Washington Metro ()

The Washington Metro, often abbreviated to Metro and formally Metrorail, is a rapid transit system serving the Washington metropolitan area of the United States. The Washington Metro began operations on March 27, 1976, marking a historic milestone in the urban development of the region. Over the years, it has expanded to include a total of six lines, namely Red, Blue, Orange, Silver, Green and Yellow, providing comprehensive coverage throughout the city and neighboring jurisdictions in Maryland and Virginia. With its distinctive color-coded lines and iconic stations, the Washington Metro has become a symbol of the nation's capital, facilitating daily commutes for residents, workers, and visitors. Beyond its role as a transportation network, the Washington Metro has contributed to the region's connectivity, influencing urban planning, and supporting sustainable transit-oriented development.

OperatorWashington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
Operation start27 March 1976
Total Lines6 Metro Lines
Total Station100 Active Stations
Metro City/CountryWashington United States
Official Webhttps://www.wmata.com/service/rail/

Metro linesStationsTerminal stations
▣ Red Line27Shady Grove ⇄ Glenmont
▣ Orange Line26Vienna ⇄ New Carrollton
▣ Yellow Line13Huntington ⇄ Mount Vernon Square
▣ Green Line21Branch Avenue ⇄ Greenbelt
▣ Blue Line28Franconia–Springfield ⇄ Downtown Largo
▣ Silver Line34Ashburn ⇄ Downtown Largo

  • The Washington Metro, commonly known as Metrorail, began operations on March 27, 1976, with the opening of the original Red Line.
  • The Metro system consists of six color-coded lines: Red, Blue, Orange, Silver, Green, and Yellow, which serve Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
  • Many metro stations have unique and modern architectural designs, with notable architects contributing to the aesthetic appeal of the system.
  • Farragut North and Farragut West stations, located near the White House, are among the deepest stations in the system, reaching depths of more than 100 feet.
  • The Washington Metro consists of both underground and elevated sections, offering passengers a mix of underground and above-ground travel experiences.
  • The subway system is complemented by the Metrobus network, creating an integrated public transit system that serves the broader Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.
  • Major transfer stations, such as Metro Center, allow passengers to seamlessly switch between different lines, facilitating efficient travel throughout the region.
  • The Washington Metro provides a convenient connection to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport via the Yellow and Blue lines.
  • During rush hour, to accommodate greater numbers of passengers, the metro system operates with increased frequency, known as "Rush+" service.
  • The Washington Metro has played a significant role in shaping the urban development of the DC metropolitan area, influencing land use, and encouraging transit-oriented development around its stations.