Your Best Metro Options for Inauguration Day

Key Metro stations will be closed on Inauguration Day -- here's how to travel through the detours

What to Know

  • Metro trains will run from 4 a.m. to midnight on Inauguration Day.
  • Trains will run at peak service levels, with peak fares in effect, from opening to 9 p.m.
  • Metrobuses will run on a Saturday supplemental schedule. The Pentagon Transit Center will be closed.

Those planning to ride Metro on Inauguration Day will have to get creative with their travel routes -- five stations nearest the events will be shut down.

The Federal Triangle, Mt. Vernon Square, National Archives, Pentagon and Smithsonian stations will be closed Friday for security reasons, WMATA said. Riders trying to travel to those areas will have to opt for other stations and then walk to their destinations.

If you plan on taking Metro to the National Mall, here are your best options:

  • L'Enfant Plaza will be the closest station to the National Mall; it's just 0.2 mile away. This station is accessible from the Green, Yellow, Blue, Orange and Silver lines.
  • Another option is Gallery Place-Chinatown, if you're riding on the Yellow or Green lines. The National Mall is about 0.6 mile away.
  • If you're traveling on the Red, Orange, Silver or Blue lines, you can use Metro Center, or, on the Red Line only, Judiciary Square. Both stations are about 0.7 mile from the National Mall.

If you have tickets to attend U.S. Capitol events, the following stops are closest for you:

  • Riders taking the Yellow or Green lines may exit at L'Enfant Plaza or Gallery Place-Chinatown. These stations are about 1.1 mile from the Capitol, so wear comfortable shoes. L'Enfant Plaza is also accessible from the Blue, Orange and Silver lines.
  • Riders on the Blue, Orange or Silver lines should exit at Federal Center SW or Capitol South; both stations are about 0.6 mile away from the Capitol.
  • Riders on the Red Line should exit at Judiciary Square. The Capitol is about 0.9 mile away. Union Station is a bit closer, at 0.7 mile from the Capitol, but it could be a bit chaotic on Inauguration Day as travelers arrive from out of town.

Metro has many other station options, as well as walking directions, online here.

Metro trains will run from 4 a.m. to midnight on Inauguration Day. Trains will run at peak service levels, with peak fares in effect, from opening through 9 p.m.

At downtown Metro stations, entrances will be limited to one-way traffic. Travelers will only be able to enter and exit from certain areas. Additionally, some escalators will be intentionally out of service.

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(See a larger version of Metro's map for Inauguration Day here.)

METROBUS

Metrobuses will run on a Saturday supplemental schedule. Those who plan to travel by bus should expect several detours, while Metrorail riders should be prepared for long lines and packed cars.

The Pentagon Transit Center will be closed Friday. All routes normally running to or from the Transit Center on a Saturday supplemental schedule will begin or end at Pentagon City.

Bus routes will be detoured because of road closures. There will be temporary stops around inauguration events.

TIPS FOR AN EASY TRIP

Metro riders are encouraged to buy and load SmarTrip cards in advance to avoid long lines. Riders who don't buy a one-day pass should make sure their SmarTrip cards are loaded with enough value for all the travel they plan to do on Inauguration Day.

If you're planning to park at a Metro parking facility, remember that cash is not accepted. Instead, you may use a credit card or SmarTrip card to pay for your parking.

Bicycles will not be allowed on Metro trains on Inauguration Day.

Remember that smoking, eating and drinking aren't allowed on Metro.

Metro trains and buses will resume their regular weekend schedule on Saturday.

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