Metrobus Service Overview

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) provides bus and rail transit service to Washington, DC, and the Maryland and Virginia suburbs. Metrobus operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with approximately 1,500 buses. Consequently, service intervals vary by time of day and by weekday/weekend to meet demand. Metrobus stops are designated with red, white, and blue signs, displaying the route number and destination above the windshield and on the boarding side of the bus.

Maps Showing Metrobus Service

• Washington, DC
• Montgomery County, Maryland
• Prince George’s County, Maryland
• Virginia

Metrobus Fares

Exact change is necessary as bus drivers do not carry money. Weekly passes are also available for unlimited travel on Metrobus.
Standard Fares:
– $2.00 using SmarTrip® or cash
– $4.25 for express routes
– Senior/Disabled fare: $1.00 on regular routes, $2.10 on express routes
– Children: Up to two children, 4 years and younger, ride free with an adult paying full fare. Children 5 and older pay adult fares.

Student Fares and Discounts
Discounted farecards and passes are available for DC residents. Maryland students can ride free on Metrobus and Ride On buses when boarding in Montgomery or Prince George’s counties between 2 and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Furthermore, students must present either a school ID or a student bus pass signed by their school principal. For further information about SmarTrip® card purchases, call 202-637-7000 or TTY 202-638-3780.

Metrorail and Metrobus Transfers

Bus-to-bus transfers with a SmarTrip® card are valid for free transfers (including round trips) within a two-hour period. Additionally, Metrobus riders who transfer to the Metrorail system receive a discount of 50¢ when using a SmarTrip® card.

Metrobus Accessibility

All buses in the Metro fleet are accessible for individuals with disabilities. They feature low floor ramps or are lift-equipped to facilitate easier boarding and disembarking. In the event of a hydraulic system failure, the ramps on low floor buses can be manually operated. Priority seating for senior citizens and individuals with disabilities is located in the seats directly behind the bus operator. Two wheelchair securement areas are available near the front of each bus and are equipped with tie downs and lap belts for safety.

Metrobus Schedules

Use BusETA to find the next arriving bus, or visit WMATA’s timetable page to plan your route and check the bus schedule.

Website: www.wmata.com/bus

WMATA, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, is responsible for public transportation within the Washington, DC metropolitan area, serving both the Metrorail and Metrobus systems. Established in 1967 and authorized by Congress, WMATA is jointly funded by the District of Columbia, Virginia, and Maryland. The authority consists of a board of directors, comprising twelve members, including six voting members and six alternates. Each jurisdiction appoints an equal number of members, ensuring balanced representation. WMATA operates its own police force, the Metro Transit Police Department, tasked with various law enforcement and public safety functions.