brittanyvanpelt1]

Metro is pretty safe but I wouldn't fall asleep on it. Sometimes there's kids especially during morning rush hour and when school let's out. Usually only animals allowed are service dogs.

[@yumitokushige8486]

Brittany van pelt :) I envy the much space and the sky.

[@GratiaCountryman]

I’ve fallen asleep on the Metro. It’s easy to end up missing your stop that way.

[@yumitokushige8486]

Margot Robinson hope you won't miss the last connecting train when you fall asleep on the train. I've seen some people occupying a whole lengthy seat and sleeping, like they were living on the train.

[@GratiaCountryman]

Yumi Tokushige Thank God I’ve only fallen asleep in the morning. Missing my last connection would be a nightmare.

[@TrainSounds]

What about the LA metro?

[@theMick52]

Back in the good ole days the "card" was free and made of paper so you'd just put on what you needed and when you were done you'd chuck it!

[@shambramulder4082]

How safe is the Metro especially after dark?

[@braedonallen4291]

DMV resident here, from my experience the Metro is safe any time of day. Keep in mind that DC is a big city, and all sorts ride the metro, so definitely stay aware of your surroundings, but as long as you stay aware and be sensible, you should have no problems.

[@kay.diorr_]

Cooooooooooooooooooool

[@michelehynes2614]

my grandma & grandpa's closest station is veanna.

[@petersilva037]

the stations look so much like Montreal's metro... kind of uncanny. the round lights in the platforms, the blind bumps, the way the escalators are layed out, the concrete panesl that make the walls... the whole look and feel... it's like they hired the same firms or something.

[@rat7963]

?????

[@car_tar3882]

Favorite unspoken rule of the metro is don’t talk on the phone but do yell into your camera

[@HamSandvich]

Nyc subway on top

[@gd8173]

I’m from a small town so maybe this is the norm in big cities but when I was visiting DC the amount of people who listen to their music/comedy shows on full blast in metro without headphones was surprising. I think it’s pretty rude but if that’s the acceptable social norm I guess it is what it is.

[@jaxonhenrichs]

Wowo, new trains last time I visited it, they have not changed over, love the new digital station map above the doors, but miss the in person announcements.

[@victort.4798]

The robotic voice is easier to understand but sometimes it says stuff with weird intonation. I think most if not all trains are 7000 series now (i.e. new trains)

[@blue9multimediagroup]

@@victort.4798 Nope. There's still older trains but they're mainly from the late 90 onward.

[@sleeken]

The metro doesn’t go to South Arlington which bugs me because they go to Annandale so why not us?

[@rat7963]

I live near Annandale. No it doesn't. 💀

[@jeffreymoralesmusica6714]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@mauricedegroff5669]

It’s nice when it works, but it’s important to point out that at any given moment, you can lose all the money on your card how that happens I’m not sure they just say it gets the magnetized and what a game you gotta play to get your money back

[@bloodaxe5028]

Man, this is system is exactly like Delhi Metro

[@mistervacation23]

This is weird to me, nobody wearing masks, nobody social distancing of 6 ft.

[@mi1c35x]

yeah it’s weird looking back before people socially distanced

[@kmcca204]

No masks because this was filmed BEFORE the pandemic.

[@mistervacation23]

@@kmcca204 oh

[@victort.4798]

@@mi1c35x Ikr, it's like my brain expects to see masks and distancing and then gets confused