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Union Station to Smithsonian Metro Route

Overview of Metro Route from Union Station to Smithsonian

Time
22 min
Stations
7
Fare
$3.60
Plan Another Route
Detailed Route Map
Start at Union Station
Red Line
7 stops
Red Line (Red Line)
1Platform 1
Towards→ Shady Grove
Union Station
Union Station
Board here
Start
Judiciary Square
Judiciary Square
3m
Gallery Place-Chinatown
Gallery Place-Chinatown
6m
Metro Center
Metro Center
Change to Orange Line
6m
Interchange
Switch to Orange Line
Orange Line · Platform 1
Towards
New Carrollton
Orange Line (Orange Line)
1Platform 1
Towards→ New Carrollton
Metro Center
Metro Center
Continue on Orange Line
9m
Federal Triangle
Federal Triangle
12m
Smithsonian
Smithsonian
Exit here
15m
Exit at Smithsonian
Journey complete
22 min

Fare Information

$3.60
Regular
$6.48
Return
$3.42
Smart Card
$13.00
Day Pass

Related Routes from Union Station

Union Station to Shady Grove
Red Line
Union Station to Rockville
Red Line
Union Station to Twinbrook
Red Line
Union Station to North Bethesda
Red Line
Union Station to Grosvenor-Strathmore
Red Line
Union Station to Medical Center
Red Line
Union Station to Bethesda
Red Line
Union Station to Friendship Heights
Red Line

Overview of Metro Route from Union Station to Smithsonian

The 5.6 km ride from Union Station to Smithsonian takes about 22 minutes across 7 stations with one interchange. Board the Red Line and switch to the Orange Line at the connecting station. Signage makes the transfer straightforward. A single trip costs $3.60, or $3.42 with a smart card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reviews for Union Station to Smithsonian

Route Summary
Union Station
Smithsonian
Distance: 5.6 km • 22 min
Fare: $3.60
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 22-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 Orange 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
Union Station
Red Line
Station info, nearby places & exits →
Destination
Smithsonian
Orange Line
Station info, nearby places & exits →

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