Metrorail

Six color-coded lines covering most of the city and extending into Maryland and Virginia. Fast, reliable, and connects directly to most major attractions. The best option for cross-city travel and getting to the Mall.

• Weekday fares: $2.25–$6.75 depending on distance and time
• Weekend fares: Flat reduced rate all day
• How to pay: SmarTrip card, contactless credit/debit card, or mobile wallet
• Key rule: Tap in when you enter, tap out when you exit. Forgetting to tap out charges you the maximum fare
• Weekend tip: All Metro station parking is free on weekends — drive to a suburban end-of-line station and ride in

Metrobus

Covers neighborhoods Metro doesn’t reach and provides more direct routes for neighborhood-to-neighborhood travel. 325 routes across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. The DC Circulator ended service permanently on December 31, 2024 — Metrobus now covers all the corridors the Circulator used to serve.

• Fare: $2.00 flat, any route
• How to pay: SmarTrip card, contactless card, or exact cash (no change given)
• Free transfers: Between Metrobus routes within 2 hours with SmarTrip
• Georgetown: D80 to Union Station · D6 to Dupont Circle Metro
• Adams Morgan: Route 54 (Woodley Park–McPherson Square) · Route 96
• H Street NE: X2 from Union Station
• Georgia Ave / Petworth: 70s series (70, 74, 79)
• Real-time arrivals: Transit app or text stop number to 202-637-7000

Capital Bikeshare

Over 800 docking stations across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Classic bikes and e-bikes available. The best option for trips under 3 miles where Metro feels like overkill.

• Single ride (classic): $1 unlock + $0.05/min
• Single ride (e-bike): $1 unlock + $0.35/min
• Day pass: $10 — unlimited 45-min classic rides
• Annual membership: $95/year
• Key rule: On the day pass, each individual ride must be under 45 minutes. Dock and re-check out to avoid overage fees
• How to pay: Capital Bikeshare app, Lyft app, or station kiosks

Best for: Rock Creek Park rides, Georgetown to Mall route, anywhere you want to avoid parking.

Lime & Veo

Dockless — pick up anywhere, leave at any bike rack when you’re done. Both offer e-bikes and electric scooters.

• Pricing: ~$1 unlock + $0.50/min
• Parking rule: Bike racks only — not sidewalks or blocking entrances
• Riding rules: No sidewalk riding in the Central Business District

Pro tip: Download both apps — use whichever has a vehicle closest to you.

Rideshare

Fills the situations where other options don’t work well — late nights, bad weather, heavy bags, or anywhere you need door-to-door service.

• After Metro closes (Mon–Thu after midnight, Fri–Sat after 2am)
• Getting to areas buses don’t serve well
• Airport trips when you have luggage
• Occasions where parking would be expensive or stressful

Metro is almost always cheaper for one person. Rideshare is competitive for groups of 2 or more. Uber WAV — wheelchair accessible vehicles — available in-app.

Walking

DC’s Northwest quadrant is genuinely walkable. Many residents handle their entire daily routine entirely on foot. Before reaching for your phone to book a ride, check the walking distance — you might be surprised.

• Dupont Circle → White House: ~1.5 miles
• Capitol → Lincoln Memorial: ~2 miles along the Mall

Most walkable neighborhoods: Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan, Capitol Hill, Columbia Heights, Shaw, U Street, Georgetown, Navy Yard.

Potomac Water Taxi

City Cruises operates water taxis between Old Town Alexandria, The Wharf, Georgetown, and National Harbor along the Potomac River. Some people genuinely use it as a commute option, not just a tourist experience. If you’re near Old Town Alexandria and heading to The Wharf, it can be faster than driving across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge.

• Season: March through December
• One-way fare: ~$18–$22 per person
• Day pass: $46 per person

Accessible Options

DC is one of the most accessible cities in the country for people with mobility needs. Metro has elevators at every station, wide accessible fare gates, and gap reducers between platform and train. All Metrobuses have ramps or lifts.

• MetroAccess — door-to-door paratransit for eligible customers who cannot use regular Metro. Apply at wmata.com or call (202) 962-2700
• Lime Assist — free adaptive vehicle program for riders with unique mobility needs
• Uber WAV — wheelchair accessible vehicles available within the Uber app