DC Metro Smart Card 2026: How to Get, Load & Use It

The official reloadable DC Metro Smart Card, considered in the DC Metro (Metrorail), Metrobus, and most other regional transit systems in the DC region,youyou is the SmarTrip card. When you are about to take up public transportation in Washington DC, a SmarTrip card will not only save your money but also help you to travel faster and with fewer trips.

It contains all you need to know: to get a SmarTrip card, how to load it, what passes are available, and how it works compared to contactless payment options.

What is a DC Metro SmarTrip Card?

A SmarTrip card is a smart card that is contactless and holds a chip that holds your fare balance. It is tapped on the circular readers on Metro fare gates and bus fareboxes to pay your fare. Your SmarTrip card will hold your balance permanently and can be attached to an online account to track your balance and auto-reload, unlike a paper ticket.

SmarTrip Card vs. Single-Trip Paper Ticket

How to Get a SmarTrip Card: Online, App & Station Kiosks

There are three ways to get a SmarTrip card

• At a Metro station, best. best. Zone fare machine: Available at every station. Insert money or card, choose Get SmarTrip Card and the cost of the $10 and initial load is charged.
• Online at smartrip.wmata.com: Order a card and mail it to you.
• Online at smartrip.wmata.com: Order a card and have it mailed to you. Takes 7-10 business days. Planning ahead is best.3. Via The SmarTrip app (iOS and Android): You can add a digital SmarTrip card to your phone and tap-to-pay with NFC at fare gates.4. In stores: Can be found in a variety of CVS, Giant, and Safeway stores around Metro stations.
• Via the SmarTrip app (iOS and Android): A digital SmarTrip card can be added to your phone and used with NFC tap-to-pay at fare gates.
• At retail stores: Available at many CVS, Giant, and Safeway locations near Metro stations.

How to Load Money onto Your SmarTrip Card

Money can be added to your SmarTrip card on any fare machine in any Metro station, online in your SmarTrip account, on the SmarTrip mobile app, or at participating retail locations. The lowest limit of the amount to be deposited is 1 and no upper limit on the amount to be deposited is higher than 300.

Pro tip: Auto-reload in your online SmarTrip account. Once you have gone below the preset limit (e.g., $10), a specific amount is automatically loaded to your card by your linked credit or debit card.

SmarTrip Card Passes: 1-Day, 7-Day & Monthly Options

Best SmarTrip Pass for Tourists Visiting DC

For most tourists spending 2-4 days in Washington DC, the 3-Day Pass at $28 offers the best value. If you plan to visit mainly attractions on the National Mall (which are within Zone 1-2), the 7-Day Short Trip Pass covers all common tourist routes. Both passes are loaded directly onto your SmarTrip card at any fare machine or online.

SmarTrip vs. Tap & Pay (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Contactless)

Since 2022, WMATA has accepted contactless bank card payments (Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay) at all Metro fare gates. Here is how it compares to SmarTrip:

Recommendation: If you ride the DC Metro more than 3 times per week or plan to use reduced fares, a SmarTrip card is always the better choice. For one-time visitors who make only 1-2 trips, contactless payment is convenient.

Lost or Damaged SmarTrip Card: How to Replace & Recover Balance

In case of loss or damage of your SmarTrip card, you are not only fully insured by the balance provided that the card was registered to an online account.5. Sign in to smartrip.wmata.com account.6. Click on Report Lost or Stolen Card to freeze the card.7. Buy a new SmarTrip card (there is a fee of $10).8. Order a balance transfer — WMATA will transfer the remaining balance to you in 7-10 business days.9. Your pass status and the history of purchases of the card are transferred. Here is what to do:

• Log in to your account at smartrip.wmata.com immediately.
• Click 'Report Lost or Stolen Card' to freeze the card.
• Purchase a new SmarTrip card ($10 fee applies).
• Request a balance transfer online — WMATA will transfer your remaining balance within 7-10 business days.
• Your card purchase history and pass status are also transferred.

Noteworthy: The balance is not recoverable on unregistered SmarTrip cards in case of loss. Always online registration of the card on purchase.

Employer SmarTrip Benefits (SmartBenefits Program)

Through the SmartBenefits program, employers can automatically add pre-tax transit funds to the SmarTrip cards of their employees automatically every month. It is among the least utilized commuter benefits of the workers in the DC-area.• Pre-tax commuter benefits in transit allowable by the IRS are up to $315/month (2025) in transit benefits . The SmartBenefits portal is where employers sign up with SmartBenefits.• Finances automatically added to your SmarTrip card on the 1st of every month. You save on income tax - a $200/month benefit would save 50-80/month based on tax bracket.• Inquire with.. your HR department whether your company is a part.

• The IRS allows up to $315/month (2025) in pre-tax commuter benefits for transit
• Employers enroll in SmartBenefits through the WMATA SmartBenefits portal
• Funds load automatically to your SmarTrip card on the 1st of each month
• You save on income tax — a $200/month benefit can save $50-$80/month depending on tax bracket
• Ask your HR department if your company participates

SmarTrip Card FAQs

1. What is the price of a SmarTrip card? 

A. The SmarTrip card costs $10 to load the card (non-refundable) on top of the fare amount you decide to place on the card.

2. Is it possible to use SmarTrip on the bus? 

A. Yes. SmarTrip serves all routes on WMATA Metrobus as well as most nearby bus services such as ART (Arlington), DASH, Ride On, and CUE.

3. Is SmarTrip being used at Dulles Airport (IAD)? 

A. Yes. SmarTrip is accepted at the Silver Line station of Washington Dulles International Airport.