How to Ride DC Metro 🚇 2022
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- čas přidán 31. 05. 2024
- Use these tips and ride the DC Metro like a pro. This video is especially useful for anyone who is visiting Washington, DC and planning to use the Metro subway system to get around.
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~Resources from this video~
Planned Metrorail track work schedule - www.wmata.com/service/track-w...
Use your phone to ride DC Metro - • How to Use your PHONE ...
How weekday pricing works - • DC Metro Fares Explain...
How to add money to your SmarTrip card - • DC Metro SmarTrip Card...
Must have DC trip apps - • Must Have Apps for You...
DC Metro playlist - • How to Ride Washington...
Podcast episode about Metro - www.triphacksdc.com/podcast5
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~Video Chapters~
0:00 How to ride Washington DC Metro
0:50 DO Get a SmarTrip Card
1:35 DON'T Stand on the Left
2:16 DO Understand the Pricing
3:15 DON'T Buy SmarTrip Online
3:52 DO Check Planned Track Work
4:23 DON'T Ride During Rush Hour
5:03 DO Give Yourself Extra Time
5:50 DON'T Mess with Train Doors
6:22 DO Wait for Others to Exit
6:48 DON'T Eat on DC Metro
7:32 DO Download a DC Metro App
8:17 DON'T Bother with Unlimited Passes
8:54 DO Avoid Unnecessary Transfers
10:01 DON'T Be Surprised by Face Masks
10:39 DO Check DC Metro Hours
11:02 DON'T Stand at the Top of a Metro Escalator
11:36 Trip Hacks DC Metro resources
FYI - Metro is less crowded during off hours but remember that the trains do not run as often, every 15 to 20 minutes as opposed to every 5 to 10 minutes. My uncle from out of town was standing on the Metro escalator with one hand on each handrail, marveling at the size of the station and was "spoken to" by a lady who was hurrying to get past him. He was surprised and chagrined but understood her point. Another time I was hurrying to catch my train back to work on my lunch hour when I ran into a school group blocking the way on the Metro escalator. I politely asked them to stand to the side so I could pass. The chaperone replied, "We're trying to stay together as a group." I replied, "Then stay together as a group on the right and please leave the left side clear. I really need to get to my train." They grudgingly made room because I was politely insistent. Seriously, stand to the right so people can walk on the left.
Thumbs down, not for your post but for the arrogant chaperone that thinks they own the Metro station.
EDIT: I undid the thumbs down so it won't affect your YT points.
Please feel free to extend your point about Stand on the Right & Walk on the Left to EVERY path of travel on earth, at least in the US where we drive/walk on the right. This should apply to hallways, sidewalks, streets, highways and even a path in the woods. Slow or stopping traffic moves to the right. Our population is getting more dense. Cheers.
that is correct. Pass on the left where traveling on the right is the norm.
that escalator rule is what keeps you out of fights in NYC lol
If traveling on the Metro during inclement weather, make sure to have adequate layers of clothing. The platforms in elevated and at-grade stations can get unexpectedly chilly! I was up there in early December and it was cold!
The tip "Do not buy a Smartrip card online" should be "Don't forget the card that you bought online at home when you come to DC".
In the 2000s, WMATA ran a campaign coining new terms for various infractions by tourists and other users. The term “escalefter” was one of the memorable ones.
I used to use the Metro and busses to commute to work back in the late 70s. I'd leave from the Ballston area of Arlington to the top of the hill on 16th St. Most days that took over an hour between trains and busses. However, whenever I rode my 10 speed bike to work that would take me on average one hour, and save me money.
Visited DC with the family this weekend and rode the metro quite a bit. This video was extremely accurate and beyond helpful. Plus the city mapper app was a HUGE help. Thank you!!!
Thanks for ur videos. Very helpful
Thanks so much for all the helpful info!
Love it rob ready to go back to dc now
I take Metro home from school every day. Metro Center and Gallery Place are only 18 seconds apart; You can probably run between them in under a minute too!
Have lived in DMV since 2005. Always ride public transportation. I agree with all ur advice here.
Thanks!
