While many bus operators suspend services after midnight, there are select DC Circulator and Metrobus routes that provide late night service on specific routes.
Under the current operating schedule, buses are supposed to (but do not always) run every 12 minutes or less from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Buses are then scheduled to offer service every 30 minutes until 2 a.m. They currently do not offer service from 2 a.m. to 4 or 5 a.m., depending on the route.
A bus is seen in Washington, DC, on December 12, 2022. - The Washington government voted to institute free bus rides for all starting in the summer of 2023. Washington, D.C., has enacted a zero-fare bus bill into law, according to the D.C. Council.
Metrorail, Metrobus and the DC CirculatorTrips are paid through a SmarTrip account, either by a reloadable plastic card or mobile pay. This national capital area system includes Metrorail, Metrobus and the DC Circulator. For specific directions in utilizing WMATA services, check out their Trip Planner.
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) provides bus and rail transit service to Washington, DC and the Maryland and Virginia suburbs. Metrobus operates 24-hours-a-day, 7 days a week with approximately 1,500 buses. Service intervals vary by time of day and by weekday/weekend to meet demand.
Cash – DC Circulator accepts coins and dollar bills in exact change only. The driver does not carry cash to make change. Simply place your fare in the farebox located near the driver.
If the driver is ahead of schedule, and he/she is at a timing point listed on the schedule, he/she is waiting there so that passengers who would be at the bus stop on time are still able to board.