DC Metro reduced fares
Riders aged 65 and over, riders with disabilities, Medicare cardholders and Metro Lift (SNAP) participants pay half price on Metrorail, from $1.10 up to $3.35. The discount only works on a registered reduced-fare Smart Trip card issued in your name.
What do you pay with a reduced fare?
50% off
Reduced fares are half the applicable fare, rounded down to the next $0.05. The $1.10 floor and $3.35 ceiling are simply half of $2.25 and $6.75, not separate rules. Late night and weekend reduced fares run $1.10 to $1.25.
Who qualifies for a reduced Metro fare?
Seniors 65 and over
Show proof of age and enrol for a Senior Smart Trip card, online or at a Metro sales office.
Riders with disabilities
Apply for a Metro Disability ID card. A Medicare card with photo ID also qualifies you for the discounted rate.
Metro Lift (SNAP)
Half price on rail and bus for SNAP recipients in DC, Maryland and Virginia. A Metro Lift card cannot be combined with another reduced-fare program.
Students
DC students aged 5 to 21 enrolled at a school in the District ride free within DC on a Kids Ride Free card. College students may have U-Pass in their tuition.
Student programs are run jurisdiction by jurisdiction and change from one school year to the next, so confirm current eligibility on the WMATA student programs page or with your school before relying on it.
What is the reduced fare by distance?
| Trip | Regular | Reduced |
|---|---|---|
| Short (first 3 composite miles) | $2.25 | $1.10 |
| Medium (3 to 6 composite miles) | $2.25 to $3.60 | $1.10 to $1.80 |
| Long (6 to 13 composite miles) | $3.60 to $6.75 | $1.80 to $3.35 |
| Maximum (13+ composite miles) | $6.75 | $3.35 |
| Late night, weekend, federal holiday | $2.25 to $2.50 | $1.10 to $1.25 |
A composite mile is Metro's own unit: the average of the distance the train travels between your two stations and the straight-line distance between them. The fare calculator shows the reduced rate alongside the regular fare for any station pair.
How do you get a reduced-fare card?
- Check which program fits: age 65 and over, a disability, a Medicare card, or SNAP enrolment through Metro Lift.
- Apply online through the Smart Trip site, or in person at a Metro sales office, with your proof of eligibility.
- Receive your registered reduced-fare Smart Trip card, issued in your name.
- Load value and tap as usual. The discount is applied automatically at the gate, and you still tap the same card in and out.
Good to know
Reduced fares only apply to a registered card issued to you. Tapping an ordinary contactless card always charges the full fare, whatever your eligibility. Eligible riders can also buy discounted passes, which are priced against the reduced fare rather than the regular one.
Estimate a reduced fare
The calculator lists the senior, disability and Metro Lift rate for every station pair alongside the regular fare.
Open the fare calculatorRelated fare guides
WMATA Transit information provided on this site is subject to change without notice. Fares shown are sourced from the WMATA API and may not reflect temporary promotions or fare changes. For the most current fare information, visit wmata.com/fares. NextMetro is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to WMATA.