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Federal Center SW to Bethesda Metro Route

Overview of Metro Route from Federal Center SW to Bethesda

Time
39 min
Stations
14
Fare
$4.50
Plan Another Route
Detailed Route Map
Start at Federal Center SW
Blue Line
14 stops
Blue Line (Blue Line)
1Platform 1
Towards→ Franconia-Springfield
Federal Center SW
Federal Center SW
Board here
Start
L'Enfant Plaza
L'Enfant Plaza
3m
Smithsonian
Smithsonian
6m
Federal Triangle
Federal Triangle
9m
Metro Center
Metro Center
Change to Red Line
9m
Interchange
Switch to Red Line
Red Line · Platform 1
Towards
Shady Grove
Red Line (Red Line)
1Platform 1
Towards→ Shady Grove
Metro Center
Metro Center
Continue on Red Line
12m
Farragut North
Farragut North
15m
Dupont Circle
Dupont Circle
18m
Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan
Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan
21m
Cleveland Park
Cleveland Park
24m
Van Ness-UDC
Van Ness-UDC
27m
Tenleytown-AU
Tenleytown-AU
30m
Friendship Heights
Friendship Heights
33m
Bethesda
Bethesda
Exit here
36m
Exit at Bethesda
Journey complete
39 min

Fare Information

$4.50
Regular
$8.10
Return
$4.27
Smart Card
$13.00
Day Pass

Related Routes from Federal Center SW

Federal Center SW to Franconia-Springfield
Blue Line
Federal Center SW to Van Dorn Street
Blue Line
Federal Center SW to King Street-Old Town
Blue Line
Federal Center SW to Braddock Road
Blue Line
Federal Center SW to Potomac Yard
Blue Line
Federal Center SW to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
Blue Line
Federal Center SW to Crystal City
Blue Line
Federal Center SW to Pentagon City
Blue Line

Overview of Metro Route from Federal Center SW to Bethesda

The 11.2 km ride from Federal Center SW to Bethesda takes about 39 minutes across 14 stations with one interchange. Board the Blue Line and switch to the Red Line at the connecting station. Signage makes the transfer straightforward. A single trip costs $4.50, or $4.27 with a smart card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reviews for Federal Center SW to Bethesda

Route Summary
Federal Center SW
Bethesda
Distance: 11.2 km • 39 min
Fare: $4.50
Interchange: Required
Service Hours & Frequency
First Train
5:30 AM
Weekdays
Last Train
10:45 PM
Weekdays
Morning/Evening RushEvery 4-6 min
Off-Peak HoursEvery 8-10 min
Operating DaysAll 7 days
Sunday/Holiday Hours6 AM - 10:30 PM
Best times to travel: Between 11 AM and 4 PM for the most comfortable journey – fewer crowds and a good chance of finding a seat.
Helpful Tips for This Journey

Running late? Head for the middle coaches. They line up with exits at most stations, saving you a minute or two on the way out.

The 39-minute ride is just long enough to catch up on a podcast episode or reply to a few messages, but short enough that you won't miss your stop if you stay alert.

Travelling mid-day (11 AM–4 PM) or after 9 PM? You'll almost certainly get a seat, unlike the morning crush.

Don't pocket your token after entry. You'll need it again to tap out at the exit gates. Smart card users can just tap and go both ways.

At the interchange, just follow the overhead signs color-coded to the Red Line. The walk between platforms usually takes under 3 minutes.

First time on this route? The in-train display and audio announcements call out every upcoming station, so there's no guesswork involved.

Station Details
Starting Point
Federal Center SW
Blue Line
Station info, nearby places & exits →
Destination
Bethesda
Red Line
Station info, nearby places & exits →

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