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Navigating Washington, DC with Metro

Find out everything you need to know to ride dc’s world-class metrorail system, get a metro map, check operating hours, ride fares and more..

Washington, DC’s Metro   is one of the busiest public transportation systems in the country. Its expansive network of tunnels and above ground tracks connect all four quadrants of DC with suburban Virginia and Maryland. The system is heavily used by local commuters and it’s a popular, convenient and affordable way for visitors to DC to get around the region, now so more than ever. Metro has opened its new Silver Line extension, which allows riders to connect to Dulles International Airport and explore Loudoun County. Visit Metro's website for more information about the extension.  

Find information about the Washington, DC Metro system:

DC Metro Map

• How Metro Works & Metro Trip Planner  
• Metro Fares
• Metro Hours
• Metro Etiquette

Please download the touch-free SmarTrip app for iPhone and Android .

A Metrorail system map will help you navigate the nation's capital during your trip. Click the Washington, DC Metro map below to view a larger version.  

How does the Washington, DC Metro work? How do I plan my trip? 

The Metro consists of six color-coded lines: Red, Blue, Orange, Yellow, Green and Silver. The lines are connected to each other via transfer stations and many Metro stops are serviced by more than one color. Each train car has an exterior electronic sign that marks the color and the direction of the train. Direction is indicated by the final station of that line.

Popular sightseeing Metro stops include the Smithsonian (Orange, Silver and Blue lines), Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan (Red line) and Gallery Place-Chinatown (Red, Green and Yellow lines). You can plan your trip and find the best route using Metro's Trip Planner .

Worried about internet connectivity while traveling on Metro? Currently, most Metro stations have free Wi-Fi .

How much are Metro fares and how do you use SmarTrip?

Metro fares are calculated by how many stops you travel and vary during peak and off-peak hours. During peak hours, most fares range from $2.25 to $6 per trip. During off-peak hours, fares typically range from $1.85 to $3.85. 

Metro riders must pay via  SmarTrip card  or the  SmarTrip app on  iPhone and Apple Watch . SmarTrip cards are plastic, rechargeable fare cards that can be purchased by cash or credit at any Metro station or in advance on  wmata.com . You can calculate your fare between two stops using Metro’s  Trip Planner .

The SmarTrip app can be used anywhere the SmarTrip card is accepted, including rail, buses and Metro-operated parking lots. Metro is the first rail system in the U.S. to offer a full-service, touch-free payment option at every single stop. See below for more information about how to use SmarTrip in your Apple Wallet .

What are the Metro's hours and when does it close?

DC Metro trains run Monday - Thursday, 5 a.m. until 12 a.m.; Friday, 5 a.m. until 1 a.m.; Saturday: 7 a.m. until 1 a.m.; Sunday: 7 a.m. until 12 a.m.

Metro etiquette

The Washington, DC Metro serves thousands of commuters and visitors each day. Because the train system is so heavily used by busy local commuters, there are a number of unspoken rules that visitors should be aware of. If possible, you may want to ride at off-peak hours when the train system is much less hectic.

When riding the escalator, stand to your right, walk to your left. Standing in a twosome that blocks the left side is strongly (and often loudly) discouraged by your fellow Metro riders.

When waiting to board a train, let riders exit the train first before trying to board. If the train is particularly crowded and you are standing in a doorway, step just outside the train doorway to allow your fellow riders room to exit.

Another important note if the train is crowded: move to the middle of the car so others can board. You will have time to exit when you arrive at your stop.

During peak hours, trains arrive often. Don’t try to board a train that is too full. The automatic doors are very sensitive and if they can’t close, the train operator may offload the entire train because a door stopped working.

Each car usually has several seats for handicapped riders. Please don’t use these seats if there is a rider that needs to sit down.

Be sure and have your SmarTrip card out and ready to swipe when you go through the gate. Riders move through quickly and holding up the line is discouraged.

While the Metro can be a very busy place, most of your fellow riders are friendly and will point you in the right direction. There is also a station manager at each station. Don’t be afraid to ask if you have questions about navigating the Metro!

Now that you have read up on the Metrorail experience, learn about other ways to navigate DC. Check out the best transportation options  for getting around the District.

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Best metro plans in 2024.

