The DC Metro Red Line has 27 stations, running from Shady Grove in Rockville, Maryland through downtown Washington, D.C. to Glenmont in Wheaton, Maryland. It is the longest line in the Metrorail system at 31.2 miles.
The Red Line runs from Shady Grove in Rockville, Maryland through Bethesda, downtown D.C. (including Dupont Circle, Metro Center, Union Station, and Chinatown), and continues northeast through Silver Spring to Glenmont in Wheaton, Maryland. It passes through Montgomery County, the District of Columbia, and Prince George's County.
As of June 2025, Red Line service hours are: Monday through Thursday 5:00 AM to midnight, Friday 5:00 AM to 2:00 AM, Saturday 6:00 AM to 2:00 AM, and Sunday 6:00 AM to midnight. Hours may vary on holidays and special events.
During weekday rush hours (5:00–9:30 AM and 3:00–7:00 PM), Red Line trains run every 4 minutes at peak frequency and every 6 minutes at other rush-hour times. Off-peak weekday service runs every 6 to 8 minutes. Saturdays run every 6 minutes during the day, and trains run every 10 minutes system-wide after 9:30 PM daily.
Red Line fares range from $2.00 to $6.00 per trip depending on distance and time of day. Peak fares (weekdays opening–9:30 AM and 3:00–7:00 PM) range from $2.25 to $6.00. Off-peak fares range from $2.00 to $3.85. A SmarTrip card or contactless payment is required. Calculate your fare →
The Red Line does not directly serve any airport. To reach Reagan National Airport (DCA), transfer to the Yellow or Blue Line at Gallery Place-Chinatown or Metro Center — the trip from Union Station takes about 21 minutes. To reach Dulles International Airport (IAD), transfer to the Silver Line at Metro Center. For BWI Airport, take Amtrak or MARC from Union Station on the Red Line.
The Red Line connects to all other Metro lines at three transfer stations: Metro Center (Orange, Blue, and Silver lines), Gallery Place-Chinatown (Green and Yellow lines), and Fort Totten (Green and Yellow lines). At Union Station, you can connect to Amtrak, MARC, VRE, and the DC Streetcar. You can also walk between Farragut North (Red Line) and Farragut West (Orange/Blue/Silver) for a free transfer within 30 minutes.
A complete end-to-end ride from Shady Grove to Glenmont takes approximately 47 minutes. The Red Line covers 31.2 miles and passes through 27 stations across Montgomery County, Maryland and Washington, D.C. It is both the oldest and longest line in the Metro system, having opened in 1976.
The following Red Line stations have parking facilities: Shady Grove, Rockville, Twinbrook, North Bethesda, Grosvenor-Strathmore, Medical Center, Rhode Island Ave-Brentwood, Fort Totten, Forest Glen, Wheaton, and Glenmont. Parking is free on weekends and holidays. On weekdays, most lots charge $5.20 per day.
Yes, the Red Line is the busiest line in the Washington Metro system. It carries the highest ridership of all six lines, connecting major employment centers, cultural destinations, universities, and residential areas across Maryland and D.C. It was also the first Metrorail line to open, with service beginning in 1976.