Ready to experience the thrill of a game or concert at Capital One Arena in Washington D.C.? Navigating the city can seem daunting, but the DC Metro system is your best friend for a smooth and stress-free journey to the heart of the action. Forget about the headaches of parking and traffic – let's dive into a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to getting to Capital One Arena by metro!
Your Ultimate Metro Guide to Capital One Arena
Step 1: Are you ready to ride the rails? Let's get you set up with the essential fare to explore D.C.'s extensive Metro system!
Before you even think about stepping onto a train, you'll need a SmarTrip® card. This is your key to unlocking the DC Metro. It's a reusable, plastic farecard that can be loaded with money for single rides or various passes.
Where to Get Your SmarTrip® Card:
Tip: Don’t rush — enjoy the read.
- At Any Metro Station: The easiest way for most visitors is to purchase a SmarTrip® card from the fare vending machines located at the entrance of every Metrorail station. These machines accept cash and credit/debit cards.
- Online: You can purchase a new plastic card online via the WMATA website (wmata.com) and have it mailed to you. This is a good option if you're planning your trip well in advance.
- Mobile Pay: Even better, you can download the SmarTrip® mobile app for your iPhone or Android device and add a virtual SmarTrip® card to your phone's wallet (Apple Wallet or Google Pay). This is incredibly convenient as your fare is available instantly!
- Retail Outlets: Select CVS and Giant stores, as well as commuter stores, also sell SmarTrip® cards.
Loading Your SmarTrip® Card:
- Fare Vending Machines: You can easily add more money (stored value) to your SmarTrip® card at any Metrorail station's fare vending machine.
- Online: If you have a registered SmarTrip® card, you can reload it online.
- SmarTrip® Mobile App: Reloading is instant with the mobile app.
Pro-Tip: WMATA (Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority) fares vary based on the time of day (peak vs. off-peak) and the distance you travel. You can find detailed fare information and use their Trip Planner on wmata.com to estimate your cost.
QuickTip: Stop scrolling fast, start reading slow.
Step 2: Locating Your Starting Point and Planning Your Route
Now that you're armed with your SmarTrip® card, it's time to figure out which Metro line will get you to Capital One Arena.
-
Understanding the Metro Map: The DC Metro system uses six color-coded lines: Red, Blue, Orange, Yellow, Green, and Silver. Many stations serve multiple lines, allowing for easy transfers. You can find Metro maps at every station, online at wmata.com, or through various transit apps.
-
The Golden Ticket - Gallery Place/Chinatown Station: The absolute best and most direct way to get to Capital One Arena is by taking the Metro to the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro stop. This station is literally beneath the arena, providing direct access!
- Lines serving Gallery Place/Chinatown:
- Red Line
- Green Line
- Yellow Line
- Lines serving Gallery Place/Chinatown:
-
Other Nearby Stations (Walkable): While Gallery Place/Chinatown is ideal, if your current location makes another station more convenient, you can also walk from:
- Judiciary Square (Red Line): Approximately a 10-minute walk.
- Metro Center (Red, Blue, Orange, Silver Lines): Approximately a 14-minute walk.
- Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter (Green, Yellow Lines): Approximately an 8-minute walk.
-
Using the WMATA Trip Planner: This is an invaluable tool! Visit wmata.com and use their Trip Planner. Simply enter your starting location and "Capital One Arena" as your destination. It will provide you with the best route, estimated travel time, and fare.
Step 3: Navigating the Station and Boarding Your Train
You've got your card, you know your line – now let's get you on the train!
Tip: Slow down at important lists or bullet points.
- Finding the Station Entrance: Look for the distinctive tall brown columns with a large "M" on top. Color stripes on the column indicate which lines serve that particular station.
- Tapping In: At the faregate, simply tap your physical SmarTrip® card on the target or tap your mobile device with your virtual SmarTrip® card enabled. The gates will open, and you'll hear a chime. Remember to only tap once!
- Platform Navigation: Once inside, follow the signs to your desired train platform. Pay attention to the line color and the final destination station displayed on the signs and the train itself. For example, if you're on the Red Line heading to Gallery Place/Chinatown from the north, you'll look for a train heading towards "Glenmont" (or "Union Station" if you're coming from the Shady Grove side and Gallery Place is before Union Station).
- Waiting for the Train: Stand behind the yellow safety strip on the platform. When the train approaches, allow passengers to exit before you attempt to board.
- Boarding the Train: Once passengers have exited, board the train and move to the middle of the car if it's crowded to allow others to board easily. Avoid blocking the doorways.
Step 4: Your Ride to Capital One Arena
Enjoy the journey! The DC Metro is generally clean and efficient.
- Onboard Announcements and Displays: Listen for announcements and watch the electronic signs inside the train cars, which will indicate the next stop.
- Exiting at Gallery Place/Chinatown: When you hear "Gallery Place/Chinatown," prepare to exit. The doors will open automatically.
- Tapping Out: Just like when you entered, you'll need to tap your SmarTrip® card or mobile device at the faregate upon exiting the station. This is how the system calculates your fare based on the distance traveled.
Step 5: Arrival at Capital One Arena!
Congratulations! You've made it!
QuickTip: If you skimmed, go back for detail.
 |
- Direct Access: From the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro station, there are direct escalators and elevators that lead you straight into the Capital One Arena concourse. Follow the signs within the station.
- Enjoy the Event: You're now ready to cheer on your favorite team or enjoy an incredible concert!
 |
| How To Get To Capital One Arena By Metro |
Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about getting to Capital One Arena by Metro, along with quick answers:
-
How to find the closest Metro station to my current location?
- Use Google Maps or the WMATA Trip Planner (wmata.com) on your phone, which can pinpoint your location and show nearby Metro stations.
-
How to buy a SmarTrip® card for the DC Metro?
- Purchase a plastic SmarTrip® card from fare vending machines at any Metro station, or download the SmarTrip® app to your phone for a virtual card.
-
How to put money on my SmarTrip® card?
- You can load money onto your SmarTrip® card at fare vending machines in Metro stations, online via the WMATA website, or instantly through the SmarTrip® mobile app.
-
How to know which Metro line goes to Capital One Arena?
- The Red, Green, and Yellow lines all go directly to the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro station, which is connected to Capital One Arena.
-
How to transfer between Metro lines if my line doesn't go directly to Gallery Place/Chinatown?
- Consult a Metro map to identify common transfer stations (e.g., Metro Center) where you can switch lines to reach the Red, Green, or Yellow line.
-
How to estimate the Metro fare to Capital One Arena?
- Use the WMATA Trip Planner on wmata.com. Enter your starting station and "Gallery Place/Chinatown" as your destination to get an estimated fare.
-
How to use the Metro during peak hours to avoid crowds?
- If possible, travel outside of typical rush hours (7 AM-9 AM and 4 PM-6 PM on weekdays) for a less crowded experience.
-
How to ensure I don't miss my stop at Capital One Arena?
- Listen for automated announcements, watch the electronic signs inside the train that display the next station, and pay attention to station names as the train pulls in.
-
How to find my way inside Capital One Arena once I exit the Metro?
- Follow the clear signage within the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro station that directs you to the Capital One Arena entrance.
-
How to get back from Capital One Arena by Metro after an event?
- Return to the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro station, identify the correct platform and direction for your return journey, and tap your SmarTrip® card or mobile device to exit at your destination station.
 |
💡 This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
