Navigating the DC Metro can be a real headache, especially if you're not familiar with the system. But don't worry, there are tons of apps out there to make your commute a breeze! These handy tools can help you find the fastest route, avoid delays, and even track your train's arrival in real-time.
Out of all the apps we've tested, Moovit, Citymapper, and Transit • Subway & Bus Times are our top picks. They're all super user-friendly, packed with features, and keep you updated on any service changes or disruptions. So ditch the paper maps and download one of these apps today – you'll be a DC Metro pro in no time!
| App | Logo | Available On | Reviews | Downloads | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Moovit |  | Android, iOS | 4.6/5 | 159M+ | Live arrival information, Real-time navigation, Multimodal trip planning |
| 2. Citymapper |  | Android, iOS | 4.8/5 | 17M+ | Real-time trip comparison, Turn-by-turn navigation |
| 3. Transit • Subway & Bus Times |  | Android, iOS | 4.5/5 | 16M+ | Accurate real-time info, Trip comparisons, Service disruption alerts |
| 4. DC Metro and Bus |  | Android, iOS | 4.6/5 | 879K+ | Realtime rail predictions, Realtime bus information |
| 5. GoPass ® |  | Android | 4.7/5 | 713K+ | Mobile ticketing, Real-time trip planning, Digital GoPass Wallet |
| 6. SmarTrip |  | Android, iOS | 1.9/5 | 379K+ | Account balance protection, Auto-Reload setup, Unlimited transit pass purchase |
| 7. DC Transit |  | Android, iOS | 4.6/5 | 67K+ | Real-time arrival times, Trip planning, Service alerts |
1. Moovit
Real-time arrival information, Live navigation with directions
Cost:
Moovit Free (Free), Moovit Premium (US) ($1.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Maps & Navigation |
| Downloads | Over 159 million downloads |
| Features | Moovit helps you plan your DC Metro trips with real-time arrival information, live navigation, and detailed route maps. |
| Who It’s For | DC Metro commuters who want a comprehensive app for planning and navigating their trips. |
- Tags:
- Real-time transit info
- Trip planner with alerts
- Live bus and train tracking
Moovit is a game-changer for navigating the DC Metro system, especially if you're time-conscious and need precise arrival times. It's a one-stop shop for planning trips, with real-time updates and the ability to mix modes of transportation, like adding a bike rental to your route. While there's room for improvement in features like automatic location detection and a more user-friendly calendar, Moovit truly excels at helping you get around the city, even in less familiar areas. It's no wonder users rave about its accuracy and comprehensive approach to public transportation.
Pros & Cons
- Accurate public transit
- Mix transportation modes
- Calculate travel time
- Great for travelers
- Location refresh issues
- Calendar feature issues
- Direction arrows not working
Why we chose it?
Moovit's my go-to for navigating DC's Metro because it's super accurate with real-time arrival info, completely free with no hidden fees, and super easy to use for planning multi-modal trips. I love that it can even tell me where to catch a bus or rideshare after I get off the Metro! It's saved me so much time and frustration, especially when navigating the busy DC Metro system.
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2. Citymapper
Real-time transit updates, Multi-modal route planning, Offline map access
Cost:
Free (Free), Citymapper Pro (US) ($1.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Maps & Navigation |
| Downloads | Over 17 million downloads |
| Features | Citymapper offers real-time navigation for DC Metro, buses, walking, cycling, and ride-sharing, providing optimized routes and estimated travel times. |
| Who It’s For | Commuters and visitors to Washington, D.C. who rely on public transportation. |
- Tags:
- Real-time transit info
- Multimodal trip planning
- Step-by-step navigation
Citymapper is a game-changer for navigating the DC Metro, offering a wealth of options for getting around the city. While it excels at combining multiple transit modes, including bikeshare, it goes beyond simply providing directions. Users rave about its ability to accurately estimate arrival times and even share your ETA with contacts for added safety. The app also provides real-time updates on bus schedules and alerts you when it's time to get off, making it a reliable companion for navigating the complexities of the DC transit system. While the app could benefit from more customization and filtering options, it remains a powerful tool for exploring the city and making sure you get where you need to go, on time and without stress.
