There are several ways to purchase a D.C. Metro SmarTrip card, but the easiest might be to purchase the card online. To do so, go to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority website and click on the "Schedule and Fares" option in the left-hand column (see Resources below).
Next, click on the "Online fare purchases" option.
Once you've reached this page, have your credit card ready. Click the "Begin Shopping" option at the bottom of the page.
You should now be on the Metro online store. Scroll down until you see the "SmarTrip" card option. Metro will charge you $30 for the card; $5 for the actual card and $25 credit to your card to be used on the Metro subway and Metro buses. Once you've completed your order, your card will be sent in the mail and will probably arrive in several business days.
If you need your card immediately or don't have access to a computer, you can buy your SmarTrip card at several different Metro locations. The most convenient is at the Metro Center Sales Office, located within the MetroCenter subway stop. To get there, either take the Metro to Metro Center, or make your way the 12th and F Streets, NW. If not convenient, there are other Metro Sales offices at the Pentagon stop in Arlington, Virginia, or at Metro headquarters at 600 5th St., NW.
Some stations also have machines that dispense SmarTrip cards. These are usually terminal stations at the end of Metro subway lines. Check to see if your Metro stop has one of these machines.
When you go to purchase your card, you will still need to have $30 ready. You can pay by cash, check or credit card.
Once you have your card in hand, you can add money to it at any Metro subway station. Also, be sure to register your card online at wmata.com (see Resources below). Registering your card protects your SmarTrip in case of loss, theft or defectiveness.
Once you have your card, you can add money to it at any Metro subway station. Look for the machines located before the turnstiles in the station. These machines have a bright blue front and allow you to pay with cash or a credit card.
When you find one of the bright blue machines, swipe your card.
Choose your form of payment--either cash, debit or credit.
Choose the amount of money you wish to add to your card.
Insert your form of payment.
Swipe your card again to confirm purchase, and you're all set! Enjoy traveling on D.C.'s public transportation system.