I was terrified of new Washington Metro trains from when I was 7 in April 2003 until I was 9 in May 2005, so my mom made us wait for an older metro train when I was under 10 years old and terrified of the newer metro trains. On Wednesday, December 28, 2005, my mom made us go on whatever comes first and I wasn’t scared my first time on newer metro trains. When I was 16-20, my mom has been taking pictures of me inside a lot of old Washington MetroRail cars before Older Train cars retired because I asked her to. I’m so thankful I have pictures of me inside a lot of Old MetroRail cars!!
The 1000 series of Washington D.C. Metro trains were built from 1974 til 1976. The newest series is now the 7000s The have no brown sides and the brown colors are on the front and back or the train. As a New Yorker I still call it the Washington D.C. subway! 😊
Super helpful video, thanks for laying out the need-to-know info! Every city's metro is a little different, so it's nice knowing in advance what to expect.
Watching your video for my coming DC visit. Thank you for clear explanation
Was in DC last week (from Ohio)! I've been there two other times with family but was delighted to go back with just my sister. We love DC so much we are thinking of coming back next year and maybe stay longer. Also, I tried a few apps to get around on the metro but was disappointed in most of them so I used Google maps and was pleasantly surprised at the information it gave me as well as if I had to make a transfer and where to go when out of the station. It never let me down. I'll make sure to brush up on your videos again before going back!
Thank you so much for another great video!
You are welcome!
Thanks for this updated video👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾😁
You're welcome
Thank you so much for these videos! We are heading to DC soon, and we live in an area where public transportation is basically nonexistent, so all of this is a mystery to us, and I'm nervous about bringing my kid into a system I'm not familiar with. This is demystifying a lot of it for me, thank you!
You're welcome!
same.. never rode a public bus, let alone train system, in my life. going to dc in two days with my bestfriend who has also never ridden any. im trying to get as familiar with it as possible for us but i still feel like im going to be clueless and lost (':
Thanks for the video because I need this to ride independently.
Great video and a “friendly” gent who had a mental breakdown at 14 yo on the tube in London is how I learned about standing on the right
Thank you so much for this video, and all of your videos. You are concise, to the point and talk about the subject, not yourself. All of your tips are helpful and your updates are very valuable. We are just finishing our first trip in DC and had a great, easy time, thanks to you,
I lived in DC for a couple tours and got quite familiar with "walk left, stand right."
It's actually really bad for the escalator mechanically and slows down throughput
OUTSTANDING video! I'll be visiting DC for the first time in 40 years and will need to use the Metroline to travel from Chantilly in VA to the museums in DC. This video gave me a LOT of good information. Many thanks again!
Have fun!
Thank you for the tips video. The one about the planned track work I hadn't even thought about. I checked the link and of course, the green line will be closed during my visit that was my planned line to use. I will use the orange line instead. Thank you. I will probably use a few other tricks that you have as well.
Visiting from Australia AUG 2024 - this has been a HUGE help. Same with Circulator vid. Thank you Rob.
You should note that "peak" hours (5-9:30a and 3-7p) are much longer than "rush" hours you noted (7-9a and 4-6p), so don't think if you're not riding during rush hours you aren't paying peak fares.
Also, I believe Metro does allow water bottles for drinking during the hot summer months.
Yeah, metro does allow you to bring food and drinks on the train, they just don’t allow you to eat them while using public transportation.
Thank you for making these videos. This was my first time in the DC area, and these made my time here less stressful. Thank you so much!!
You're welcome!
visiting DC for the first time this Nov, been watching your videos and they are all so informative and useful. You made my research so much easier. Thank you.
Have fun!
I came across your videos and watched most of them , they were helpful on our recent trip to the D.C area
Happy to hear it 👏
I know about the “walk left, stand right” rule from studying abroad in Europe. Same rule applies on the Paris, Brussels, and Antwerp metro systems (and probably more but those were the only ones I used on my trip).
Yeah I think it's a pretty common thing in major cities.
I love your videos!
Thanks! 😄
This is so smart! I move the dos and donts!
Thanks 😃😃
Thanks for all you do! Your last podcast was great. I'm a native but I learn so much from your content. If you started a patreon I would support.
