A Guide to the Washington, DC Bus Routes, Schedules, and Fares
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 and DC Circulator bus systems within Washington, DC and does not include routes in Maryland and Virginia.
Table of Contents
Metrobus and the DC Circulator: Two Different Types of Busses in DC
In Washington, DC, you’ll find two different types of busses: the Metrobus and the DC Circulator. Metrobus is operated by WMATA (same as Metrorail) and DC Circulator is operated by the DC Department of Transportation (DDOT). DDOT also runs the DC Streetcar from Union Station.
Metrobus
Metrobus will take you almost anywhere you want to go in the city. 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 Metrobus schedules are also posted at most bus stops but can sometimes be outdated.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.
DC Circulator
The DC Circulator serves the city’s most popular neighborhoods and attractions, including routes for:
- The National Mall
- Eastern Market
- Georgetown, Dupont, and Rosslyn
- Woodley Park
- Congress Heights
This is your best option if you are a tourist or exploring the major points of interest in the city. Use it the same way you use the Metrobus system – rides are $1 for most passengers and $0.50 for seniors. Children under 5 and eligible DC students are free.
The DC Circulator runs every ten minutes without a set schedule. In theory, this is meant to provide reliable transportation in DC’s most visited neighborhoods but sometimes the buses run a little behind. Instead of relying on the time, track the buses at DC Circulator’s Bus Time site or keep an eye out when you’re out and about to see how often the buses are actually running.
The DC Circulator routes vary but generally run until midnight (3 am on Friday and Saturday) in Adams Morgan, Georgetown, and Dupont. The National Mall route runs until 8 pm, and other residential neighborhood routes run until 9 pm. There is no late-night or 24/7 service.
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 $1 for DC Circulator and $2 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 D.C. 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.
Navigating the Metro Bus Routes and Schedules
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.
Example Itineraries along the DC Bus Routes
Most of these routes are based on the DC Circulator maps since they are near some of the most popular attractions.
1. Exploring the National Mall
Most people explore the National Mall on foot, but it can feel a little bigger than expected if it’s your first time or you have a big day planned (especially if you are trying to see all of the monuments in a day). The National Mall DC Circulator will take you from Union Station to the Capitol, followed by a loop around the National Mall and around the full length of the Tidal Basin. Hop on this bus whenever you need a break from walking and take in the sights for cheap!
2. Monuments and Museums Followed by a Night Out
If you’ve spent the day on the National Mall exploring the monuments and museums, you might want to explore a different neighborhood for food and drinks. The Woodley-Park/Adam Morgan/McPherson Square DC Circulator route will take you from McPherson Square (near the White House to 14th Street, Columbia Heights, and Adam Morgan. 14th Street and Adams Morgan have lots of bars and dining options to get a great taste of DC. Traveling between Adams Morgan and the 14th and U Street areas is not easily metro accessible so this is a great opportunity to jump on the DC Circulator. A similar route between McPherson, U Street, Adams Morgan, and/or Woodley Park would require a transfer on Metrorail.
3. Brunch, Sports, and Water Views
The Eastern Market neighborhood has some of my favorite brunch options, including Ambar and Barrel plus a few cute shops to browse. This neighborhood is Metrorail accessible (orange, blue, silver) but a different color line than Navy Yard (green): home to the baseball and soccer stadiums. If you’re in town for a game and want to explore beyond Navy Yard, the Union Station to Congress Heights DC Circulator route can help you out. Jump on a bus from Eastern Market to Navy Yard and if you have extra time, enjoy the Anacostia River walk. The route runs to Congress Heights through Anacostia, so you can travel across the water by bus or foot.
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.