Looking for a T-Mobile service for less? Metro has unlimited plans with full 5G speeds and family savings

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Our top metro by t-mobile pick, best value metro plan, best premium metro plan, best metro plan for families, choose the right metro plan for your needs, save with metro's best deals.

A prepaid plan on the T-Mobile network is a great way to save on wireless, even if you want unlimited data for multiple lines. Metro by T-Mobile is a prepaid brand owned by T-Mobile that provides three unlimited plans, one 5GB plan, and a home internet service that can be bundled in. For the most part, Metro’s plans stick to the essentials, offering unlimited talk, texting, and data with a handful of add-ons for those who need international usage.

Metro by T-Mobile Unlimited with 8GB Hotspot

Plenty of data for most

This plan's right in the middle of Metro’s range, and for most people, it’s the right fit. With unlimited data, 8GB of hotspot data, and solid multiline savings, this is a good starting point for most new Metro by T-Mobile customers.

• Unlimited high-speed data
• Solid 8GB of hotspot data
• 100GB Google One plan inlcuded
• Video streams at 480p
• Data deprioritized at 35GB
• $25 new line connection fee is steep

Metro by T-Mobile includes a ton of data for a prepaid carrier, which is probably helped by the fact that Metro is owned by T-Mobile. Metro by T-Mobile plans even get access to T-Mobile Tuesdays discounts and ScamShield. This unlimited plan with 8GB of hotspot data costs $50 per month for the first line and keeps things simple with unlimited data on T-Mobile’s 5G and LTE network.

While totally unlimited, users on this plan, and any unlimited Metro plan for that matter, may experience lower speeds than normal after using 35GB in a month. Metro’s data is treated as a lower priority than a postpaid T-Mobile plan, but for most people, it’s plenty fast, even after using more than 35GB. Last but not least, this plan comes with a 100GB Google One plan, including 100GB of cloud storage, extra Google Photos editing features, and a VPN that can be used on multiple devices.

T-Mobile vs. Metro: Is premium data worth the premium price?

Unlimited with 8GB of hotspot data costs $50 per month for a single line with autopay enabled. For two lines, it’s just $80 per month, and if you bring four lines, it’s $140 per month. Keep in mind that the first month will be $5 more, and there could be a $25 connection charge, though this fee is currently being waived when purchasing online, over the phone, or on some phones in stores.

Metro by T-Mobile Unlimited talk and text with 5GB of data

For light users

Metro’s cheapest plan comes with just 5GB of data but could be a great pick for light users or for those who qualify for the federal Affordable Connectivity Program. This plan isn’t a good fit for families, however, with no multiline discounts.

• Unlimited talk and text
• Full 5G access
• Could be free with ACP
• No multi-line discounts
• There are cheaper 5GB plans on the T-Mobile network

A lot of people simply don’t need unlimited data. If you use Wi-Fi at home and work, for example, your actual data usage may only be a few gigs. If you use less than 5GB of data in a month, or think you can get there with a little effort, Metro’s Unlimited talk and text with 5GB of data plan, could be a good way to save. There are no extra perks or services included with this plan, so it is only suitable for those looking for basic service.

With this plan, you still get access to T-Mobile’s 5G and LTE coverage. Luckily, taxes and fees are included, so there are no surprises at checkout, though you will need to enable autopay, or the plan costs $35. This is why your first month of service will also cost $35. Also keep in mind, that if you qualify for assistance from the federal government with the Affordable Connectivity Program, you could get this plan for free.

Metro by T-Mobile Unlimited with 25GB Hotspot

Get all of Metro’s best features

If you have a tablet or a laptop that you want to connect on the go, a plan with plenty of hotspot data is a good choice. This Metro plan includes 25GB of hotspot data to share with your other devices. You also get the same perks as the other unlimited plan, including a 100GB of Google One membership.

• Tons of hotspot data
• Unlimited texting to 210+ destinations
• Plenty of high-speed phone data

Whether you want to text friends and family in another country or just need extra data to share with your other devices, upgrading to Metro’s top plan could be worth it to some. First and foremost, this plan has all the benefits of the cheaper plans, such as including the taxes and fees in the price and full 5G access. A 100GB Google One membership is included, so you also receive cloud storage and Google VPN access.

