Frequently Asked Questions

Fares and Payment Information

How do I pay for the Circulator? How much does it costs?
The Circulator costs just $1. All buses accept the SmarTrip card, Circulator passes or exact change.
Is it free to transfer from Metro?
Circulator uses a paperless transfer system - passengers using their SmarTrip cards will receive free transfers within two hours from Metrobus to Circulator. All passengers will receive free transfers from ART to Circulator. Passengers transferring from Metrorail to Circulator will receive a discount of 50 cents. All transfers for seniors (65 and older) are free.
Can I use my SmarTrip Card?
Yes, all DC Circulator buses accept SmarTrip cards. See our Fares and Payment Options page or read above for further information on transfer discounts when using the SmarTrip card.
Do I need exact change to pay?
Yes, you will need exact change to pay. Drivers do not carry cash and will not be able to provide cash or change back.
What is the age for senior fares?
The age for senior fare is 65 years or older. Discount is taken from Senior SmarTrip cards, which can be purchased from WMATA. For seniors paying cash or with the Senior SmarTrip card, the fare is 50 cents. All transfers for seniors are free.
Is there a discount for seniors on the day pass?
There is no discount for seniors on any of our passes. Seniors do receive a fare discount of 50 cents. Please see above.

Can I bring my bike onto the Circulator?
Each Circulator bus is equipped with two bike holders on the front. Visit our Bikes on Circulator page for full instructions and tips.
Will my stroller fit on a Circulator?
Strollers and children are welcome on the DC Circulator! We do have size guidelines for strollers. Visit our Strollers on Circulator page for details.

Where can I find the Circulator bus schedule?
The DC Circulator buses arrive every 10 minutes, no schedule needed! To see real-time arrival information, visit our NextBus page.
Are printed maps available?
Printed, hard copy maps (brochures) are available on every Circulator bus and can also be ordered by visiting CommuterPage.com's free brochures by mail program. Simply select DC Circulator Bus from the menu and enter your contact information, the Circulator brochures are sent right to your home or office, free of charge. You can also download and print a PDF of just the map.

What if I lose something on the bus?
If you have left an item on the bus, please fill out our Contact Us form as soon as possible with the route you were on, time of day and description of the item(s). We will try our best to locate the item and return it to you.

Are animals allowed on the bus?
Yes, service animals are allowed on the DC Circulator buses. All other animals or pets must be contained in a crate or container.

How will I know if there is a delay?
You can follow us on Twitter @DCCirculator! When a delay or service disruption occurs, we use Twitter to get the word out quickly. Our homepage also has service alerts scrolling across the bottom, directly from our Twitter account and under News and Press Releases, also available on the homepage, we will make announcements of predetermined service route changes. These changes will occasionally occur due to special events, such as marathons or marches where roads will be temporarily closed.