Wow! Thank you. I am working on setting up Memberships right here on CZcams. Stay tuned!
I learned about the stand on the right rule while on an escalator on the London underground!
Thank you so much for this channel! I"m planning a trip with my grandson and this information is SO helpful!!
Have fun!
I use an App called Transit it has Metrorail, Metrobus, Fairfax Connector, Dash, CUE, ART, the Circulator, not really sure about MD, but pretty sure it has all the various lines for MD…..it also has tons of other cities too like NYC, Chicago,, Philly, San Francisco, LA, and many more
Transit is a great app. Not the most beginner friendly but very good once you get used to it.
My daughter and I are heading to Washington DC this weekend for the very first time and this metro info is awesome! Thank you sir!
Have fun!
Living in DC for a couple of tours, it did not take long to learn about "ride right, walk (quickly) left.
I'm very nervous about commuting by train/metro! This video helped.
I live in a rural are in the South and I was nervous about riding the Metro too . I downloaded a Metro app and planned my stops before I left home. Made it much easier.
I have been on the DC Metro since 1979 and many times afterward (NYC Metro area resident) and the only rule I did not know about was standing on the right on the escalator. I just followed everyone else so I was okay. I already have a Smart trip card in my wallet (with $25 on it the last time I checked) that I saved from a few years ago and I also have the one that celebrated the opening of the Silver line (it no longer works). I should be in the system again in late June.
I knew about the left right rule on movin walkways In airports in Vegas they have signs ! Only airport I’ve seen to have this lol!
Smartrip on smart phones are the way to go! I just pass my Apple watch over the detector and keep going!
This sounds weird. Pay with Apple watch? So then the charge will be added to your mobile bill for same month?
From chicago. Already knew about walking left stand right
we have the same escalator rule in London! and we have the same kind of metro (underground in the UK) system, our underground lines are color coded too. So I feel like i'll be right at home when I visit DC lol
Nice! Enjoy your trip
As someone who grew up in the DC area and traveled to London, it was super easy to use the Tube. Basically just a metro 4 times the size of the DC one, and way more efficient. The Tube was awesome I loved it.
Loved using the Tube while in London. So easy and convenient.
Only knew of the stand right rule because of your video! Your videos are fantastic Rob, keep up the great work!
P.S. Still angry about the Newseum closing, but that has nothing to do with you, just wanted a "quick vent".
Newseum was an unfortunate loss. Not even a Covid casualty as it closed in 2019.
Where did you get the wall art of DC ? It looks beautiful
On my last metro trip I went with my two younger cousins, my grandma, and my aunt, we started out at branch Avenue like usual then we went to
L’Enfant plaza and we had to wait 15 minutes for a blue line train to go to the Smithsonian station but then grandma regretted not getting off at
L’Enfant plaza, we were going to the air and space Museum, I showed of this video to grandma and it helped
L'Enfant is the best station for Air and Space.
Korea and japan has the same etiquette with the walk and stand rule on the escalator. Not sure if that's the same in LA.
Thank you for the tip so when I get off at the Amtrak station I can stand on the right but let people walk on the left?
I needed to know how to even work the machine to get the metro card and a single ride near my hotel. Such an ordeal. Got assistance but he moved so fast in the machine I could never recall his steps. Some of your assistance needs to be that low level.
I just came back from DC last week and had a bit of trouble with figuring out which direction I needed to travel on the train to get to where I need to go. I made a mistake at metro Center by getting on the silver line on the left hand side platform to go to L’Enfant plaza. Turns out the train had just came from there so at the next station I had to get off and board a train on the right platform to get to L’Enfant plaza. Do you have any tips for how to avoid this confusion? I’ll be back again in September and would hate to have this problem again!
I'll be there on weekdays. Do they still have peak fares? I've seen conflicting information online. Some say they don't anymore.
