Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro)

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro)

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro)
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  • landonjohnr
    Milford, Ohio77 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Ok but…..
    Although clean and efficient, not very cost effective when compared to our Uber/Lyft fares, especially when you will still have significant walking distance from station to sights. Pass duration is not what it appears, as a day pass is not valid for 24 hours from time of purchase. It expires at midnight so you need to add more money to the pass the following day.
    Visited March 2023
    Written 31 March 2023
  • Longdenrhl
    57 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    We are not in Kansas anymore
    From the standpoint of customer service, cleanliness, and efficiency, it’s sketchy at best. I rode the New York City subway system for a week and never had to ask anybody a question. When I walked into a DC station, the signage is so confusing they had to have people stand out in front of the machine so they can show how to use them. That’s how complicated they were. This doesn’t work on so many levels. The training is also sketchy. I had tried to ask people questions and they wanted me to greet them first and made an issue about it. ( metro ctr red line first floor 5 pm)I’m not in France. I’m in America. This happens in France a lot. Not here. All of this is correctable if you are not in an ivory tower of blindness. It’s obvious yo the customer the shortcomings. but I bet if you ask anybody from the top and down how they’re doing, they would say great and they are not. This is not for the consumer it’s for the management read it and weep.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 8 April 2023
  • dbinhou7511
    Houston, Texas1,652 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Easy way to get around DC area
    Cars and stations were clean. Really good information about upcoming stops on the newer cars. Rode the blue and silver lines. Easy to park and ride in from suburbs. Buying a day pass only makes sense if you are going to ride multiple times in a day. For just in and out, buy separate tickets. My only complaint is that many times the ticket machines didn't work well (e.g., no change).
    Visited March 2023
    Written 15 May 2023
  • Kelly s
    6 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Be advised of digital cards!
    I purchased 3 unlimited metro passes for myself and 2 children, ages 10 and 15. I added them to my Apple Wallet and only 1 worked, despite naming each one differently. A day after I emailed asking about the digital tickets and our outing, I received a response that only 1 digital card can be used PER device. There is NO information on the app or website about this as I searched extensively because of this concern before traveling. The unlimited day pass is not worth the $16/person unless you know the system well and know the area well. Many things we wanted to see were all walking distance as it would've taken longer to go from one station to the next. The attendants at each stop, Reston Town Center and McPherson were extremely helpful and nice! They were not knowledgeable in the digital wallet/app situation though and could not help there. The metro was clean and efficient. We did travel on a holiday weekend, 7/3/23 at 8 a.m. so no crowds. Suggest when traveling with kids to just get pass/ticket at the station for each traveler who requires one.
    Visited July 2023
    Written 10 July 2023
  • William W
    Ogden, Utah54 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Easiest Way to Get Round DC
    The DC Metro is by far the easiest and fastest way to get around DC. The stations and trains are clean and safe. There are plenty of maps indicating stations and transfer points. Down load the Smartrip App on your phone. You can purchase your travel card ahead of time and just tap and go to board your train. I purchased a 7 day unlimited pass and used it everyday. It was on my phone and I didn’t have to fumble with cards. Reasonably priced and easily accessible from DCA and IAD. Ditch other public transportation and use this great system.
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 15 August 2023
  • MrMrsHappyR
    Liverpool, United Kingdom1,223 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Decent
    Really good and easy to use metro system. The SmartTrip cards are great and also easy to use. Could just do with a few more Metro stations on the National Mall. But at least you can you the SmartTrip cards on the Circulator Bus for $1 price as well
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 10 September 2023
  • Oliver A
    Leeds, United Kingdom184 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great way to get around DC
    Me and my mum purchased Smartrip cards. Linking them on the app was helpful. Loading the cards at the machines was fairly straightforward. Metro stations always felt safe and were pretty clean too. On our first day we had an issue where my mum couldn't board the bus. Staff at L'Enfant Plaza were very friendly and tried to help with our issue. They couldn't figure it out in the end. But I realised that she only had a day pass and no additional value on the card. So it seems like the day passes you can load onto your card only work for the metro, not buses as well. The metro trains were always reliable and on time. Great visual queues for incoming trains too.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 20 September 2023
  • sheryl w
    73 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    2023 Girls Trip
    While visiting DC, Metro was our method of transportation. I enjoyed the convenience. I witnessed the adrenaline rush of the morning commute. People from all walks of life hurrying to get to their jobs while my daughter and I were calmly enjoying the ride. The trains arrived on time and got us to our destinations without any mishaps. I wish our city was fortunate to have transportation of this magnitude. Purchasing a metro card is a breeze. The machines are self explanatory. Metro attendants are very helpful and don't mind assisting you. The maps are relatively easy to follow and there is ample signage around just in case you are confused. The architecture is amazing. The escalator at the Rosslyn Metro Station in Arlington is a wonder in itself! If you've never ridden a subway, I suggest you give it a try!
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 2 October 2023
  • sfuhere
    789 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Slow
    This is a perfectly safe, if slow system. I only mention safety as some American friends appeared to be dubious on that point. But I was less impressed with it than I had expected to be. The doors take an age to open when the train stops at a station - why? And why are the escalators so unbelievably slow and noisy? Does anybody ever oil them? The seating is generally pretty uncomfortable, especially the newer cars. For the Metro system of a world superpower’s capital city, it’s a little disappointing. The essence of rapid transit systems is that they should be rapid! Train frequencies are generally okay but we had a long wait on a Sunday morning. However, the $2 fares in the weekends are good value. I still think the London underground is a hundred times better, though. That may be why it is so much bigger, popular and well used than this one.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 19 November 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles755 reviews
Excellent
317
Very good
255
Average
99
Poor
42
Terrible
42