It would have been nice to see an upgrade to the 35GB of priority data over the cheaper plans, but it's still plenty for most people, and only really slowed down in congested areas. Video content still streams at 480p resolution, which is definitely a drag at this price. If you watch a lot of gaming content or just have a larger phone, the upgrade to 720p or higher on a phone can be noticeable, especially if it's available at 60fps.

This plan starts at a fairly steep $60 for the first line, but with multiline discounts, it's a lot more affordable. Two lines, for example, cost $90 per month while four lines are just $150 per month. Like Metro’s other plans, there is a $5 auto pay discount, and your first month is $5 more.

Metro by T-Mobile Unlimited

For three or more lines

If you’re looking for cheap unlimited service for the whole family, Metro's base $40 Unlimited plan is the right pick. This plan gets the same unlimited data as Metro’s other plans, though it lacks any hotspot data.

• Totally unlimited data
• Full 5G speeds
• Access to T-Mobile Tuesdays and ScamShield

If you don’t need any hotspot data, Metro’s base unlimited plan could be all you need and more. This plan offers totally unlimited data with the same 35GB deprioritization limit as the rest of Metro’s unlimited plans. There’s no hotspot data, so this plan will only work for the phone it’s activated on. Still, for many people, this is all they want from their plan. Despite the cutbacks, this plan still gets access to T-Mobile Tuesdays discounts, and ScamShield to protect against scam calls.

This is a good plan for a single line at $40 per month but doesn’t make sense for two lines as there is no multiline discount, which makes the plan with 8GB of hotspot data the same price for two lines. If you get three or more lines, the discounts swing back in this plan’s favor at $90, and four lines come in at a cool $100 per month.

There are many ways to get T-Mobile service these days, whether you prefer to get a postpaid plan directly from T-Mobile or a prepaid plan from a carrier like Mint Mobile . Even if you compare Metro directly to T-Mobile , there are some solid reasons to pick the prepaid carrier. For one thing, Metro has some great deals on new phones for users who bring their phone numbers with them. You can even get a free phone for the whole family with unlimited plans if you bring their numbers.

When it comes down to it, Metro by T-Mobile’s most sensible plan sits right in the middle of the stack with plenty of unlimited data, enough hotspot data to get a laptop or tablet online in a pinch, and some of the best multiline discounts on the carrier. It’s also nice that you get a Google One membership whose VPN connection can work on multiple devices at once. Google One even offers access to some previously Pixel-only features like Audio Magic Eraser for any phone that downloads the app.

Plenty of data for your devices

Metro’s middle unlimited plan makes the most sense for most customers with plenty of data as well as hotspot data for other devices. With Google One also included, you can also use public Wi-Fi thanks to a VPN or backup your photos to the cloud with Google Photos.

If you choose Metro by T-Mobile, you can take advantage of some nice freebies if you get the right plan. For example, currently, all Metro by T-Mobile unlimited plans include a one-year Vix subscription. Besides that, there are quite a few phone deals for new customers, especially those who bring their number from another carrier. For example, some of the best budget phones, like the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G, or Moto G Stylus 5G , can be obtained for free if you bring your number to Metro. You can even get discounts on higher-end phones like the Galaxy A54 5G or iPhone 12.

Samsung Galaxy A15 5G

Moto g stylus 5g (2023), samsung galaxy a54 5g, apple iphone 12.

Metro by T-Mobile customers can also save on home internet service with T-Mobile 5G Home Internet. Metro customers get unlimited high-speed internet for $50 per month. They’ll even get a month free with a prepaid card after three months of service. However, customers interested in T-Mobile 5G Home Internet through Metro must sign up in a store. They can still check online for availability before heading into a store, though.

If you’re bringing four lines to Metro by T-Mobile, you can get four new Samsung Galaxy A15 5G phones with service on the base unlimited plan for $100 per month . Like some of Metro’s other deals, you’ll need to pick this one up in a store, but it could be worth it if your family is ready for new phones.

Finally, if you just have a single line and want basic unlimited service, you can head to a site to get an unlimited plan for just $25 per month with no activation fees. You’ll still need to sign up for autopay, but this is still one of the best deals on an unlimited plan on the T-Mobile network.

How will Metro Parks Tacoma handle security after violent events at Point Defiance?

A pr. 5—Point Defiance Park has seen three violent crimes in less than a year, and there is no doubt that there is lingering fear in the community.