Hello, I am watching your videos and I have a few questions. 1: how do I book your tours. 2: we are staying at the State Plaza. You state in you videos ...do not stay too far out. What do you think of this location. Thank you, Becky
Since their are no signs on the escalator, out of town tourists don't know about the walk left stand right rule. A long time some outside escalator did have signs, but they were removed
I live in Harrisburg pa and the subway-Link has similar edacit
I'm looking forward to weekend flat fares. I'm wondering if the hours for that begin Saturday mornings at 7am. If it started earlier than that, that would be really great.
I would assume flat fares apply to the entire time that Metro is open but that is a good question. We'll find out soon enough!
$2-$3.85 off peak and $2 weekend one way.
i heard about walk left rule cuz my airport sky harbor has this rule posted everywhere for the moving sidewalks
Nice!
Can you do a video on metro bus pricing
Metro food eating enforcement is nil these days. They used to be super strict in the french fry debacle days, but it’s probably been 20 years since then and now I see drinks and food all over floor these days.
The way I knew about stand on the right and walk on the left is because it exists even where I live in New York City and it also exists in London and I figured DC would have a similar thing.
Yep. I think they all do.
Quick reply
The unlimited seems dependent on when you plan to travel. We'll be there during the week vs weekend. So the based $2 won't apply to us.
Never knew the metro was scheduled always thought it was 24 hrs with limited stops before "covid" hit because always heard them late at night at the Evans hotel in Rockville MD going by but must've been Amtrak/Marc and freight going by
Metro was once open until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays but it has never been a 24-hour subway.
@@TripHacksDC ah ok thanks for the clarification of myself must've been other trains on the main line besides the twin brook station going by but definitely a great trip to downtown DC on the red line. ... Was wondering if you know when the silver line to Fredericksburg VA Dulles airport was going to open beyond sterling VA think is where it currently stops
I am going tommorow for school and I am hyped, I have rode metros before but I want to see if it is different.
Was it?
@@syckindahead It was a little bit but not too much different.
Can I pay cash and card (split payment) at the metro
the unlimited metro pass might be useful if you are not a tourist, but a student???
Do not try to load more money on your card online. I did this and it took days and days for the new money to register on the card. It's too bad because I thought this would be a very convenient way to make sure to keep my card loaded.
Regarding eating May I also include smoking or drinking
Hi Rob, very intuitive videos. Congratulations. Could you clarify a doubt for me? Does my 9-year-old daughter have to pay for the metro? Thank you very much.
Children age 5 and older pay regular fare
Do Kids Need to Pay DC Metro Fare?
Escalators are like traffic. Pass on the right. Of course, many drivers don't know about the right lane being a passing lane.
Hi, question! The Smartcard works for bus trips also, like other cities?
yes, smartrip works on all dc metro buses including dc circulator. not many people actually bother to stop and swipe though, the drivers don't care either (at least in my experience).
Back when I rode the Metro in the late 70s during it's infancy/toddler stages, I would get a paper transfer from the subway for the busses to complete my commute. Did that also to switch from different bus lines. Do the they still use that now?
My wife has to use a powerchair when extensive walking is needed. When we went to NYC, supposedly, you could roll your mobility scooter or powerchair directly on to the subway. This was not necessarily true. There was a gap of a few inches between the platform onto the subway car, sometimes the subway car was a few inches higher than the platform, and our powerchair had multiple wheels, and the small front wheels prevented us from traversing that small gap . It actually took a powerchair with fairly large front wheels to go on and off the subway.
So for the DC Metro, can just any sort of mobility chair/scooter just drive right on to the subway? Or, do we need to make sure we rent one with large front wheels?
as someone who lives in dc, the gaps between the platform and the train doors are quite small. im not sure how small they'd need to be for your wife's chair, but in the past i've never noticed especially large gaps and people have no trouble with rolling strollers or luggage on.
Google pay doesn't support tap feature on some phones
so I will be in DC as a single person visitor (only myself not responsible for any others) What should I budget for metro/ride share? also any advice on food? not planning on any alcohol/nightlife so thats not an issue.
Budget $2.50 per ride. Food videos: czcams.com/video/HBCL-kJiwxI/video.html
@@TripHacksDC I cannot tell you thank you enough! After watching your channel for the last month and half I just got done with my first night in DC. Your videos have already been immensely helpful and it’s just been 12 hours….you are the best!
