SmarTrip Card is a rechargeable plastic farecard that can hold up to $300 in value to pay for Metro, Metrobus, and DC Circulator bus fares and for parking fees at Metro operated parking facilities.
A SmarTrip Card is needed to get the reduced bus fare when transferring from Metro to Metrobus or DC Circulator bus. Each passenger (age 6 and above) must have a SmarTrip Card for the reduced fare. Seniors and people with disabilities qualify for a reduced-fare SmarTrip Card.
By using a SmarTrip Card, a bus or metro passenger will enjoy a significant savings. For example, a two-bus ride requiring one transfer will cost $1.25 on a SmarTrip Card, but cost $2.70 using cash.
SmarTrip Cards can be purchased online at wmata.com using a credit or debit card. The total cost of buying online is $30. The actual card cost $5, so you get $25 on the card to be used on Metro, Metrobus, and DC Circulator.
SmarTrip Cards can also be purchased in person using either a credit card, debit card, or cash at metro stations where parking is available. SmarTrip cards are sold for a minimum of $10 (with a $5 value loaded) through SmarTrip Card vending machines.
An advantage of having a SmarTrip Card is that you do not lose the value if the card gets lost, stolen, or damaged. For a $5 fee to replace the card itself, Metro will give you a new SmarTrip card with the value on the card at the time you notified that it was lost. To take advantage of this, register your SmarTrip card online.
How to Use Your SmarTrip Card
Once you have your SmarTrip Card, you can add value to the card at any Metro station or on any Metrobus. Watch a video from Metro about how to get and use SmarTrip cards.