Between May and July of last year, the park saw two shootings that involved a 55-year-old woman and a 9-year-old girl. In response to the shootings, Metro Parks Tacoma decided to close the park earlier than usual through July.

More recently on Feb. 10, a woman walking along Five-Mile Drive at Point Defiance Park was stabbed. The woman said in a news conference on Feb. 21 that she suffered multiple lacerations and wounds and has more than 120 staples in her skull, neck and upper back.

The News Tribune previously reported that Nicholas Matthew, 27, was arrested and accused of stabbing the woman, which led to the closure of the park for the remainder of the day. Metro Parks announced later that night that the park would open the next day on its normal schedule. The victim said at the news conference that it was shocking to find out the park reopened even though the alleged suspect was still at large.

Matthew was arrested at the San Francisco airport on March 29. He was charged with first-degree attempted murder and is currently being held at San Mateo County Jail in California and awaiting extradition, according to News Tribune reports.

Shon Sylvia, the Metro Parks Tacoma executive director, acknowledged how unsettled the community has felt after the stabbing and shared his team's approach to public safety at all of their parks.

Although Sylvia addressed concerns about safety, more questions arose regarding a long-term security plan.

In response, The News Tribune recently spoke with Metro Parks Tacoma spokesperson Stacia Glenn to break down what extra security measures have been put in place. We also asked about security measures that are yet to be implemented following the violent stabbing and shootings that occurred in the last year. Glenn responded to questions via email.

Q&A with Metro Parks Tacoma spokesperson

Q: What would you say to park-goers who are still uncertain or fearful of going back to Point Defiance?

A: Safety is a priority for Metro Parks. We understand the impact that feeling unsafe has on our visitors, our employees and on our community. While we cannot prevent random acts of violence, we are constantly working on improving our security protocols and enhancing our safety standards through things like Crime Prevention through Environmental Design; our park guide program, which we are currently working on expanding; contracted security; and building strong relationships with Tacoma Police for response and for their presence in our parks. We are committed to making our parks a place where people feel safe to recreate and we ask that our visitors practice safety too.

Q: Why did Metro Parks choose to reopen Point Defiance Park so soon after the stabbing incident in February?

A: We coordinated with Tacoma police and followed their guidance on reopening the park.

Q: Executive Director Shon Sylvia mentioned in an op-ed that Metro Parks is hiring more park guides, exactly how many park guides have been hired since February's incident, and how many positions need to be filled?

A: The park guide program was launched in 2023 with four park guides. We are currently working on expanding the program and will hire two more positions who will hopefully be working in the parks by June.

Q: Are there park guides at Point Defiance every day of the week?

A: Yes, the park guide schedule includes weekends. They lead walks, provide pop-up events and are generally available to talk with people in the park or address violations of park rules.

Q: According to the Metro Parks website, "Guides will actively monitor and engage with all populations in the parks but won't act in an enforcement capacity." Can you explain what they are tasked to do if an emergency occurs?

A: The Tacoma Police Department has law enforcement jurisdiction in Tacoma, which includes enforcement of civil and criminal laws. Our park guides are a response to the community requesting that early intervention be implemented to address issues like unleashed dogs in the parks and to help connect people with resources.

Q: How many portable cameras are there? Who monitors them and how often? Is there a plan to install more security cameras around the park?

A: We rent mobile cameras from our contracted security company. At Point Defiance Park, those cameras are positioned at the two park entrances. The cameras are not monitored, but the footage can be reviewed to assist in police investigations. We are continuing to assess security needs and will make adjustments as needed.

Q: Is Metro Parks working with the Tacoma Police Department to figure out ways to keep park-goers safe?

A: We have a good relationship with Tacoma police and appreciate their responsiveness during incidents. We meet with them regularly to discuss concerns and work through identified issues for improvement, like better coordination of leadership teams and for addressing homelessness. We also recognize that law enforcement is not able to prevent random acts of violence either.

Q: How many security guards patrol Point Defiance? How many days a week and how many hours of the day are they active?

A: We have one security guard who supports our regional parks, which includes Point Defiance, seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. We have additional emphasis patrols from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Although they may not be in Point Defiance Park all the time because they serve the waterfront parks as well, they are never more than 10 minutes away from Point Defiance to respond to incidents.

