DC Bus Schedule: Routes, Times & Stops
Looking for the DC bus schedule in Washington, DC? Metrobus connects neighborhoods across the District with Metrorail stations, government offices, universities, hospitals, shopping areas, and nearby communities in Maryland and Virginia.
Find the current bus route names, official timetables, first and last buses, service frequency, fares, SmarTrip and contactless payment, live arrivals, 24-hour routes, maps, and service alerts.
Where Can You Find the Current DC Bus Schedule?
Use WMATA’s official Maps and Schedules page to find the current DC Metrobus route and PDF timetable. Choose the route number, direction, and operating day. Then use WMATA Rider Tools or busETA for your exact stop and live arrival prediction.
Information reviewed: October 9, 2026. Current official timetables, payment rules, route tools, and Better Bus information were used. Always recheck route-specific changes before traveling.
DC Metrobus Route Numbers Changed Under Better Bus
WMATA introduced its new Better Bus network on June 29, 2025, replacing the old naming system with geographic route prefixes. Some routes changed their path, frequency, stopping pattern, and scheduled operating hours.
How to Replace an Old DC Bus Route Number
- Open the official Better Bus information page.
- Search for the old route number in WMATA’s available route-name conversion or Trip Planner tools.
- Check the new route, direction, and destination rather than simply matching a similar number.
- Open the current route profile and PDF timetable, then check whether your old stop is still served.
- Compare the scheduled bus time with today’s live arrival and service alerts.
For the complete regional WMATA network—including Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Virginia, and current fare differences—read our WMATA bus routes, schedules, and real-time tracking guide.
Washington, DC Metrobus Routes, Destinations & Stops
These are examples of current route designations appearing in WMATA’s official DC schedule directory. The network contains many additional routes; use the official directory for the full list.
7th Street – Georgia Avenue
Connects central DC and the Georgia Avenue corridor with Silver Spring. Stops include the Archives area, 7th Street NW, Georgia Avenue-Petworth, and Georgia Avenue/Kennedy Street.
Major direction: Silver Spring or Archives/downtown.
D40 Schedule PDF16th Street Corridor
Links the downtown/Federal Triangle area with Silver Spring through the 16th Street NW corridor, including U Street and other major neighborhoods.
Major direction: Downtown/Federal Triangle or Silver Spring.
D60 Schedule PDFNorth Capitol Street
Serves Fort Totten, Brookland-CUA, North Capitol Street, and the downtown Federal Triangle/L’Enfant Plaza area.
Major direction: Fort Totten or Federal Triangle.
D30 Schedule PDF16th Street Limited-Stop
Limited-stop service along the 16th Street corridor between the Silver Spring area and downtown DC. It does not serve every local D60 stop.
Important: X means limited-stop; the normal local fare applies.
D6X Schedule PDFNebraska Avenue – Foggy Bottom
Serves Foggy Bottom, Georgetown, and northwest DC neighborhoods toward the Nebraska Avenue/Pinehurst Circle area.
Major direction: Foggy Bottom or Pinehurst Circle.
C85 Schedule PDFSouth Capitol Street – National Harbor
Connects L’Enfant Plaza and southern DC corridors with destinations toward Oxon Hill and National Harbor, Maryland.
Major direction: L’Enfant Plaza or National Harbor.
C11 Schedule PDFGallery Place – Sibley Hospital
Connects the Gallery Place corridor with Georgetown-area destinations and Sibley Hospital in northwest Washington.
Major direction: Gallery Place or Sibley Hospital.
D94 Schedule PDFDowntown Bus Connection
D50 is included in WMATA’s official DC schedule directory and 24/7 bus service map. Use its current PDF to confirm terminal names, route pattern, and stop-level timing.
Best for: Riders comparing late-night downtown options.
Find D50 TimetableAdditional DC Bus Routes
WMATA also publishes schedules for C13, C21, C31, C41, C53, C71, C87, D10, D20, D34, D36, D44, D70, D80, D90, D96, and more.
Best approach: Search the full route directory by current number.