Can you bring your bicycles on the Metro? We were wanting to bring our bikes on our trip to DC.
As long as the car is not crowded yes
It's interesting that you mentioned a lifting of the mask requirement. My thinking is that the overall indoor mask mandate (not just transit) will be in place for many more months. It's just a guess on my part though.
I agree with you! But with any luck people will be finding and watching this video years down the road 😀
@@TripHacksDC These Trip Hacks videos will age like fine wine.
I visited last month, was disappointed at how far apart the metro stations are.. in places like London you are never really more than a 5 minute walk from a metro station, in DC you can find yourself needing to walk 15 minutes to get to the nearest one. I hope they plan on adding more stations at some point.
Metro was built as a hybrid commuter rail and subway - very different from London.
Is it easy to ride metro from DCA to Union Station with lots of luggage? We have a large party coming and would like to use the metro from DCA.
depends on the time of day. especially going through transfer stations it can get pretty crowded & hectic trying to bring luggage, in my experience living here. if you can go at a less busy time of day or find an empty car it should be fine. if not, prepare to squeeze or split your group up into multiple cars.
Can Travelers Ride DC Metro with Luggage?
Hey Rob! Do metro stations have luggage storage? On our last day we will be flying out around 8pm but want to see more of the city after we check out of the hotel. Thank you!
No. Any decent hotel will hold your luggage though.
Would definitely go to Hilton or Marriott hotel I know them 2 have luggage storage room in the back office or drop off the bags at the airport early morning then they'll be on your flight already if you do just regular check in never had an issue with that using southwest airlines
I lived in dc for all my life and I always thought that the walk left stand right rule was just normal everywhere.
Cannot find metrohero in the app store
Not looking forward to Shady Grove and Rockville stations being closed from Sept to Dec haha
Metro construction strikes again 😬
Still better than NY dysfunction
Can I get through the turnstiles with luggage bags?
Yes use one of the wide ones
@@TripHacksDC thanks!
Metro need to have 2 dollars set fare prices on weekdays. Plus the long intervals time frame on red line is getting annoying.
Okay, you’re amazing #collegestudent #hu!
Thank you!
walking on right and standing is also a rule on London Underground.
DO NOT stand in front of the train doors, blocking people from entering and exiting and do not cut in front of people standing. Please walk back to the center or the other side of the railcar. The only time it is acceptable to stand in front of the door is when the train is packed and there is no other place to stand
Here’s another Don’t: Don’t yell across the station, if you need to get someone’s attention and they’re not close enough to where they can hear you, wait until you board the train to tell them.
I’ll give you one that should be #1. Board the train through any open door. I’ve seen so many crowds trying to board the car closest to the escalators while the other 5 cars have no one trying to board.
I don't like the peak fares and think Metro should get rid of it especially with the 7000 series out of service. Peak fare starts at 3:00 PM not 4:00 PM and goes to 7:00 PM
I 100% understand the unnecessary transfers and misleading station names. In Boston to get to Fenway Park you ride to Kenmore NOT Fenway station which is actually about a 15 min walk.
The Fenway one is definitely confusing to new riders
Take it from me, taking UBER or LYFT around downtown or the National Mall is NOT a wise idea. Just take the metro: it’s cheap and you’ll get a really neat experience. Another alternate is a LIME scooter or CapitalBikes, awesome alternatives.
New Yorkers are the same way about the escalators
I've heard!
Yes we are. And we new Yorkers have NO problem telling you to not stand on the left.
Paris metro has the same rule.
When it comes to cards I’m so tired of people saying credit card all the time as if the debit card don’t exists
DC Metro Operators Need to Be Recertified | NBC4 Washington - CZcams
what do you think about this?
Some need to be not all
Nice video, thank you. We plan to stay in suburb and reach Washington DC early morning using Metro. But since it early morning, we thought to skip breakfast and have roti on train. Also wanted to save on card and use 3 of us same card. Apparently all of this not possible :(
I learned metro escalator etiquette the hard way.
But I am a clueless tourist
With the generous costs to ride Metrobus and Metrorail, there is no valid excuse to resort to fare evasion.