What is a SmarTrip® Card?
A SmarTrip® Card is a rechargeable plastic farecard that can hold up to $300 in value to pay for Metro, Metrobus, DC Circulator and other bus systems in Virginia and Maryland. SmarTrip® Cards are accepted at the following regional transit agencies:
District of Columbia
Metro, Metrobus, and DC Circulator.
Virginia
ART (Arlington Transit), CUE (Fairfax City), DASH (Alexandria Transit Company), Fairfax Connector, and Loudoun Commuter Bus Service.
Maryland
MTA (Maryland Transit Administration), Ride On (Montgomery County Transit Services Division), TheBus (Prince George's County), and PRTC (Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park).
Where Can I Buy a SmarTrip® Card?
Purchase in Person
SmarTrip® Cards can be purchased in person using either a credit card or cash at Metro stations where parking is available. SmarTrip® Cards are sold for a minimum of $10 through SmarTrip® Card vending machines; The card costs $2 and comes with $8 in stored value. You can also purchase a SmarTrip® Card at Metro sales offices, retail outlets and commuter stores.
Purchase Online
It's easy to buy a SmarTrip® Card. Purchase your card online using a credit card or debit card. Metro ships all orders via the U.S. Postal Service First Class Mail. Your order will be shipped within two business days from the day you place your order. Metro does not charge for shipping and handling. Note: international orders are not accepted.
Once you have your SmarTrip® Card, you can add value to the card at any Metro Station or online. When adding value online, the amount added to the SmarTrip® Card may not exceed $300 in total within a 72-hour period.
Facts About SmarTrip® Cards
Discounts in Metro-Bus Transfers
Pay your fare using a SmarTrip® Card to take advantage of the discounted fare when transferring from Metro to Bus (and vice versa). By using the card, passengers enjoy a significant savings. For example, a bus ride requiring one transfer will cost $1.35 on a SmarTrip® Card, but cost $2.70 when paying using a paper farecard.
No Sharing of Cards
SmarTrip® Cards cannot be shared so each passenger must have its own SmarTrip Card when riding Metro or taking the bus. The card can also be used to pay for parking fees.
Lost, Stolen, or Damaged? Don't Worry
If your SmarTrip® Card gets lost, stolen or damaged, you do not lose the value in the card. 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 feature, register your SmarTrip® Card. For more information regarding your SmarTrip® Card or to report a problem, please call 1-888-762-7874, TTY 703-620-8782 or send an email to smartrip@wmata.com
Senior SmarTrip Cards
If you are a senior citizen (age 65 and older), I have great news! You qualify for a yellow Senior SmarTrip® Card which enables you to get the discounted fare on Metrobus and Metro.
Senior SmarTrip® Cards are not sold in vending machines located in Metro Stations. To buy the Senior SmarTrip® Card, you need to show a valid government issued photo ID (i.e., driver's licence, passport, etc.) with proof of age at Metro Sales offices, commuter stores, and some public libraries in the Prince George's and Montgomery counties. To purchase a SmarTrip® Card, see sales locations.
Related Information
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Metro |
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Metrobus |
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Metro Pocket Guide |
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DC Circulator |
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SmarTrip Card |
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