DC Metro Union Station: Red Line Stop, Amtrak Connections

DC Metro Union Station is on the Red Line only and is located within the historic Union Station building at 1st Street NE and Massachusetts Avenue NE in Washington, DC. Besides Metrorail, the main intercity rail terminus in DC is Union Station, on where it links to Amtrak (Northeast Corridor, Acela), MARC commuter rail (Maryland), and VRE (Virginia Railway Express). It is also the busiest Metro in the system.

Union Station Metro Stop Overview 

Union Station is the only station of the DC Metro system, which is a station on the Red Line, but also a significant intercity and commuter rail hub. As Metro riders get on an underground platform that is below the historic station, directly overhead is one of the busiest train stations on the East Coast. Union Station accommodates Metrorail, Amtrak, MARC, VRE, Greyhound buses, and intercity buses - all under the grandeur of Beaux-Arts roof construction of 1908.

By late 2026, Union Station Metro will be the most heavily used station in the entire Metrorail system.

Which Metro Line Serves Union Station?

Union Station Metro is only served by the Red Line. No other connections of the Metro lines to this station. Riders desiring to make connections to other lines have to go one stop to Gallery Place-Chinatown (Green/Yellow) or another Red Line to Judiciary Square (and then to another Red Line to Blue/Orange/Silver at Metro Center or Farragut Crossing).

Where Is Union Station Metro Located?

The Metro entrance is accessible from within the Union Station building, at 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002. Station entrances are on the west (main building) side and on the east (1st Street NE) side.

Union Station Exits and Building Access

Train Connections at Union Station, DC

Union Station is DC's most comprehensive rail hub. Here is what connects here beyond Metrorail:

Amtrak Service from Union Station

Union Station is the primary Amtrak hub for Washington DC and the most heavily used Amtrak station in the mid-Atlantic region. Key Amtrak services:

The Acela Express is the fastest train connection between Washington DC and New York City, making Union Station critical for business travelers.

MARC Train Connections

MARC Train is Maryland's commuter rail system, serving the Washington–Baltimore–Frederick corridor. Two MARC lines operate from Union Station:

MARC trains are the most affordable way to travel between Union Station and Baltimore or BWI Airport on weekdays. MARC does not run on weekends.

VRE (Virginia Railway Express) at Union Station

VRE commuter rail operates from Union Station to Northern Virginia on two lines:

VRE is a weekday-only service (no weekend trains) serving commuters from Northern Virginia into DC.

Union Station Metro Hours

Things to Do at and Near Union Station

Union Station Shopping and Dining

The building of the Union Station in itself is a significant non-transit destination. The central hall of the station has dozens of restaurants and fast-foods, a food hall, and a d specialty store. The historic Beaux-Arts Great Hall, featuring a Roman-style 96-foot vaulted ceiling and elaborate Roman style architecture, is worth viewing even by non-travelers. The station has a Christmas market every December and some pop-up events throughout the year.

Walking Guide to U.S. Capitol Hill

Union Station's Massachusetts Ave exit places riders directly on the approach to Capitol Hill:

Recommended walking route: Exit Union Station from the Massachusetts Ave entrance, cross to the Columbus Circle fountain, and continue south on Delaware Avenue NE toward the Capitol dome. The walk is flat, well-signed, and one of the best approaches to the Capitol building in DC.

Accessibility at Union Station Metro

Union Station Metro station is fully ADA-accessible:

• Elevators are used to link the levels of the street, mezzanine, and the platform.
• Access to Amtrak, MARC, and VRE ticketing levels of Union Station building through the elevators.
• Sound announcements on trains and on the platform.
• Restrooms in the building of the Union Station.

Parking Near Union Station DC Metro

On the 1 st NE side of the building, there is a big Union Station Parking Garage (run by LAZ Parking) that has more than 1,900 spaces. Rates are on a daily and hourly basis. This is one of the more expensive parking options in DC; Metro park-and-ride facilities at suburban stations (Shady Grove, Silver Spring) offer a more affordable commuter option.

FAQ: Union Station DC Metro

Q: What is the Metro line to the Union Station in DC? 

A: Union Station is only served by the Red Line. This station does not have any other Metrorail connection.

Q: Does Union Station have Amtrak? 

A: Yes. The major Amtrak station in Washington DC is Union Station, which serves the Northeast Corridor (Acela and Northeast Regional) and long-distance trains to Chicago, Miami, and beyond.

Q: Is it possible to ride the MARC train from Union Station to Baltimore? 

A: Yes. Penn Line of MARC is between Union Station and Baltimore Penn Station (about 40 minutes) and the BWI Airport Rail Station. MARC is open during weekdays.

Q: What is the distance between the The Capitol and Union Station Metro? 

A: U.S. Capitol Building is about 0.7 miles (14-minute walk) southwest of Union Station, via Delaware Avenue NE.

Q: Does Union Station have the highest traffic of DC Metro stations? 

A: Yes. At the end of 2026, the busiest Metro station in the system is the Union Station, based on the number of people who use it daily.