How do you pay for the Washington Metro?

SmarTrip® cards are used to pay fares on both Metrorail and Metrobus. Metrorail fares are variable depending on time-of-day and distance traveled. Regular (non-express) bus fares are the same throughout the system. Metrobus also accepts bills and coins.



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A SmarTrip® card is required for each rider age 5 and older (up to two children under age five may travel free with each fare paying adult). The blue fare vending machines are your best choice if you need a SmarTrip® card. The blue Fare Vending machines sell up to six SmarTrip ® cards at a time.

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The cards are being phased out due to the installation of new fare gates in Metro stations, which will begin in June 2021. All agencies that use the SmartBenefits program are encouraged to let their participating employees use Metro's online, self-service card replacement process.

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Pay for Metro with just your phone! With SmarTrip® in your Mobile Wallet you'll be able to: Pay for your train, bus, and parking wherever SmarTrip is accepted. Know where your SmarTrip® is.

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