All DC Route SchedulesDC Bus Schedule Times: Weekdays, Weekends & Late Night
WMATA publishes separate schedule tables for each route and direction. Departure times can change between weekdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Some routes operate around the clock while others run only during specified hours.
| What You Need | Official Source | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| First bus | Current route PDF timetable | First available trip from your boarding stop and direction—not only the terminal. |
| Last bus | Route PDF + busETA | Final trip serving the destination you need, including any shortened trips. |
| Weekday schedule | Monday–Friday timetable | Morning, midday, afternoon, and evening patterns. |
| Saturday schedule | Saturday timetable | Weekend first and last bus times and different headways. |
| Sunday / holiday | Sunday / holiday table | Whether your route operates and which schedule is in effect. |
| Live departure | WMATA busETA or Rider Tools | Stop code, current destination, predicted arrival, and same-day alerts. |
Real DC Bus Departure Times: WMATA Route D40
WMATA’s published D40 northbound weekday timetable, effective December 14, 2025, contains the following example trip. It shows how departure times progress from a downtown timepoint through Georgia Avenue and on to Silver Spring.
| Stop / Timepoint | Scheduled Time |
|---|---|
| 9th Street NW + Constitution Avenue NW (Archives) | 7:00 AM |
| 7th Street NW + H Street NW | 7:05 AM |
| Georgia Avenue / 7th Street + Florida Avenue NW | 7:16 AM |
| Georgia Avenue-Petworth | 7:26 AM |
| Georgia Avenue + Kennedy Street NW | 7:35 AM |
| Georgia Avenue + Blair Road | 7:47 AM |
| Silver Spring (200 Level) | 7:54 AM |
Visual Stop Sequence: D40 Northbound
How Frequently Do Washington, DC Buses Run?
WMATA’s Better Bus system maps classify service by typical frequency. These bands can help riders compare corridors, but actual departures still depend on the selected route and service day.
How to read the chart: The lengths visualize minutes between services, not passenger volume or reliability. The actual WMATA map classifies routes according to frequency thresholds during stated service periods, with exceptions on individual segments and hours.
Does DC Metrobus Run 24 Hours?
Yes, selected Metrobus routes operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. WMATA publishes a separate DC 24/7 Bus Service Map. Not every route provides overnight service, and some route patterns change during the late-night hours.
Late-Night Boarding Workflow
Check the official DC 24/7 service map.
Overnight routing may differ from daytime service.
Use the correct boarding side and destination.
Use busETA to check your exact stop.
Check your return trip before leaving.
DC Bus Fare, SmarTrip & Contactless Payment
WMATA’s current fare page lists a flat fare for most regular and limited-stop Metrobus routes. Express service has a separate fare, but the higher-fare Express routes are specific routes operating in Virginia.
How to Pay on a DC Metrobus
Metrobus and Metrorail Transfer Discounts
| Transfer Type | Published Benefit | Important Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Metrobus → Metrobus | Free unlimited eligible transfers in 2 hours | Use the same eligible SmarTrip/contactless payment method. |
| Metrobus → Metrorail | $2.25 fare discount | Within the qualifying 2-hour transfer period. |
| Metrorail → Metrobus | $2.25 fare discount | Normal Metrobus fare can be covered by the eligible discount. |
| Metro → Regional Partner | Varies by transit provider | Regional partner transfer discounts currently require SmarTrip. |
WMATA also provides the DC Kids Ride Free program for eligible DC students. Children age four and younger can ride free with a fare-paying adult subject to the stated passenger limit.
Official WMATA Fare & Transfer RulesMajor DC Bus Stops & Transit Connections
Washington has many bus stops close to Metrorail stations, transit centers, hospitals, universities, and downtown destinations. Boarding location matters: stops serving opposite directions can be across the road or around different corners.
DC Metrobus Map: Find the Correct Route & Stop
WMATA publishes a full District of Columbia bus map, a high-frequency bus map, and a 24/7 overnight service map. These are useful for understanding the network, but the route-specific PDF and live tracker remain the best sources for final stop information.