Pros & Cons
- Accurate bus times & updates
- Great for NYC and Singapore
- Combines buses and subways
- Share location ETA with contacts
- No fare information listed
- No turn-by-turn map navigation
- Limited settings and customizability
Why we chose it?
Citymapper is my go-to for navigating DC's metro system! It's super intuitive and shows me all the different ways to get around, including walking, biking, and even scooters. Plus, it provides real-time updates on delays and disruptions, saving me tons of time and stress. You'll love how easy it is to plan your trip and how well it integrates with the DC Metro system.
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3. Transit • Subway & Bus Times
Real-time arrival information, Trip planning with multiple options
Cost:
Free (Free), Transit Pro ($14.99/year)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Maps & Navigation |
| Downloads | Over 15 million downloads |
| Features | Transit provides real-time arrival times, trip planning, service alerts, and live tracking for buses, trains, subways, and even bike-sharing options in major cities like Washington D.C. |
| Who It’s For | Commuters, tourists, and anyone who relies on public transportation in Washington D.C. |
If you're navigating the DC metro system, "Transit • Subway & Bus Times" is a must-have app. This free app, praised as a "killer app" by the Wall Street Journal, provides real-time tracking of buses and trains, making it easier than ever to stay on top of your commute. Users rave about its "invaluable" feature that alerts you when your stop is coming up, ensuring you never miss your destination. While the app isn't perfect, it's consistently reliable and significantly more accurate than Google Maps for DC's transit system, particularly when it comes to bus wait times.
Pros & Cons
- Convenient and easy to use
- Provides real-time bus tracking
- Offers accurate wait times
- Free and reliable
- GPS location can be inaccurate
- Sometimes shows wrong bus numbers
- No way to report errors
Why we chose it?
I'm a huge fan of Transit! It's my go-to app for navigating the DC Metro, and here's why: it provides real-time arrival information for both buses and trains, making it super easy to plan my trips and avoid delays. Plus, its intuitive interface makes it a breeze to find the best route, and the ability to track my train or bus on a map gives me peace of mind knowing exactly where I am. If you're looking for a reliable and user-friendly app for the DC Metro, Transit is the way to go!
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4. DC Metro and Bus
Real-time Metro rail predictions, Comprehensive trip planner
Cost:
Free (Free), Premium ($1.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Maps & Navigation |
| Downloads | Over 879,000 downloads |
| Features | The DC Metro and Bus app offers real-time and schedule information for Metro rail, WMATA/Metro bus, Arlington Transit (ART) and DC Circulator, trip planning, location-based station/stop finder, and an interactive Metro map. |
| Who It’s For | Anyone who needs to navigate the Washington Metropolitan region's public transportation system. |
- Tags:
- Real-time Tracking
- Comprehensive trip planning
- Interactive system map
"DC Metro and Bus" is the go-to app for navigating the Washington D.C. metro system, offering real-time information and a reliable trip planner. Users rave about its accuracy and find it indispensable for daily commutes, using it multiple times a day. While the app was initially praised for its ad-free upgrade option, recent updates have introduced intrusive ads that have caused frustration among users. Despite this, the app remains highly valued for its comprehensive coverage of Metro rail and bus routes, making it a valuable tool for anyone traveling in the D.C. area.
Pros & Cons
- Reliable for DC Metro
- Provides accurate bus info
- Offers real-time updates
- Helpful for planning trips
- Invasive and frequent ads
- Ads can block important info
- Potential for ad-related issues
Why we chose it?
I've tried a ton of apps for navigating the DC Metro, but this one really stands out! It's got all the basics, like real-time train arrival information and schedule details for buses. But the best part is how easy it is to plan trips, even across different lines. It's my go-to app for getting around the city, and I highly recommend it!
