A Guide to the Washington, DC Bus Routes, Schedules, and Fares

ByPeter Epley
Two Circulator busses parked on a street in Washington, DC

Public transportation in Washington, DC is an easy and reliable way to get around the city. It can provide more access to different neighborhoods and a faster, more straightforward route than Metro if you are trying to get across town. This guide will primarily focus on the Metrobus bus systems within Washington, DC and does not include routes in Maryland and Virginia. 

Riding Metrobus

Metrobus will take you almost anywhere you want to go in the city. It is run by WMATA – the same people who run Metrorail. Schedules are pretty reliable and you can follow the routes using the Smartrip app or calling the real-time arrival phone number posted at the bus stop. Metrobus schedules are also posted at most bus stops but can sometimes be outdated. I’d recommend taking a look at schedules before you leave or the night before your trip to avoid waiting at bus stops too long. Buses can run anywhere from every 5-15 minutes on popular routes to only every 30-60 minutes on less popular routes or on weekends.

Metrobus runs daily, with different schedules for weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. 13 select routes run 24/7 across the city and can be found on the 24/7 DC Bus Service page.

Note that there used to be a bus system called the DC Circulator, which ended service at the end of 2024.

How to Ride and Pay

Download the SmarTrip App

The SmarTrip app is the easiest way to pay for all your Metrorail and Metrobus trips. You can set it up to auto-load or add money manually anywhere directly on your phone without having to visit a Metro station first. Most routes will typically cost you $2.25 for Metrobus (WMATA) for a single bus trip within DC (WMATA routes marked “Express” that travel outside of DC cost more). Children under the age of five ride for free. You can also pay for the bus with cash but bus drivers will not make change.

Free Transfer

If you use your SmarTrip app, you can transfer to any other bus or Metrorail line within 2 hours for free. This is perfect for short outings or hopping between different points of interest while you’re exploring. If you don’t have the app, the bus drivers can give you a time slip if you ask. This includes transfers to VA and MD busses too!

Catching The Bus

Busses will stop if you are standing in a bus station, but it is best to always signal the bus to make sure the driver sees you. You can put your hand up like you are hailing a taxi if it is busy. Bus drivers will also watch for you to shake your head no if you are the only one at the bus stop and you are not catching that route. Many bus stops serve multiple routes, so make sure you get on the bus with the correct number or letter.

Accessibility

All buses in DC are equipped with wheelchair ramps, kneeling buses, and designated seating areas for people with disabilities. Strollers and scooters or carts can also be brought aboard any bus, but priority is given to those with disabilities first. Bike racks are also available on the front of the bus. If you need help with boarding the bus or racking your bike, simply let the driver know.

You can find the bus routes and schedules on the WMATA website or by using the WMATA mobile app. Some popular stops will also have real-time arrival information on digital signage attached to the bus shelter. You may find a route timetable at a sign near the bus stop, however keep in mind that this information is not updated regularly.

Two red and yellow Circulator busses on the street ready to start their dc bus routes in Washington, DC

General Things to Keep In Mind

As a general rule, bus routes in Washington, DC are identified by a combination of 2 numbers or a letter and a number. The letter or number at the beginning (or end) of the route number generally indicates the type of service provided:

  • Routes starting with a number are the most common routes that generally travel across the city as opposed to staying within a single neighborhood.
  • Routes starting with a letter are local or neighborhood routes, which serve local neighborhoods and provide access to schools, shopping centers, and other community destinations.
  • Routes ending with a “9” are the MetroExtra routes, which operate with limited stops and provide a faster service to similar routes with the same starting letter/number.
  • Express routes do not typically carry a unique number or letter combination, but can be identified by the word “Express” in their route name. These typically travel from outside of DC into the city and carry a higher fare.

When in Doubt, Use a Mobile App!

Mobile apps like Smartrip and Citymapper can help find busses and other public transportation in the city. Citymapper is pretty easy to read and will find the best bus for you based on your location. It’s especially helpful if you are still learning the routes or in a neighborhood you don’t know very well. It also provides suggested routes including metro, bus, and rideshare options.