Q: Are there or will there be security guards and park guides at every other park? If not, how does Metro Parks go about deciding where to place them?

A: Each park must be considered individually for how we implement safety. Parks have different features, topography and ingress and egress that require different solutions. Our staff spends time in each park to identify the park's unique needs. It is also important to recognize that we have more than 80 parks in our system, which means that we don't have dedicated staff for each park. We address each park's needs and will pivot our response if a situation arises that needs a different response level.

Q: How long will Metro Parks maintain this level of security? Is it just for right now, through spring and summer or will it go on for a longer period of time?

A: We consistently provide security measures at parks because safety is a top priority. Every June, we increase our park guide and security presence in the parks due to high visitation, longer park hours and increased use of the parks. Our security staffing typically decreases in the fall but the park guide program is year-round and we will continue to respond according to the needs in our parks.

This story was originally published April 4, 2024, 2:28 PM.

(c)2024 The News Tribune (Tacoma, Wash.) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Didn’t make eclipse plans? Here’s what to know and how to view it.

Thousands of people from around New England and beyond are heading north to Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine to view the solar eclipse today, setting up camp in cities like Burlington, Vt.; Colebrook, N.H.; and Jackman, Maine — which land along the path of totality .

But if you didn’t make plans to travel to totality — couldn’t get off work, didn’t want to deal with the traffic, or just didn’t think of it in time — you can still catch the partial eclipse with Boston and the rest of Massachusetts seeing more than 90% of totality.

The weather forecast is looking mostly good , said Boston Globe meteorologist Ken Mahan, with temperatures in the Boston area reaching 60-plus degrees for the first time this month. And cloud coverage should be kept mostly at bay during eclipse time, making for a clear and comfortable viewing experience.

Here’s how to view the partial solar eclipse, even if you’re piecing together last-minute plans.

How can I get eclipse viewing glasses?

Sunglasses won’t cut it. Make sure your eclipse glasses meet the international safety standards for solar viewing — you should see an “ISO 12312-2″ code labeled somewhere on the shades.

According to NASA, it is not safe to look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing, even if you’re looking through a camera lens, binoculars, or telescope, which also should be equipped with special-purpose solar filters.

Eyeware retailer Warby Parker was giving out free eclipse viewing glasses, but if you haven’t snagged a pair yet, you’re too late — the stores are out of stock. You can still visit the Warby Parker website to download and print their DIY eclipse pinhole projector , which will allow you to safely observe the eclipse through a projection.

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If you can’t get your hands on a pair of eclipse glasses (Boston Public Library locations are also out of stock), you can create your own DIY indirect viewer using an empty paper towel roll or cereal box, some foil, and paper.

What exactly is a total solar eclipse, anyway?

A total solar eclipse is the result of a cosmic coincidence, according to NASA. It occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, casting a shadow that completely blocks the face of the sun in some areas, plunging them into darkness.

Although the sun is about 400 times bigger than the moon, it is also about 400 times farther away, making them almost exactly the same size in our sky, according to NASA.

The path of totality, where the moon will completely cover the sun, cuts across the United States beginning around 2:30 p.m. at the Texas-Mexico border before exiting the US in northern Maine at around 3:30 p.m. In areas outside the path, viewers can see a partial eclipse, where the moon casts a partial shadow over the sun to varying degrees depending on how far you are from the path.

The last total solar eclipse visible from North America was in 2017. The next one visible from the contiguous US won’t be for two more decades , in August 2044, according to NASA.

What time will the eclipse happen?

In Boston, the partial eclipse will start at 2:16 p.m., and reach its peak at 3:29 p.m.

Along the path of totality, the total eclipse will last for three minutes, the only time when it’s safe for viewers to look at the sun without eye protection. In Massachusetts, you’ll need protection throughout the duration of the partial eclipse, since the moon won’t fully cover the sun’s rays at any point.

If I didn’t plan a trip to the path of totality, where can I view the eclipse?

There are lots of viewing events being hosted throughout Boston, such as at the Brighton Branch Library , Somerville’s Central Library , Cambridge’s Main Library , and across the state, including several state parks .

The Boston Calendar compiled a list of 18 events in and around Boston for community eclipse viewing, including at various rooftops, parks, and museums.

