Full operating hours, train frequency and special-event service for the Washington DC Metrorail system. Updated for 2025.
The DC Metro operates seven days a week with extended Friday and Saturday late-night service.
Metro extends hours and adds trains for major events in the DC area. Planning to attend a big event? Take Metro — parking near venues is limited and expensive.
Train frequency — called "headway" — varies by time of day and day of week. Peak hours have the most frequent service.
| Time Period | Days | Frequency | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak — Rush Hour | Mon–Fri 5–9:30 AM & 3–7 PM | Every 4–10 min | Commuters |
| Midday | Mon–Fri 9:30 AM–3 PM | Every 8–15 min | Tourists & errands |
| Evening Off-Peak | Mon–Thu 7–11:30 PM | Every 10–15 min | Dining & nightlife |
| Fri & Sat Evening | Fri–Sat 7 PM–1 AM | Every 10–15 min | Entertainment |
| Saturday | Sat 7 AM–7 PM | Every 10–15 min | Day trips & tourism |
| Sunday | Sun 8 AM–11 PM | Every 12–20 min | Leisure travel |
| Late Night | After 9:30 PM (all days) | Every 15–20 min | Late returns |
All 6 lines share the same operating hours, but peak frequency varies. Lines sharing track (Blue/Orange/Silver and Green/Yellow) run together at some stations.
The most common questions about DC Metro operating hours and service.
The Metro opens at 5:00 AM Monday through Friday. The first trains depart terminal stations around 5:00–5:05 AM, reaching downtown stations approximately 15–30 minutes later depending on the line.
No — Metro closes at 1:00 AM on Friday and Saturday nights. There is no all-night ("owl") service. If you need to travel after 1 AM, plan to use a rideshare or taxi. The DC Circulator bus also runs late on some routes.
Yes, Metro runs on federal holidays but usually on a modified Sunday schedule (8 AM – 11 PM). Always check wmata.com for the specific holiday schedule, as WMATA sometimes adjusts service hours for major holidays.
The longest single-line journey is the Red Line from Shady Grove to Glenmont — about 60 minutes end to end. The Silver Line from Ashburn (Dulles Airport area) to Largo Town Center takes about 80–90 minutes. Most tourist trips between popular downtown stations take 10–25 minutes. See our system map to plan your route.
Yes. Off-peak fares (all times except weekday 5–9:30 AM and 3–7 PM) start at $2.00 and max out at $3.85 — significantly lower than peak fares of $2.25–$6.75. Traveling midday or on weekends saves money. See our full DC Metro fares guide for details.
Weekday midday (10 AM–2 PM) and early weekday mornings (before 7:30 AM) are generally the least crowded. Weekends before noon are also comfortable. Avoid the Blue/Orange/Silver corridor (Metro Center, Foggy Bottom, Rosslyn) during weekday rush hour — it's the most congested part of the system.
Now that you know the schedule, check fares and view the system map to complete your journey plan.