Is the DC Metro Safe? A Visitor's Guide to Riding Metrorail

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Last reviewed: November 2026. Hours, fares and payment options change, so check WMATA’s website before you travel.

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Washington’s Metrorail system is one of the easiest ways to see the city. It connects the National Mall, the neighborhoods and Reagan National Airport, and its stations are big, bright and well signed. For visitors, it’s generally safe, with the same kind of precautions you’d take on any big-city transit system.

Here’s what to know about safety on the DC Metro, plus how to pay, when it runs and how to get help.

Is the DC Metro safe?

For most riders, yes. Most trips are uneventful, and the most common problems are theft, especially phone snatching near doors, and occasional disruptive behavior. Metro has its own police force, the Metro Transit Police Department, and cameras cover stations and trains.

Like any system, some stations and times are quieter than others. Late at night and at outlying stations, it’s worth being more alert.

How to get help

Emergency: call 911, or Metro Transit Police at 202-962-2121.
Non-urgent safety issues: text Metro Transit Police at 696873 (MyMTPD) to report something discreetly.
On the train: use the intercom near the doors to speak to the operator.
In stations: look for station managers in the kiosk near the faregates.

Save the numbers in your phone before you travel.

Interior of a Washington DC Metro train car with blue seats — Photo: Jason Gooljar / Pexels

Safety tips for riding Metro

Stand back from the platform edge. The flashing lights in the platform edge signal an arriving train.
Keep your phone away near the doors. Snatch thefts often happen just as doors are closing.
Stand on the right, walk on the left on escalators. Metro’s escalators are long, so hold the handrail, especially with kids or luggage.
Pick a car with other people late at night, and sit near the operator’s end if you’re uneasy.
Keep bags zipped and in front on crowded trains, such as after big events or at rush hour.
Move or get off if someone makes you uncomfortable. Another train will come.

The habits are the same as on any big system; my guide to New York subway safety has more on riding at night.

How to pay

On Metrorail you can tap a contactless credit or debit card, or a card in your phone’s mobile wallet, at the faregate, then tap the same card or device when you exit, since fares depend on distance and time of day. You can also use a SmarTrip card or the SmarTrip app. Each rider needs their own card or device.

When Metro runs

Metrorail typically runs from early morning until midnight on weekdays and later on Friday and Saturday nights, with later starts on weekends. Hours can change, and track work sometimes closes stations or reduces service, especially on weekends. Check WMATA’s website or app before you head out, particularly for late returns.

Metro train arriving at a curved underground station — Photo: Tom Fisk / Pexels

Using Metro for sightseeing

Smithsonian station sits on the National Mall, close to many of the museums.
Metro Center and Gallery Place are central transfer points for downtown.
Arlington Cemetery and the Pentagon are on the Blue line.
Reagan National Airport has its own station, a short ride from downtown.
Dulles Airport is at the end of the Silver line. It takes much longer than from Reagan, so allow plenty of time.

Many of DC’s biggest sights are free; I list them with other cities in my guide to free and low-cost attractions. For a full visit plan, see why DC is one of my picks for long weekend trips.

Other ways to get around

Metro isn’t always the best option. The National Mall is long but walkable, and many sights are closer to each other on foot than by train. Metrobus covers areas the trains don’t reach and accepts SmarTrip; check WMATA’s site for which other payment options work on buses. Capital Bikeshare docks are all over the city if you’re comfortable cycling in traffic. Late at night, or for a station you don’t know, a taxi or rideshare can be the safer choice, especially if you’re on your own; my guide to staying safe when traveling alone has more on that.

Accessibility

All Metrorail stations have elevators, and trains have priority seating. Elevator outages do happen, so check WMATA’s elevator status page before you travel if you depend on one.

Frequently asked questions

Is the DC Metro safe at night?

Generally, yes. Choose a car with other passengers, stay alert at quieter stations, and consider a taxi or rideshare for very late trips.

Can I use my credit card on the Metro?

Yes. Contactless credit and debit cards and mobile wallets work at Metrorail faregates. Tap in and tap out with the same card.

Is the Metro good for families?

Yes. Stations have elevators, and the Mall is easy to reach. Hold children’s hands on the long escalators and near the platform edge.

How do I report something without calling?

Text Metro Transit Police at 696873. For emergencies, call 911.