Washington Union Station – Transit Location Example
Union Station is a useful central Washington reference point for Metrobus, Metrorail, Amtrak, MARC, VRE, and intercity transportation. This Google Maps location view is for walking and nearby streets, not a replacement for WMATA’s official route network.
How to Track a DC Bus in Real Time
Scheduled time is the planned departure in WMATA’s timetable. Live arrival is an updated prediction based on available vehicle and service data. Traffic, special events, detours, construction, and cancellations may affect the prediction.
Use the official busETA or WMATA Rider Tools website.
Enter the current route number, such as D40 or C85.
Match the destination sign or route terminal.
Enter the stop code or select a stop from the list.
Recheck the predicted time shortly before boarding.
Official Live Tracking Options
Search by route number, bus stop code, or street address.
Open busETAPlan a complete journey and find route or stop-specific information.
Open Rider ToolsOfficial WMATA app for live arrivals, saved stops, service information, and trip planning.
Metro Pulse InformationDoes the DC Circulator Bus Still Run?
No. DC Circulator service ended on December 31, 2024. The District Department of Transportation confirmed that the service would cease operating after that date, following an earlier phase-down.
Do not plan a 2026 trip using an old Circulator timetable for Georgetown–Union Station, National Mall, or other discontinued routes.
Use WMATA’s Better Bus network and Trip Planner to find active Metrobus or Metrorail options for your origin and destination.
DC Buses to Maryland, Virginia & Regional Transit
Washington DC travel often crosses jurisdictional boundaries. WMATA provides many regional connections, while nearby county transit services have their own fares, stops, schedules, and live-tracking systems.
Silver Spring, Bethesda, Wheaton, Rockville, and Takoma-area journeys may involve Metrobus and Montgomery County Ride On.
Ride On follows its own current zero-fare policy and timetable system.
Eastern and southern DC journeys can connect with county bus routes, Metrobus P routes, and regional rail stations.
Check whether a service is WMATA or another county operator before assuming a fare.
Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax County journeys may involve WMATA routes, Arlington Transit, Fairfax Connector, and Metrorail.
Regional transfer discount rules depend on the operator and payment method.
For Montgomery County transfers involving Silver Spring, Takoma, Wheaton, or Bethesda, see our Ride On bus schedule, zero-fare policy, and live departure guide.
Takoma and Silver Spring: Local Bus Connection Example
Some trips along the DC–Maryland border use Ride On Route 12 rather than Metrobus. That service connects Takoma Station and Silver Spring Station through Montgomery County neighborhoods. Its timetable, route number, and fares are separate from WMATA’s DC C/D routes.
Our Route 12 schedule guide covering Takoma and Silver Spring helps distinguish that local Ride On service from unrelated Route 12 buses in other cities.
Arriving in Washington, DC by Intercity Bus?
Travelers arriving at Washington Union Station may need to connect with local Metrobus, Metrorail, or another regional service. Check the station exits, transfer walk, bus stop location, and fare before selecting the onward trip.
If you are arriving from New York, Baltimore, Philadelphia, or another city on Peter Pan, our Peter Pan bus timetable and Washington Union Station boarding guide explains intercity schedules, station gates, and traveler preparation before connecting to local DC transit.
DC Metrobus Service Alerts, Detours & Stop Closures
WMATA posts current bus service alerts covering detours, street closures, special events, stop relocations, and operating changes. This matters particularly during protests, festivals, marathons, major public gatherings, downtown construction, and severe weather.
DC Metrobus Accessibility & Reduced Fare Programs
WMATA states that its Metrobus fleet is accessible. However, a bus’s accessibility features and the accessibility of an individual bus stop are separate matters.
How to Find Your Exact DC Bus Departure
Find the correct current C or D bus number using WMATA Maps and Schedules.
Check weekday, Saturday, Sunday, or holiday service.
Confirm the bus destination, terminal, or route branch.
Identify the exact stop name, stop code, and boarding side.
Check busETA and alerts shortly before walking to the stop.
Washington, DC Bus Boarding Checklist
- Confirm your route number using the post-2025 Metrobus system.
- Choose the correct bus direction and destination sign.
- Open the current WMATA route PDF timetable.