And if you don’t have time to make it to a viewing party, you can always just step outside and take a look for yourself, with proper eclipse viewing glasses.

What will the partial eclipse look like in Massachusetts?

In the path of totality, with the sun entirely blocked by the moon, daylight will turn to darkness , and a “360 degree” sunset will emerge. The air will get colder, and winds will change. As the moon eclipses the sun, viewers will witness little filaments of sunlight called Baily’s beads, which will disappear one by one and merge to form a “diamond-ring effect,” only a faint corona around the sun left visible.

Meanwhile, in places outside the path of totality, the moon will just partially cover the sun, giving it a crescent shape. In Boston and other parts of Massachusetts, only a small sliver of the sun will be visible. It won’t be as dramatic as totality, but the lighting outside will dim noticeably.

Caity Sullivan, a planetarium educator at the Museum of Science, told WBUR that the change in light will be “somewhere between a very cloudy day and dusk,” and the temperature may drop a few degrees as well.

If you really can’t make it out of the house or office, the total solar eclipse will also be livestreamed on the Globe website and via the Globe app . It can also be viewed using the NASA app .

Madeline Khaw can be reached at [email protected] . Follow her @maddiekhaw .

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Solar eclipse 2024: Follow the path of totality

Solar eclipse, what you need to know to watch monday's total solar eclipse.

The NPR Network

A stunning celestial event is visible across the country Monday, when the moon crosses directly in front of the sun: a total solar eclipse. For those in the path of totality, there will be a few brief moments when the moon completely covers the sun and the world becomes dark.

Traveling for totality? Skip ahead.

This will be the last chance to catch a total solar eclipse in the continental U.S. for about 20 years, so here's what you need to know to safely enjoy!

When is the eclipse?

April 8, 2024 there will be a total solar eclipse that crosses from the Pacific coast of Mexico through the United States.

What is totality and why it matters

According to NASA , totality will start around 11:07 a.m. PDT/1:07 EDT in Mexico and leave Maine at around 1:30 pm PDT/3:30 pm EDT.

Here's what time the eclipse will be visible in your region

Check out this table for when the partial eclipse and totality are visible in each region or check by zip code here.

A partial solar eclipse will be visible across the contiguous United States, so even if you're not directly in the path, you should be able to see something special, weather permitting.

Unable to get to totality? We'll be sharing highlights here from across the NPR Network throughout the day Monday if you can't see it in real time.

Where to see totality?

More than 30 million people live in the path of totality for Monday's eclipse, and many more in nearby areas.

Here's what we know about Monday's weather forecast.

Why totality matters

As NPR's Neil Greenfieldboyce explains , "During a total eclipse, the sky darkens suddenly and dramatically . The temperature drops. Stars come out. Beautiful colors appear around the horizon. And the once-familiar sun becomes a black void in the sky surrounded by the glowing corona — that's the ghostly white ring that is the sun's atmosphere."

Eclipse Science

For april's eclipse, going from 'meh' to 'omg' might mean just driving across town.

A partial eclipse, while still a fun experience, is hardly as dramatic. Those with a view of the partial eclipse will see crescent-shaped shadows like those seen here in 2017.

How to watch safely

If you plan to look directly at the eclipse (partial or totality), you're going to need eclipse glasses handy because looking directly at the sun without proper protection ( traditional sunglasses don't count! ) can be harmful to your eyes.

The perfect celestial soundtrack to the total solar eclipse

As NPR's Joe Hernandez explains, "Proper eye protection must be worn throughout a total solar eclipse — except for the roughly 3 1/2 to 4 minutes when the moon fully obscures the sun, a brief period known as 'totality.' (You will need to take your glasses off during totality to actually see it.)"

If you don't have access to eclipse glasses, you can get crafty with things you have around the house ( like some of us did back in 2017!) More on that here.

Traveling for totality?

The celestial event is driving a ton of domestic travel to the path of totality. If you're headed out of town to view the eclipse, here are some NPR Network resources for areas in the path of totality:

Texas The path of totality crosses through the Lone Star State, with some areas expecting a possible influx of visitors in the hundreds of thousands to catch prime viewing. Our member stations across the state have gathered local resources to help you navigate the region and the eclipse!

