Your child may be able to ride Metro, bus or commuter rail for free or at a discount, but the rules are different depending on where you live and which system you use. In DC, students in public and charter schools can get a Kids Ride Free SmarTrip card. In Maryland and Northern Virginia, age and school enrollment matter, and some local bus systems offer free rides for younger children. Between commuting to school and work, transporting kids to after-school activities, school trips, or even local family adventures, it’s important to ensure families keep transportation as affordable as possible.
Free or discounted rides for kids vary by jurisdiction and transit provider. This is your guide to the rules across the region so you can get your family from point A to point B as efficiently as possible.
Free public transportation for kids: who is eligible?
Depending on the transit provider, discounted or free rides can be available based on age, enrollment in school and residency. Different forms of transit may be included, such as buses, Metro or commuter rail. Here is a breakdown by region of reduced and free ride rules:
Kids Ride Free in Washington, DC
View this post on Instagram
If your child is between 5 and 21 years old and lives in DC, they can ride Metrobus and Metrorail for free with the Kids Ride Free program. This applies to students in public, public charter, private, or parochial schools in DC. Younger kids can also ride for free—up to two children age 4 or under can travel with each paying adult.
- Who: DC residents ages 5 to 21 enrolled in a DC school
- What: Kids Ride Free SmarTrip card
- How: Request the card from your school’s ID administrator
- What you need: Your school should have all the information it needs for you to receive your card
Maryland
Montgomery County: Free buses and the Youth Cruiser card
In Montgomery County, kids ride free on all Montgomery County Department of Transportation buses and most Metrobuses in the county. Kids ages 5 to 18 can get a Youth Cruiser SmarTrip card to participate in the Kids Ride Free program. At participating schools, you can apply for and collect your card on-site, otherwise, you can go to a county location, such as a public library to get a card.
- Who: Montgomery County: Free buses and the Youth Cruiser card
- What: Youth Cruiser SmarTrip Card
- How: Apply through your school office or at a county library
- What you need: Apply through your school office or at a county library
Prince George’s County: Free county buses for everyone
Starting June 30, 2025, all county-operated transit services are free for everyone.
Virginia
Arlington County: The Student iRide card
The Student iRide Program in Arlington County enables students ages 5 to 18 to ride Arlington Transit buses and select Metrobuses for free. Students in high school can contact their school’s transportation coordinator to receive an iRide Student SmarTrip card. Elementary, private and homeschooled students can go to any Arlington Commuter Store.
- Who: Arlington residents in kindergarten through 12th grade
- What: iRide Student SmarTrip card
- How: Your school’s transportation coordinator or any Arlington Commuter Store
- What you need: Call ahead for the current document list
Fairfax County: The free Student Bus Pass
Middle and high school students in Fairfax County can ride the Fairfax Connector and City of Fairfax CUE bus for free when they sign up for a student bus pass SmarTrip card. The pass is valid seven days per week from 5 a.m.-10 p.m. and students can sign up at their school.
- Who: Grades 7-12
- What: Student bus pass SmarTrip card
- How: Request a bus pass at any county school or by emailing mlphillips@fcps.edu
- What you need: Proof of school enrollment in Fairfax County
Tips on getting your child’s free transit card
- Call the school or location ahead of time for current hours and possible wait times.
- Double check what information is needed before heading to your location.
- Check to see if appointments are needed ahead of time.
- Don’t forget to register the card!
- Know the age-based rules — each system handles children differently.
- If your child will be traveling independently, make sure they know how the card works and the rules for each transit system they’ll be on.
- Save the customer service numbers in your phone (and your child’s, if they have a cell phone.)