- Check whether today’s schedule is weekday, Saturday, or Sunday/holiday.
- Identify your exact stop or transit-center bay.
- Confirm the first or last bus if traveling early or late.
- Check busETA for live arrival predictions.
- Review same-day detours and temporary stop closures.
- Have SmarTrip, supported contactless payment, or exact cash ready.
- Check your return trip and any regional transfers before leaving.
WMATA Customer Service & Contact Information
Phone: 202-637-7000
For route guidance, schedules, service information, and customer support.
Phone: 202-466-3876
WMATA also publishes online rider assistance and official route tools.
For emergencies or immediate safety concerns, use the appropriate emergency services rather than relying on a general schedule information page.
Official DC Bus Schedule, Fare & Map Resources
Use these WMATA and DDOT sources to verify route names, PDF schedules, real-time predictions, fares, transfers, overnight service, and discontinued routes.
Full C/D route directory, PDF timetables, local maps, and 24/7 maps.
Open Official Maps and SchedulesPlan a trip and check route, stop, date, and direction information.
Open Rider ToolsSearch stop codes, routes, and nearby stops for real-time bus arrivals.
Open busETAApp information for real-time bus and rail arrivals, favorites, and alerts.
Open Metro Pulse GuideRegular, reduced, Express fares, regional transfer credits, and payment options.
Current Metro FaresRoute renaming, service changes, geographic route prefixes, and new network information.
Better Bus NetworkOfficial Metrobus 24-hour network and overnight service coverage.
24/7 Bus Map PDFCurrent bus alerts, detours, changes, and service advisory sign-up.
Check Service AdvisoriesTimepoint tables used for the verified Archives-to-Silver Spring schedule example.
Open D40 TimetableOfficial confirmation that DC Circulator ended service after December 31, 2024.
Official DDOT NoticeDC Bus Schedule FAQs
Where can I find the DC bus schedule?
Use WMATA’s official Maps and Schedules page to select the current DC Metrobus route and PDF timetable. For your exact stop, use Rider Tools or busETA to check current arrival predictions.
What time do DC buses start running?
Start times depend on the route, direction, service day, and stop. Some DC Metrobus routes operate around the clock, while others have limited operating hours.
What time is the last Metrobus in Washington, DC?
The last trip depends on the selected route and direction. WMATA’s overnight network includes selected 24/7 routes, but not all routes operate after midnight.
How much is a DC Metrobus ride?
WMATA lists the regular Metrobus full fare at $2.25 and the eligible reduced regular fare at $1.10. Designated Virginia Express routes cost more.
Can I pay cash on a DC bus?
Yes. Metrobus accepts exact cash fare. SmarTrip and supported contactless payment are also accepted, with some transfer benefits depending on the payment method.
What happened to the old DC Metrobus route numbers?
WMATA launched the Better Bus network on June 29, 2025, introducing new route names, updated service patterns, and stop changes. Use current C and D route listings rather than old timetables.
Does the DC Circulator still operate?
No. DDOT confirmed that DC Circulator service ended on December 31, 2024. Use the current Metrobus or Metrorail Trip Planner for replacement travel options.
Which DC Metrobus routes run 24 hours?
WMATA’s official 24/7 DC bus map includes corridors such as D30, D40, D60, and D50. Check the current route PDF because late-night routing and frequency can differ from daytime patterns.
How can I track a Metrobus live?
Use WMATA busETA, Rider Tools, or Metro Pulse. Search the current bus route or stop code, then confirm the direction and live arrival prediction.
Are DC bus transfers free?
WMATA provides free eligible bus-to-bus transfers within a two-hour window. Bus-to-rail and rail-to-bus transfer discounts also apply under the current fare rules when using qualifying payment methods.
What does X mean in a WMATA route number?
An X suffix identifies limited-stop service. It does not automatically mean the higher Express fare. WMATA lists regular and limited-stop X routes at the normal bus fare, apart from specifically designated Express routes.
How early should I arrive for a DC Metrobus?
As a practical precaution, arrive about 5–10 minutes before the scheduled departure, allowing more time for unfamiliar stops, overnight service, important connections, or major events.