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DC Metro Map 2026: Interactive Guide to All 6 Lines, Station
The Washington DC Metro Map, operated by WMATA (Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority), is one of the most-used public transit systems in the United States. Whether you are a daily commuter, a first-time tourist, or a student navigating the city, understanding the DC Metro map is the essential first step to getting around efficiently.
This complete guide covers every Metro line, station, fare zone, and key attraction — plus a printable map resource and accessibility information.
DC Metro System Overview: Lines, Zones & Key Stations
The DC Metro system consists of 6 color-coded lines covering 129 miles of track. Trains run underground through the urban core and above ground in suburban areas. The system is divided into fare zones (Zone 1 through Zone 6), which determine how much your trip costs based on distance traveled.
The six Metro lines and their termini are:
- Red Line: Shady Grove (MD) to Glenmont (MD)
- Blue Line: Franconia-Springfield (VA) to Largo Town Center (MD)
- Orange Line: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU (VA) to New Carrollton (MD)
- Silver Line: Ashburn (VA) to Largo Town Center (MD)
- Green Line: Branch Ave (MD) to Greenbelt (MD)
- Yellow Line: Huntington (VA) to Greenbelt (MD)
How to Read the DC Metro Zone Map
The DC Metro map uses a concentric zone system. Zone 1 is the urban core — all downtown DC stations including Metro Center, Union Station, and Capitol South. Zones 2 through 6 extend outward into Maryland and Virginia suburbs. The further from Zone 1 you travel, the higher your fare.
Key rule: your fare is calculated based on your entry and exit stations. If both stations are in Zone 1, you pay the lowest fare. A trip from Zone 1 to Zone 6 costs the most. Always use a SmarTrip card — cash is not accepted on Metrorail.
DC Metro Fare Zones Explained
| Zone | Example Stations | Peak Fare From Zone 1 | Off-Peak Fare From Zone 1 |
| Zone 1 | Metro Center, Union Station, Capitol South | $2.25 | $2.00 |
| Zone 2 | Bethesda, Pentagon, Reagan National (DCA) | $2.90 | $2.25 |
| Zone 3 | Silver Spring, Ballston, College Park | $3.60 | $2.75 |
| Zone 4 | Shady Grove, Vienna, Branch Ave | $4.45 | $3.25 |
| Zone 5 | Rockville, New Carrollton, Franconia | $5.25 | $3.75 |
| Zone 6 | Glenmont, Greenbelt, Largo, Ashburn (IAD) | $6.00 | $4.25 |
DC Metro Map by Line: Red, Blue, Orange, Silver, Green & Yellow
Each Metro line is visually identified by its color on all station signage, maps, and train indicators. At major hub stations, you can transfer between lines without paying an additional fare.
Downtown Core Stations (Major Transfer Points)
| Station | Lines Served | Key Connections |
| Metro Center | Red, Blue, Orange, Silver | Central DC hub — most transfers happen here |
| L'Enfant Plaza | Blue, Orange, Silver, Green, Yellow | Access to Smithsonian, NASA HQ |
| Gallery Place-Chinatown | Red, Green, Yellow | Near National Portrait Gallery, Capital One Arena |
| Fort Totten | Red, Green, Yellow | Important Maryland transfer hub |
| Pentagon | Blue, Yellow | Pentagon, Arlington Cemetery connection |
DC Metro Map for Tourists: Top Attractions by Station
Washington DC's top tourist attractions are clustered along the National Mall and are easily accessible by Metro. Below are the best stations to use for popular destinations.
| Attraction | Nearest Metro Station | Line | Walk Time |
| Smithsonian Museums (National Mall) | Smithsonian | Blue/Orange/Silver | 2 min |
| US Capitol Building | Capitol South | Blue/Orange/Silver | 5 min |
| Lincoln Memorial | Foggy Bottom-GWU | Blue/Orange/Silver | 15 min walk |
| White House | McPherson Sq or Farragut West | Blue/Orange/Silver | 5-8 min |
| National Zoo | Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan | Red | 5 min |
| Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom-GWU | Blue/Orange/Silver | 15 min walk |
| Arlington National Cemetery | Arlington Cemetery | Blue | 2 min |
| US Holocaust Memorial Museum | Smithsonian | Blue/Orange/Silver | 7 min |
| National Cathedral | Tenleytown-AU | Red | 15 min walk or bus |
| Georgetown | Foggy Bottom-GWU | Blue/Orange/Silver | 15 min walk |
Accessibility & ADA Features on the DC Metro Map
All DC Metro stations are ADA-accessible in design, but elevator availability varies day-to-day. WMATA provides a real-time elevator and escalator status tool at wmata.com for trip planning.
- Every Metro station has at least one elevator from street level to the platform
- Wide fare gates are available at every station for wheelchair users and mobility devices
- Audio announcements and visual displays are provided on all trains and in all stations
- MetroAccess paratransit service is available for riders who cannot use fixed-route service
- Check elevator status before your trip at wmata.com/service/elevators-escalators
Printable DC Metro Map (PDF Download)
The official WMATA printable Metro map is available at wmata.com/schedules/maps. The PDF includes all 6 lines, all 98 stations, zone boundaries, and transfer indicators. It is updated whenever service changes occur, including new station openings or line extensions.
Tip for tourists: download the map to your phone before you travel in case you lose cell signal underground.
DC Metro Map FAQs
Q: How many Metro lines does DC have?
A: The DC Metro has 6 lines: Red, Blue, Orange, Silver, Green, and Yellow.
Q: How many stations does the DC Metro have?
A: As of 2026, WMATA operates 98 stations across the 6-line system.
Q: What is Zone 1 on the DC Metro?
A: Zone 1 covers all downtown DC stations within the city core, including Metro Center, Gallery Place, Union Station, and Capitol South. It has the lowest fares.
Q: Is the DC Metro map free to download?
A: Yes, the official map PDF is available free at wmata.com/schedules/maps.
Q: Which Metro line goes to Reagan Airport?
A: The Blue and Yellow Lines both stop at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport station.
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