• San Antonio: Check out the latest from Texas Public Radio
• Dallas: Explore KERA's coverage for the latest
• Austin: Head to KUT for the best local resources

Arkansas The eclipse will be cutting through the state, putting Little Rock in the path of totality. Check out Little Rock Public Radio for local resources.

The southwestern edge of the state will be well-positioned to witness the total solar eclipse this year. Kentucky Public Radio is covering the eclipse throughout the region, from Kentuckiana eclipse mania to the University of Louisville's free class about the celestial event. Keep an eye on WKMS for the latest local updates.

Missouri The southeastern corner of the state will be in the path of totality, crossing across towns like Whitewater and Ste. Genevieve. Head to St. Louis Public Radio for local coverage and resources. Illinois Carbondale seems to have won the eclipse lottery, being in the path of totality both in 2017 and for this year's eclipse . For resources from across the state, check out Illinois Public Media .

Indiana A huge portion of the state will be within the path of totality, giving cities across Indiana, including Bloomington and Indianapolis, prime viewing of the eclipse.

• Bloomington: Check out Indiana Public Media
• Indianapolis: Head to WFYI for the latest
• Fort Wayne: Just north of the path of totality, WBOI has resources for the Allen County area

Ohio The Buckeye State is getting bisected by this year's path of totality, plunging a number of the state's most populous areas into darkness for a few minutes on Monday.

• Cleveland: Head to Ideastream Public Media for the latest.
• Columbus: With the capital city just south of totality, head to WOSU for regional resources.
• Cincinnati: Totality will just miss the border town. Here are some tips from WVXU on how to navigate the eclipse in the region.

Pennsylvania Only the northwestern-most corner of the state will catch totality, with views from the lakeside in Erie being particularly well-positioned for a stunning viewing experience. WESA has more from across the region.

Plan to watch the eclipse from a wild mountain summit? Be ready for harsh conditions

New York Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Plattsburgh will fall under the path of totality on Monday. If you're planning to travel to the region for the best views, here are some local resources to stay safe and informed:

• Buffalo: Head to WBFO for the latest
• Syracuse: WAER has more on plans in the Salt City
• North Country: NCPR has the latest from across the region, as well as information on local viewing events to check out

Vermont The Green Mountain State will see totality across its most populous region, including Burlington and Montpelier, as well as the Northeast Kingdom on the Canadian border. Vermont Public has everything you need to know to navigate your time in the region to enjoy the eclipse safely. New Hampshire The northernmost region of the Granite State will be in the path of totality, providing prime viewing to those in Coos County. NHPR has info on local events, travel updates as well as special coverage with New Hampshire Public Television. Maine The last state in the path of totality in the U.S., much of Northern Maine will be positioned for prime viewing. The rural region is preparing for an influx of visitors, and safety officials are encouraging visitors and locals alike to be prepared. Maine Public will be covering the eclipse and has everything you need to know to navigate the region safely.

How to document the eclipse safely

With the ease of cell photography , it can be tempting to reach for your phone to document the eclipse and the moments of totality, but make sure to do so safely.

As NPR's Scott Neuman explains , "For starters, you'll need to wear eclipse glasses or similar protective eye gear while aiming your camera or even just observing the eclipse."

Feeling ambitious? Here are a few more tips.

Or if you're not inclined to capture the moment visually, you lean into some other forms of creative expression. Indiana, for example, has named Linda Neal Reising the official poet in the state for this year's eclipse.

As former NPR reporter and eclipse superfan David Baron shared with Life Kit , viewing totality "[is] like you've left the solar system and are looking back from some other world."

So consider focusing on being present in the moment to enjoy the celestial spectacle.

More resources to enjoy the eclipse

• Sharing the eclipse with tiny humans? Check out these kid-friendly total solar eclipse learning guides from Vermont Public's But Why, and this great explainer from KERA Kids on the difference between a solar and a lunar eclipse.
• Want to see how a solar eclipse alters colors? Wear red and green on Monday
• Plan to wander into the wild for the best view? Here are some tips from outdoor experts.
• Tips from Bill Nye on the best ways to enjoy the eclipse.

NPR will be sharing highlights here from across the NPR Network throughout the day Monday if you're unable to get out and see it in real time. NPR's Emily Alfin Johnson compiled these resources.

• 2024 eclipse