Arlington Virginia - USA

Metro old

Metrorail and Metrobus offer the fastest, cheapest and easiest way to get around the Washington, D.C. area. Plus, using Metrorail and Metrobus help you avoid the hassles of traffic congestion and limited parking.

The Metrorail subway system is world-renowned for its cleanliness, safety and efficiency - its design makes it an attraction in its own right, not to be missed. Trains are quiet, clean, comfortable, fast and very reliable.

The Metrorail system was carefully planned to deliver you to the doorstep of most major business districts, attractions and other points of interest throughout the region. For a complete map of all Metrorail stops and lines, click here.

All Metrorail stations and trains are handicapped accessible. Smoking and eating are not permitted on escalators, elevators, in stations, on trains or buses. Worth remembering: if you're visiting, you'll find that most natives walk to the left, and stand to the right on escalators.

Finding Metro Stops and Purchasing Tickets

Metrorail stations are marked above ground with tall brown pylons bearing a large white "M". Many Metro stops have multiple street entrances and exits, but each will bring you to the same station. Take the escalators below ground to enter the station and purchase your farecard from the automated machines. Fares are determined according to when and how far you travel; most destinations from or within Arlington will cost between $1.10 and $1.50. Use your farecard to pass through the faregates and onto the train platforms. Once you reach your destination, you'll need the same farecard to exit the station.

The Metrorail trains follow routes designated by color, and each color line has two directions. Arlington is served by the Orange, Yellow, and Blue lines. The front and rear digital signs on each train indicate which color line that train is following. A message on the train's side tells the direction in which it is traveling. The message will indicate the last stop for the direction that the train is following. If your destination is between the station where you are standing, and the last stop listed on the train, you've found the correct Metrorail train - get on board!

The Metro bus system is also easy and inexpensive. Check with the front desk of your hotel for schedules and bus numbers. Or call (202) 637-7000, to find out how to get anywhere in the D.C. area -- tell them where you are, where you want to go and when you want to get there, and they will tell you exactly which buses to use. Metro bus fares require exact change -- make sure to carry enough change and small denomination currency with you.

For more information, visit the Commuter Page.