Ford’s Theatre and Peterson House, famous landmarks associated with the assassination of President Lincoln, are important historical sites that are worth visiting in Washington, D.C. While these places may not be familiar to many Japanese tourists, they hold significant importance in American history. There are various transportation options to reach these locations, but one of the most convenient ways is by using the metro, which offers easy access to these sites.
Here are the directions from Union Station, the main gateway to Washington, D.C., to Ford’s Theatre and Peterson House:
Access from the Nearest Metro Station

1:Access from Metro Center Station
Metro Center Station is served by the Red, Blue, Silver, and Orange lines of the Metro subway system. From Union Station, take the Red Line and travel for approximately 6 minutes to reach Metro Center Station. From there, walk east along G Street for 2 blocks, then head south on 10th Street for about 3 minutes to reach Ford’s Theatre.
2:Access from Gallery Place-Chinatown Station
Gallery Place-Chinatown Station is served by the Red, Yellow, and Green lines of the Metro subway system. From Union Station, take the Red Line and travel for approximately 4 minutes to reach Gallery Place-Chinatown Station. From there, you can either walk west along H Street and then head south on 10th Street for about 4 minutes, or walk south along 7th Street, then west on E Street to reach Ford’s Theatre.
Alternative Transportation Methods

In addition to the metro, there are other transportation options available to explore Washington, D.C. and visit Ford’s Theatre. Consider using buses and other modes of transportation to enhance your mobility and reach the desired destinations.
1:Metrobus
Metrobus covers areas that are not served by metro stations, making it a convenient option. However, buses may not always adhere to strict schedules, which could result in some time loss during your sightseeing. To use the Metrobus, check the electronic display boards for the upcoming stops and press the stop button when you approach your desired destination. Note that the fare is a flat rate, but buses do not provide change, so be prepared with the exact fare.
2:Circulator
Circulator buses circulate within the central areas of Washington, D.C. Stops are conveniently located, and buses run every 10 minutes on 6 routes. The flat fare applies, and the buses cover popular tourist spots and major areas. Similar to Metrobus, be aware that exact change is required as no change is given, and there are no onboard announcements, so pay attention to your stop and disembark accordingly.。
Using the SmarTrip Card for Convenient Fare Payment
A SmarTrip Card is essential for transportation in Washington, D.C. It is an IC card similar to Suica or Pasmo in Japan and can be used for metro and bus rides. Fare rates for the metro vary based on factors such as the date, time, and distance traveled. Instead of dealing with complicated fare charts, preparing exact change, or worrying about receiving change, the SmarTrip Card streamlines the fare payment process. It also offers benefits such as discounted transfer fares. It is recommended to purchase a SmarTrip Card before embarking on your sightseeing journey in Washington, D.C.