Metro celebrates America’s birthday with more service, free fares, and special July 4 train and bus

Published: 06/27/2024

It’s a party in the U.S.A. and this July Fourth enjoy the freedom to travel on Metro to all the Independence Day festivities. We’re boosting service, wrapping a train and bus in patriotic themes, and going fare-free in celebration of America’s birthday.

Whether you take Metrorail, Metrobus, or MetroAccess, you won’t pay a dime to ride after 5 p.m. until the system closes. During the afternoon, you’ll also see us ramp up service to rush hour service levels on Metrorail to get tens of thousands of you to events safely and reliably across the region.

Look for the stars and stripes, too, on our specially-wrapped Independence Day train and buses that debut July 1 and will run on the system through the month. You can track the train and bus in real time at WMATA.com/live and click on “special edition.”

Fourth of July wraps

“For the second straight year, we’re providing fare-free service for part of the holiday to give everyone a stress-free, easy way to beat the traffic to backyard barbecues, parades, fireworks and other festivities,” said Metro Board Chair Paul C. Smedberg. “There’s no day off for Metro. We’re open seven days a week, 365 days a year and want everyone to have a safe and happy Fourth of July holiday.”
“As America’s subway system, Metro is part of the fabric that keeps the nation’s capital moving, serving visitors from coast to coast, around the world, and those here at home,” said Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke. “We are proud to represent the DMV and help everyone celebrate the birth of America.”

Metrorail customers traveling to fireworks and activities on the National Mall are encouraged to enter and exit from a station near your destination on the same line as your origin to avoid transfers and reduce crowding. Customers should also consider using a station other than Smithsonian, which may become overcrowded, with extremely long lines and waits after the fireworks end. Metro has nearby stations on all lines including the following within a short walk of Smithsonian:

Outside of major construction impacting four stations on the Red Line, no additional track work is scheduled on the holiday. Metrobus and MetroAccess customers are also advised to expect possible detours and delays due to road closures.

Metrorail operates 7 a.m. to midnight on the Fourth, but last train times vary by station, so visit the station pagesfor more information.

Service Information

Metrorail

Metrorail will open at 7 a.m. and close at midnight. Regular weekday fares will be in effect until 5 p.m. All trips after 5 p.m. will be fare-free, and parking will be free all day at Metro-owned garages and lots.

Red Line Trains every 6 minutes between Shady Grove and Takoma all day. Glenmont, Wheaton, Forest Glen, Silver Spring are closed. Free limited-stop, local and downtown express shuttles replace trains. Express shuttles will operate between Silver Spring and Metro Center on the holiday. Additional information and travel alternatives are available at wmata.com/majorconstruction.
Blue Line Trains every 12 minutes. After 5 p.m., trains every 10 minutes. Arlington Cemetery Station will remain open later until midnight.
Orange Line Trains every 12 minutes. After 5 p.m. trains every 10 minutes.
Silver Line Trains every 12 minutes. After 5 p.m. trains every 10 minutes.
Green Line Trains every 8 minutes. After 5 p.m. trains every 6 minutes.
Yellow Line Trains every 8 minutes. After 5 p.m. trains every 6 minutes.
 

Metrobus

Metrobus will operate on a Sunday schedule. Service varies by route, check timetables for details. Regular fares will be in effect until 5 p.m. All trips after 5 p.m. will be fare-free. Customers traveling near the National Mall are advised to expect detours and delays, or some routes may be truncated due to road closures.

Customers should consider Metrorail as an alternative if traveling through this area. Impacted routes include:

  • 16E, 38B, 33, 32, 36, 42, 43, 52, 64, 70, 74, 79, 90, 92, G12, G14, P6, S2, X2

MetroAccess

MetroAccess customers may make a reservation to travel on the holiday; however, pre-scheduled subscription trips will be canceled. Separate reservations can be made online or by calling 301-562-5360 (TTY 301-588-7535).Regular fares will be in effect until 5 p.m. All trips after 5 p.m. will be fare-free.

Travel Tips

  • Metro Mobile Pay for iOS and Android is the fastest and easiest way to pay your fare. Purchase a new or transfer an existing farecard to your digital wallet and add value instantly.
  • Metro’s Smithsonian Station is typically the most crowded and trains may bypass the station, passing through without stopping if crowding becomes dangerous. After 5 p.m. the station may become ‘exit only,’ to accommodate crowds traveling to the National Mall, and ‘entry only’ after 9 p.m.
  • After fireworks end, it may take up to an hour or more for lines to clear at Smithsonian Station. If possible, delay return travel or use an alternate station.
  • Avoid traveling with items prohibited by the National Park Service on the National Mall, including weapons, alcohol, glass bottles or containers, fireworks, folding chairs, and coolers larger than 36 quarts (23”x15”x1micros5”).Click hereto view the full list of prohibited items.

Metro’s customer service team is available to assist with your questions or travel needs from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Call us at Metro customer information at (202) 637-7000 [TTY 202-638-3780], chat or message us on Facebook Messenger, or contact us on X @metrorailinfo @metrobusinfo , @wmata.

Real-time bus and train arrivals are available on MetroPulse. Customers are also encouraged to sign up for MetroAlerts text or email messages for the latest service information. Customize the information you want by rail line, station, route, and time of day.

Keep up with Metro