Metro system in DC?

Okay, so I'll be going to Washington DC in a few weeks, and we plan on using the metro for all of our transportation needs. Can we buy some sort of pass to use the metro unlimited for the day, or do we pay for each ride... Also, I was wondering if there is a website that I can print out something that will tell me what line to take to get to certain landmarks.. I know nothing about riding a subway and can use any help you can give me.. I don't want to have to spend half the day being lost! Thanks all!

I lived in DC for 5 years, and found the Metro to be very clean and easy to use, compared with other cities. Each line is color coded. The lights on the Metro floor blink when the train is approaching. Choose the direction of the train by looking at the start and end stops. There are double circles on the map which identify stations at which you can change lines.

They have a 1 day pass and a card that you can load with various amounts. If you are OK walking, you might not need the pass, you should be OK taking the Metro to/from your hotel and then walking around a given area. EAch person needs their own card, as you'll need it at the entrace and exit.

You can find ticket descriptions here http://www.wmata.com/riding/visitors/vis...

Metro also offers a guide brochure which lists major tourist attractions and the nearest Metro stop. Pick one up at any station or online at http://www.wmata.com/riding/visitors/poc... (2nd page)

You can also ride Metro into Virginia or Maryland to see stops. BTW, my favorite itineraries are:
-- See the monuments -- start at the Roosevelt (a bit of a walk if you don't have a car, might want to take a taxi as it's away from a Metro) which is incredible. It has views of the Potomac River and Jefferson Memorial. Then walk over to the Korean War Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and Vietnam Memorial. Walk along the reflecting pool to the WWII Memorial and lastly the Washington Monument. You can see the WHite House to the north of Washington Monument.
-- See the Smithsonians. I like the American History Museum for Dorothy's ruby slippers and the first ladies' dress collection. The Natural History Museum has dinosaur bones and the Hope Diamond. The National Gallery of Art has an awesome Monet collection, and the 2 buildings are connected underground. And the Air & SPace Museum is always popular. Don't forget to take pictures of the Capitol Building.
-- Walk around Georgetown. There are tons of shops and restaurants and quaint streets with townhouses. Stop at 35th and Prospect to see the Exorcist Stairs. And go to the University, which has a lovely campus and a nice view of the Potomac River from the rooftop of Village A (walk up the metal stairs). If you're into the outdoors, walk across the Key Bridge to VA and head left to Roosevelt Island. It is a natural site that feels miles away from the city but has great views.
-- Take the Metro to Arlington Memorial Cemetary. Be amazed by the rows of white graves, and visit JFK's gravesite. COntinue onward to the Pentagon and take the tour. Then end the day at Pentagon City Mall for some shopping. Walk across the block to Pentagon Row and have dinner at the Lebanese Taberna -- great food, and there is an ice skating rink outside which is fun to watch.
-- Go up to the zoo (Woodley Park) and see the pandas. Stop at the National Cathedral on the way back. Just up the street is a great casual Mexican restaurant called Cactus Cantina. Try the fajitas -- the tortillas are baked fresh on the spot.

Have fun!!

The metro in Washington D.C is pretty straight forward. They have five lines (marked with blue, orange, red, yellow and green) and they go almost everywhere, including Regan's Airport.

Here is the map:
http://www.wmata.com/metrorail/systemmap...

They have one day tickets and I suppose they have one week tickets too.

A lot of people in the DC area use metro.
Good way to get around town.
In fact, when I first saw a commercial for Metrorail back in the late 80s, they played "I get around" by the Beach boys.

http://www.wmata.com will answer your questions.

Metro has a wonderful website which is metroopensdoors.com !! Enjoy your trip.