New Carrolton RR

New Carrollton Station is a major multimodal transport hub serving Washington and its eastern suburbs. The station is unique as it brings together long-distance Amtrak trains, MARC commuter trains, and serves as the terminus of the Washington Metro Orange Line under one roof.

The station is very popular with those wishing to avoid the hustle and bustle of the central Union Station, while still being able to quickly reach the capital's centre or travel north towards New York. The complex is equipped with convenient walkways and elevators connecting the railway platforms with the metro area and the car park.

It is important for passengers to know: the station has multiple levels and exits. The railway platforms for Amtrak and MARC trains are located on the surface level. To transfer to the Metro, you must pass through the underground passage or use the overhead concourse. Please watch the information boards closely: Northeast Regional and Vermonter trains stop here regularly, but the high-speed Acela trains pass through the station without stopping.

• Official Website: Amtrak.com / WMATA.com
• Helpline: +1 800-872-7245 (Amtrak), +1 202-637-7000 (Metro)
• Address: 4300 Garden City Dr, New Carrollton, MD 20785, USA
• Opening Hours: The waiting hall is open daily from 05:15 to 22:30 (hours may vary on public holidays).
• Luggage Storage Info: Luggage storage and checked baggage services are generally not available at this station.
• Accessibility Information: The station is fully adapted for people of determination (elevators, high platforms, and accessible toilets are available).

Getting to New Carrollton Station is very simple, as it is a vital transport hub in the region.

Public Transport: The most popular method is the Metro. The station serves as the terminus for the Orange Line. A trip from the centre of Washington (e.g., from Metro Center) will take approximately 30–40 minutes. MARC commuter trains (Penn Line) and numerous Metrobus and TheBus routes also serve this location.

By Car and Taxi: The station is located in the immediate vicinity of the I-495 (Capital Beltway) ring road, exit 19B. This makes it a convenient point for Park & Ride transfers. The premises feature a multi-storey garage and open car parks for long-term parking. The drop-off zone for taxis and passengers is located right at the main entrance.

New Carrollton Station offers passengers a basic range of services for a comfortable start to their journey.

Inside the station building, there is an indoor waiting area with seating where you can shelter from the weather. Tickets for long-distance trains can be purchased at the ticket counters (open during the day) or via Quik-Trak self-service kiosks. Machines for purchasing and topping up SmarTrip cards are installed for Metro passengers.

Other amenities include:

• Public toilets.
• Free Wi-Fi (AmtrakConnect network).
• ATMs.
• Elevators and ramps for people of determination.

Please note: there are no business lounges or Red Cap baggage assistance services here.

Dining options directly at New Carrollton Station are quite limited, so please plan your meals in advance.

At the Station: Vending machines with water, soft drinks, and light snacks are installed inside the waiting hall and on the platforms. Occasionally, a small kiosk selling coffee and pastries operates, but its schedule may be irregular.

Nearby: If you have 30–40 minutes to spare, you can walk to the nearest cafes outside the station (in the Garden City Dr and Corporate Dr area). There you will find popular fast-food chains and coffee shops. The average cost is 10–15 dollars.

The history of New Carrollton Station reflects the growth of the capital region's transport network in the second half of the 20th century.

The station was opened for rail service in 1966 by the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) as a strategically important point for serving the growing suburbs of Maryland. A major milestone was the opening of the Metro station here in 1978, which definitively established New Carrollton's status as a key intermodal hub.

Over the past decades, the station has been modernized multiple times. In recent years, the area around the station has been actively developing under transit-oriented development projects, transforming from a simple transfer point into a business centre.

A few useful tips for passengers departing from New Carrollton Station:

Arrival Time: Arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before your train departs. Although the station is not gigantic, transferring between the car park, Metro, and railway platforms can take time.

Tickets and Boarding: Electronic Amtrak tickets can be shown on your smartphone screen. To access the Metro, a SmarTrip card is mandatory (paper tickets are no longer used).

Luggage: Since there is no checked baggage service here, you must carry all your suitcases into the carriage yourself. Ensure your luggage complies with carry-on standards.

Safety: In the evening, the station is well-lit, but it is recommended to wait for your train in the central part of the platform or inside the waiting hall where security staff are present.