Understanding the Washington DC Metro Ticket Machines
I have visited Washington once before. It was a wonderful 3 days in the capital only spoilt by our utter and total confusion for the metro ticket machines. This confusion was so much that we had to abandon our trip to Arlington Cemetery.
I am fortunate enough to be visiting again soon. Can someone please explain or provide a step by step guide on how to purchase tickets from this machine?
Specifically it was the purchase options and add/deduct value options that confused us the most. As an outsider the whole system baffled me :(
Best Answer
How do I purchase a ticket for either a single trip or multiple trips?
Follow the steps highlighted with the big orange numbers.
Step 1: Select Purchase
The simplest option is to choose the farecard option here: that gives you a ticket with X dollars on it (which you specify in the next step). You use that ticket when entering and exiting a station, and the cost of that trip is deducted from your farecard.
You can use the listed fares to figure out how much your trip will cost, or you can use the online trip planner ahead of time. I usually just put 10 bucks on it (you can trade in old farecards the next time you buy a new one).
Once you've decided how much you want to put on your farecard, use the up and down arrows to choose the dollar and cent amount you want. When the screen shows the correct amount, press the "done" button (I think it's the C button), and proceed to step two.
Or if you know you'll be using the metro a lot while you're here, you can purchase a pass, either the one day pass for $14.50 or the 7-day pass for $59.25. Passes give you unlimited trips, so if you'll spend more than $14.50 on farecards, you should probably choose a pass instead.
Step 2: Insert Payment
Once you've chosen what you want to purchase, you have to pay for it- either trade in old cards, or insert cash, or swipe your credit card.
Step 3: Take Pass/Farecard
Your pass or farecard will print out, just grab it from the machine.
Alternatively, you might consider just taking a taxi or an Uber.
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How does paying for the DC metro work?
Metro riders must pay via SmarTrip card or the SmarTrip app on iPhone and Apple Watch. SmarTrip cards are plastic, rechargeable fare cards that can be purchased by cash or credit at any Metro station or in advance on wmata.com. You can calculate your fare between two stops using Metro's Trip Planner.How do you buy Metro tickets in DC?
How to add new SmarTrip cards to your Apple WalletHow do you use the SmarTrip in DC Metro?
The Fare Vending machines accept cash and major credit and debit cards. Bills up to $20 are accepted; however, the machines only provide up to $10 in change. Change is returned in coins. See our SmarTrip\xae Q&A's for information on adding value to a SmarTrip\xae card.How to use the Metro in Washington, D.C.
More answers regarding understanding the Washington DC Metro Ticket Machines
Answer 2
There is a helpful site from Washington DC Metropolitan Transit Authority dealing specifically with the subject at hand.
Answer 3
When you arrive at the kiosk, wave your SmartTrip card across the white circular reader on the kiosk. The kiosk will show you your balance.
Add additional funds. (You can check your station destination to get an exact amount.) The kiosk will remind you wave your card across the reader to complete the transaction.
Use the card to open the gates to enter the system. Remember to keep your card to exit. It will display your balance as you enter and leave the system.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Ono Kosuki, Ono Kosuki, Samson Katt, Samson Katt