Your Commute Time to D.C. from Hyattsville: Metro, Driving, and Bike Path Breakdown
Living in Hyattsville, Maryland offers one of the best balances of suburban comfort and urban convenience in the D.C. metro area. With multiple Metro stations, quick driving routes, and an expanding network of bike trails, getting to Washington, D.C. from Hyattsville is both flexible and efficient.
Whether you work downtown, in Capitol Hill, or near Dupont Circle, understanding your commute options can help you choose the perfect neighborhood — and even the perfect home. Let’s break down what your daily commute from Hyattsville really looks like, across Metro, driving, and biking.
1. Commuting by Metro: Reliable and Convenient
Hyattsville is served by two main Metro stations on the Green and Yellow Lines:
West Hyattsville Metro Station (2700 Hamilton St, Hyattsville, MD)
Hyattsville Crossing Station (formerly Prince George’s Plaza, 3575 East-West Hwy, Hyattsville, MD)
Both provide direct connections to major D.C. job hubs like Gallery Place, U Street, Navy Yard, and L’Enfant Plaza — all without transferring lines.
Average Commute Times
To Gallery Place–Chinatown (Downtown D.C.): ~22–25 minutes from West Hyattsville
To Navy Yard or L’Enfant Plaza: ~25–30 minutes
To U Street Corridor: ~18 minutes
To Capitol Hill (via L’Enfant transfer): ~30–35 minutes total
Trains typically run every 6–8 minutes during peak hours, making Hyattsville’s Metro commute one of the most reliable in Prince George’s County.
Walk-to-Metro Convenience
Many Hyattsville residents live within a 10–15 minute walk of a station, especially in neighborhoods like Arts District Hyattsville, University Hills, and West Hyattsville Terrace. The area is increasingly pedestrian-friendly, with expanded sidewalks, bike racks, and lighting improvements along Route 1 and Ager Road.
If you prefer not to walk, Metrobus routes 83, 86, and F8 provide quick connections to both West Hyattsville and Hyattsville Crossing stations.
Parking Options
Both stations feature Park & Ride facilities — perfect for commuters who drive to the Metro each morning. Monthly parking passes can be purchased through WMATA, with costs typically ranging between $5–$5.50 per day.
Pro Tip: The Green Line’s direct route through downtown avoids many of the transfer delays that Red Line commuters experience, making Hyattsville one of the most time-efficient suburban options for D.C. access.
2. Driving to D.C.: Flexibility for Hybrid Schedules
If you prefer to drive, Hyattsville offers multiple routes into Washington, D.C., depending on your destination and traffic patterns.
Typical Drive Times
Downtown D.C. (via Rhode Island Ave/US-1): ~20–30 minutes in light traffic; 35–45 minutes during rush hour
Capitol Hill/Navy Yard (via Eastern Ave or Rhode Island Ave SE): ~25–40 minutes
Dupont Circle (via Rhode Island Ave NW): ~25–35 minutes
U.S. Route 1 (Baltimore Avenue) serves as Hyattsville’s main artery, connecting directly to Rhode Island Avenue and the D.C. line. From there, commuters can choose between North Capitol Street, New York Avenue, or Michigan Avenue depending on traffic.
For those who work in downtown D.C., many residents opt to park at Metro-accessible garages near Fort Totten or Brookland during heavy congestion periods — a hybrid solution that saves both time and stress.
Parking and Carpooling
Street parking in D.C. can be tight, so many commuters take advantage of carpool lanes or ride-sharing services. Apps like Sluglines and Waze Carpool connect local riders heading downtown, offering faster HOV access along Route 50 and I-295.
Pro Tip: Consider using Rhode Island Ave (Route 1) before 7:00 a.m. or after 9:30 a.m. for the smoothest commute. Afternoon return trips are typically 5–10 minutes faster via Queens Chapel Road or Bladensburg Road.
3. Biking from Hyattsville: Scenic, Sustainable, and Surprisingly Fast
If you’re looking for a healthier (and greener) way to reach the city, Hyattsville’s bike infrastructure has improved dramatically in recent years — making it one of the most bikeable suburbs near D.C.
The Anacostia Tributary Trail System
This interconnected trail network is part of Prince George’s County’s park system, linking Hyattsville directly to Washington, D.C. via safe, scenic bike paths.
From Hyattsville, you can hop onto the Northwest Branch Trail or Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail, which feed into the Anacostia River Trail — a paved, multi-use path that stretches from Bladensburg Waterfront Park to Anacostia Park and the Navy Yard.
Typical Bike Commute Times
Hyattsville to Union Market/Downtown DC: ~30–40 minutes (via Anacostia River Trail)
Hyattsville to Capitol Hill: ~40–45 minutes
Hyattsville to Navy Yard: ~45–50 minutes
Most of these routes are fully separated from vehicle traffic, offering a safe, scenic ride through parks, wetlands, and the riverfront. You’ll cross only a few intersections before reaching D.C.’s protected lanes near Benning Road and 11th Street SE.
Pro Tip: Many Hyattsville residents use e-bikes or folding commuter bikes for flexibility — riding to the city in the morning and taking the Metro home during bad weather.
Bike Amenities
Secure bike racks at both Metro stations
Bike repair stands along the Trolley Trail
Capital Bikeshare stations throughout the Hyattsville Arts District and University Town Center
Bike-friendly businesses offering discounts and community rides
Hyattsville’s commitment to sustainable transportation continues to grow — new bike lanes along Queens Chapel Road and Ager Road are further connecting neighborhoods to the Metro and trail system.
4. Comparing Your Options: Metro vs. Driving vs. Biking
ModeAverage Time to Downtown D.C.Best ForNotesMetro22–30 minutesReliability & simplicityDirect Green Line access, no transfersDriving25–45 minutesFlexibilityBest outside rush hour or for hybrid schedulesBiking35–50 minutesActive commutersScenic, car-free routes along Anacostia Trail
No matter which option you choose, Hyattsville’s multi-modal connectivity is a major advantage. Few suburbs offer such easy access to D.C. with this mix of affordability, walkability, and transit choice.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hopping on the Metro, cruising down Route 1, or pedaling along the Anacostia River Trail, commuting from Hyattsville to Washington, D.C. is easier than ever.
This flexibility — combined with Hyattsville’s arts scene, historic charm, and growing real estate value — makes it one of the region’s most attractive places to live.
For more insider details on Hyattsville’s neighborhoods, housing market, and cultural life, check out our full community guide:
👉 The Ultimate Insider’s Guide to Living in Hyattsville, MD: History, Arts, and Real Estate Trends