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5. GoPass ®
Buy passes on your phone, Real-time trip planning, Digital wallet for payments
Download:
Application information
| Category | Maps & Navigation |
| Downloads | Over 700,000 downloads |
| Features | GoPass lets you buy, store, and manage D.C. Metro passes directly on your phone, offering real-time trip planning, step-by-step navigation, and multiple payment options. |
| Who It’s For | Commuters and visitors to the Washington D.C. metropolitan area using the D.C. Metro system. |
- Tags:
- Mobile Ticketing
- Real-Time Trip Planning
- Digital GoPass Wallet
GoPass is a handy app for DC metro riders, allowing you to purchase and store passes digitally, eliminating the need for paper tickets. While it does offer features like real-time trip planning and mobile ticketing, users have expressed frustrations with its offline functionality, noting that the app requires an active network connection to view tickets, which can be problematic during underground travel. Additionally, some users have pointed out glitches in the trip planner, such as inaccurate walking instructions and difficulties with long-distance trips involving multiple transfers. While the app has seen improvements, there is still room for development to address these ongoing issues and enhance its overall user experience.. GoPass ®
Pros & Cons
- Easy to pay for rides
- Conveniently stores ticket information
- Provides real-time bus and train schedules
- Improved since initial release
- Requires internet connection
- Glitchy and unreliable
- Poor trip planning for long distances
Why we chose it?
GoPass is my go-to app for navigating the DC metro. It's super easy to use, with a simple interface that lets me buy passes and track my trips in seconds. I love that I can store multiple payment methods and even load cash directly onto my account, making it a breeze to pay for fares. Plus, the real-time arrival information is a lifesaver, especially during rush hour!
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6. SmarTrip
Manage card balance and account, Set up auto-reload for convenience
Download:
Application information
| Category | Travel & Local |
| Downloads | Over 379,000 downloads |
| Features | Manage your SmarTrip card and account, check balance, purchase passes, set up auto-reload, and protect your account with balance protection. |
| Who It’s For | Anyone who uses the DC Metro and wants to manage their SmarTrip card digitally. |
- Tags:
- Easy Setup
- Account management
- Auto-reload
The SmarTrip app is a handy tool for navigating the DC metro system, offering features like timetables, GPS tracking, and search functions. However, users have pointed out several frustrating flaws, including issues with the search function, the inability to transfer linked cards to new phones, and a problematic auto-reload feature that can lead to double charges. While the app boasts useful functionalities like time updates and good GPS, these shortcomings make it less than ideal for visitors or those with changing phone habits.
Pros & Cons
- Good for DC metro
- Provides time updates
- Has good GPS
- Search function helpful
- Auto-reload issue
- Glitchy preload function
- Card linked to device
- Search function limited
Why we chose it?
I love SmarTrip! It's the official app for the DC Metro, so you know it's going to be reliable. You can manage your SmarTrip card with ease, including checking your balance, setting up auto-reload, and even purchasing passes. Plus, it's super convenient to add your card to Google Wallet for contactless payments, making my commute a breeze!
7. DC Transit
Real-time Metro arrival times, Trip planner for DC transit, Service alerts and notifications
Cost:
Free (Free)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Maps & Navigation |
| Downloads | Over 66,000 downloads |
| Features | DC Transit provides real-time arrival times for Metro, bus, and streetcar, along with trip planning, route tracking, service alerts, and stop saving. |
| Who It’s For | The DC Transit app is perfect for anyone who relies on public transportation in the Washington, D.C. area, particularly those using the DC Metro system. |
- Tags:
- Real-time arrival times
- Trip planner
- Service alerts
DC Transit is a game-changer for navigating the complex web of public transportation in the Washington, D.C. area. This app for DC metro acts as a one-stop shop for real-time schedules and alerts across multiple transit providers, including WMATA, ART, DASH, and Fairfax, saving you from the tedious task of juggling multiple browser tabs and manually refreshing information. While the app successfully consolidates data from various sources, some users have reported inconsistencies in its real-time tracking, causing frustration with inaccurate arrival times. Despite these hiccups, the app's potential to streamline commutes and reduce the stress of relying on outdated schedules is undeniable.
