Kids Ride Free — Free Metrobus & Metrorail for DC Students
To qualify, a student must be a DC resident, be between ages 5 and 21, and attend an elementary/secondary public, charter, private or parochial school in DC (or be a youth in District care). The card gives free rides on Metrobus and Metrorail within DC. Cards are sent to schools in late August for the school's ID administrator to distribute; the prior year's card stays valid through September 30 of the following year.
Last verified Sep 25, 2026 · Not affiliated with DC DDOT / WMATA
The quick version
- When
- 2025–26 cards valid through Sep 30, 2026; 2026–27 cards distributed through schools starting late August
- Where
- Washington, DC
- Cost
- Free Metrobus and Metrorail travel within DC
- Who it's for
- DC-resident students ages 5–21 attending a qualifying DC school, obtained through the school (not applied for directly by families).
The fine print worth knowing before you go
- 1
You must tap the actual card — it's not automatic
Regular fares apply if the student doesn't have the card with them and tap it at the fare gate/box.
- 2
Get it through your school, not DDOT directly
Ask your school's ID administrator for the current year's card; DDOT distributes cards to schools in bulk, not to individual families.
Free transit for DC kids 5–21 — ask your school's ID administrator if your child hasn't gotten this year's card yet.
The Fine Print is not affiliated with DC DDOT / WMATA. This page is research to help you prepare, not legal or financial advice. Details can change, so confirm everything with the official source before you rely on it.
Sources
Last verified Sep 25, 2026. See something out of date? Tell us.