Keep in mind that the D.C. Metrorail system covers a large area of the city and the surrounding metropolitan area. You can look at Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's website to find the rail line most convenient for you. Or you can be on the lookout for Metrorail signs that are prominently displayed throughout the city. These signs (like the one to the left) are tall, dark-colored pylons with the large "M" Metro logo displayed prominently at the top. You can also tell what lines are services at the station by looking at the colored bands at the top. The lines running throughout D.C. are the following colors: red, blue, orange, yellow and green.
In order to ride the Metro you'll need a farecard. You can purchase these farecards at any Metro station. Look for the farecard machines before you head through the turnstiles to the Metro platform. They will have either a brown or bright blue front. Brown machines only accept cash and will only distribute paper farecards. If you need to pay with credit or debit card, use one of the machines with a bright blue front. These machines can also be used to reload your SmarTrip card if you've purchased it in advance.
Remember that the amount your ride will cost depends on your destination. When riding the Metro, you insert your card into the turnstiles before you enter the platform and again when you leave. The maximum fare is around $4.50 and the minimum $1.65 during rush hour. Rates of rides also vary based on the time you travel--rides tend to be more expensive during rush hours. When not in rush hour, the minimum fare is $1.35. There are also a variety of daily or weekly passes that allow you to pay a flat fare to ride the Metro for an unlimited time for a day or week. Go to the Metro website to learn more.
When entering the turnstile, make sure the arrow is at the top of your card and facing away from you. Insert your card into the slot. It will then pop up on the top of the machine. Pull it out and the doors to the turnstile will open to let you through. Make sure you remember where you place you card and keep it easily accessible--you will need it again to get out of the Metro station.
When you enter through the turnstiles, look for signs indication the terminal stations for each car. These destinations will help you determine which side of the platform you should stand on and which train you should board. The train will have an electronic sign on both the front and side of the car telling you which color train it is--there will also often be some sort of color indication on the sign to help you know which color train it is. You can also look at a D.C. Metrorail map to determine where you need to go.
You can check to see how long it will be until your train arrives by looking the the LCD screens provided on either side of the platform.
When the train is close to arriving, the circular lights that run along the length of the platform will begin to blink. This will help you know when your train is coming so you can prepare for its arrival.
Once your train has arrived, wait for passengers to leave the train before boarding. Make your way to the center of the car if the train is particularly crowded so others can fit onto the train behind you.
Once you reach your stop, exit the train and look for signs pointing to the exit that you need. Insert your card again through the turnstile and make your way out. Remember to stand to the right of the escalator and walk on the left - this is important to know as a tourist in D.C.! Once you've left the station, enjoy your visit!
