Expert Verified by: David Chen, CFA | Senior Transport Analyst
Estimate your trip costs across the Washington D.C. area with our precision dc metro fare calculator. Whether you are a daily commuter or a visitor, this tool helps you plan your transit budget by accounting for distance and peak hours.
dc metro fare calculator
dc metro fare calculator Formula:
Fare = (Base Fare + (Distance × Mileage Rate)) × Peak Multiplier
Source: WMATA Official Fare Guide
Variables:
- Travel Distance: The total mileage between your entry and exit station.
- Base Fare: The starting cost of any trip (Default is $2.00).
- Travel Time: Determines the multiplier (Peak vs. Off-Peak rates).
- Mileage Rate: The cost added per mile traveled (Average $0.40).
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- NYC Subway Fare Estimator
- Monthly Transit Pass ROI Tool
- Commuter Gas vs Metro Cost Comparison
- Carbon Footprint Savings Calculator
What is dc metro fare calculator?
The dc metro fare calculator is an essential tool for navigating the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) system. Unlike flat-rate subways, the DC Metro uses a distance-based pricing model combined with time-of-day variables.
By using this calculator, passengers can accurately predict the cost of SmarTrip card deductions. This avoids the inconvenience of “Insufficient Funds” at exit gates and helps in choosing between individual fares or unlimited passes.
How to Calculate dc metro fare calculator (Example):
- Determine your trip distance (e.g., 10 miles).
- Identify the current base fare (e.g., $2.00).
- Apply the mileage rate (10 miles × $0.40 = $4.00).
- Check for peak pricing (Peak multiplier of 1.0 or Off-peak discount).
- Sum the results: $2.00 + $4.00 = $6.00 total fare.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
What are considered peak hours? Generally, peak hours are weekdays from opening to 9:30 AM and 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Is there a maximum fare limit? Yes, currently the maximum one-way fare for peak travel is capped at $6.00.
Does this include bus transfers? No, this calculator focuses on rail-to-rail transit fares within the Metro system.
Are weekends cheaper? Yes, WMATA often implements flat rates (e.g., $2.00) for late-night and weekend trips regardless of distance.