Brellie
Washington DC, DC1,294 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Solo
The metro is improving. For anyone over 65 they should look into a senior metro card. The card are yellow and can be bought at metro locations but not at the metro station.
Written 13 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jessica H
4 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Solo
I was trying to take the train home from Tyson's at around 8:30pm today. The train went 1 stop to McLean and then it went out of service. We all got off the train and waited about 10 minutes for the next train. When the next train arrived, it went out of service as well, and an employee said on the intercom that no trains would be heading towards Falls Church or Ballston. There was no warning or announcement prior to let people know that these trains would be out of service. There was a shuttle to replace the trains, but the shuttle was completely full. I had to scramble to catch a different bus and it took over an hour for me to get home. The commute was much longer than I anticipated. WMATA is so annoying. They really need to work on improving the service. The trains and buses are very unreliable. Also, the machines will steal your money sometimes, and there's no way to get your money back. It can get very pricey (the machines stealing your money and some stops cost $5-$6 both ways). Some of the employees are rude and unprofessional. Some of the bus drivers will drive off before you even get to your seat, which can cause you to fall forward and injure yourself (I have fell and hurt myself due to the bus driver pulling off before reaching a seat multiple times). Some of the bus drivers will see you standing & waiting at the bus stop and drive right past you. Some of the employees have nasty attitudes. A lot of the trains and buses are dirty and smell like sewage. I think public transportation should be free, it's not worth paying for.
Written 3 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Traveler
22 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Couples
I was a little hesitant in using this public transportation due to our age and safety issues but I was impressed! Well lit, on site staff were exceptionally helpful, and kiosk directions were easy to decipher. I would recommend this means of transportation in the Old Town Alexandria and D.C. area.
Written 26 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

sfuhere
uk789 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Couples
This is a perfectly safe, if slow system. I only mention safety as some American friends appeared to be dubious on that point. But I was less impressed with it than I had expected to be. The doors take an age to open when the train stops at a station - why? And why are the escalators so unbelievably slow and noisy? Does anybody ever oil them? The seating is generally pretty uncomfortable, especially the newer cars. For the Metro system of a world superpower’s capital city, it’s a little disappointing. The essence of rapid transit systems is that they should be rapid!

Train frequencies are generally okay but we had a long wait on a Sunday morning. However, the $2 fares in the weekends are good value. I still think the London underground is a hundred times better, though. That may be why it is so much bigger, popular and well used than this one.
Written 19 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ChrisMcNeil
Washington DC, DC248 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Solo
WMATA (Metro) maintains a partnership with Arlington County (Virginia) Commuter Services, serving as the Transportation Demand Management (TDM) agency of Arlington County, Virginia. WMATA offers reduced fares for seniors, and it offers customers a smartphone app that can be used at the fare gates instead of having a SmarTrip card. My expectation was that if I had questions about using the app, I could approach a customer service representative at one of the Commuter Service stores - including the one in Crystal City. My mistake. When I asked for guidance as to how to use the app, the cutomer service representative - apparently peeved that I sought guidance at a time she was chatting with her co-worker - told me "we have nothing to do with the app". End of story. You want help? Seek it elsewhere.
Written 30 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Katherine R
1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Friends
This was the worst trip possible. Nothing worked and no one helped us. Our stop was closed with no notification.
Written 21 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

James M
1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Solo
Due to the inconvenience of the subway between Eastern Market and Benning Rd has been out all day and caused an inconvenience and a major delay getting home from work. I did not get home until 1:30 a.m. and left my job at Capital One Arena at 11:00 p.m. I will not pay for your service again.
Written 15 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

sheryl w
73 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Family
While visiting DC, Metro was our method of transportation. I enjoyed the convenience. I witnessed the adrenaline rush of the morning commute. People from all walks of life hurrying to get to their jobs while my daughter and I were calmly enjoying the ride.

The trains arrived on time and got us to our destinations without any mishaps. I wish our city was fortunate to have transportation of this magnitude.

Purchasing a metro card is a breeze. The machines are self explanatory.
Metro attendants are very helpful and don't mind assisting you. The maps are relatively easy to follow and there is ample signage around just in case you are confused.

The architecture is amazing. The escalator at the Rosslyn Metro Station in Arlington is a wonder in itself! If you've never ridden a subway, I suggest you give it a try!
Written 2 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Oliver A
Leeds, UK184 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Friends
Me and my mum purchased Smartrip cards. Linking them on the app was helpful. Loading the cards at the machines was fairly straightforward. Metro stations always felt safe and were pretty clean too.

On our first day we had an issue where my mum couldn't board the bus. Staff at L'Enfant Plaza were very friendly and tried to help with our issue. They couldn't figure it out in the end. But I realised that she only had a day pass and no additional value on the card. So it seems like the day passes you can load onto your card only work for the metro, not buses as well.

The metro trains were always reliable and on time. Great visual queues for incoming trains too.
Written 20 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Navigate738481
Spokane, WA2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Family
Every employee from the Metro station at Reagan Airport to Foggy Bottom were very helpful.Always answered any questions we might have.
Written 16 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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