Pros & Cons
- Connects multiple transit agencies
- Provides real-time bus tracking
- Offers schedule information
- Convenient for multi-agency commutes
- Inaccurate bus arrival times
- GPS tracking issues
- App updates can cause regressions
Why we chose it?
I'm a huge fan of DC Transit! It's my go-to app for navigating the DC Metro, because it's packed with real-time arrival information, trip planning, and even service alerts to keep me in the loop. The best part? It's super user-friendly and lets me quickly find the information I need without any fuss. If you're looking for a reliable and helpful app for DC Metro, DC Transit is definitely worth checking out!
8. Washington DC Metro Route Map
Interactive maps for easy navigation, Fastest route planner for journeys
Cost:
Free (Free), Premium ($2.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Maps & Navigation |
| Downloads | Over 36 thousand downloads |
| Features | This app offers interactive maps, route planning, offline map access, and real-time arrival information for seamless navigation on the Washington DC Metro. |
| Who It’s For | This app is perfect for commuters, tourists, and anyone who wants to easily navigate the Washington DC Metro system. |
- Tags:
- Interactive maps
- Fast route planner
- Offline Maps
"Washington DC Metro Route Map" promises to be a helpful app for navigating the DC Metro system, offering a clear and interactive map to plan your trips. However, users have reported significant issues with the app's functionality, such as frequent crashes and an overwhelming number of ads. While some users found it useful for quick route planning while on the go, others have expressed concern about potential privacy risks due to the app's behavior. Ultimately, the app's potential for being a reliable "app for dc metro" is hampered by these reported problems.
Pros & Cons
- Useful for DC Metro travel
- Helps plan events in the city
- Provides information for commuters
- Shows routes for work travel
- Frequent app crashes
- Excessive ads disrupt usage
- Potential spyware concerns
Why we chose it?
I absolutely love Washington DC Metro Route Map! It's the easiest way to navigate the DC Metro system, with its clear, interactive maps and super-fast route planner. Plus, it works offline, which is a lifesaver when I'm underground and don't have service. It's hands-down the best DC Metro app I've used!
9. Washington DC Metro (WMATA)
Offline maps for easy access, Comprehensive coverage of transit types
Download:
Application information
| Category | Maps & Navigation |
| Downloads | Over 4,000 downloads |
| Features | The app provides offline maps for the Washington DC Metro, including Metrorail, buses, MARC, and other transit services. |
| Who It’s For | This app is ideal for anyone who uses public transportation in Washington DC, whether they are visitors or residents. |
- Tags:
- Offline Maps
- Complete set of maps
- Quick and Easy to Use
The Washington DC Metro (WMATA) app is a handy tool for navigating the DC metro system, offering a comprehensive set of offline maps for various transit types, including Metrorail, bus, and rail connections. While users appreciate the app's ease of use and comprehensiveness for various transit options, some have noted that the Metrorail map is outdated, missing recent additions like the Potomac Yard stop and the Silver Line extension, which has been operational for over a year. Despite these shortcomings, the app remains a valuable resource for navigating the DC metro system, especially for visitors and long-time residents alike.
Pros & Cons
- Offline maps for DC Metro
- Provides real-time train information
- Includes schedule and fare information
- Convenient for planning travel routes
- Outdated Metro rail map
- Missing recent line extensions
- Contains advertisements and promotions
Why we chose it?
This app is a lifesaver for navigating the DC Metro! It's got all the official maps you need, from Metrorail to buses and even MARC trains, all in one place. Plus, it's offline, so you can access it even when you're underground and don't have service. And the best part? It's completely free!