Metro to open at 5 a.m. for Marine Corps Marathon this Sunday

Metrorail will open at 5 a.m. to help thousands of runners get to the start line for the 50th Marine Corps Marathon, one of the region’s most celebrated annual events. Trains will run frequently throughout the day, making Metrorail the easiest way to get around and avoid traffic and road closures.

For decades, Metro has played a key role in getting people to the race. Last year, runners and spectators took more than 70,000 trips for the Marathon, making it the third-busiest Sunday since 2019.

Nearest stations

• For packet pick up, runners can take Metro to Eisenhower Station and get a free shuttle to National Harbor. Shuttles will run on Friday from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

• On race day, runners can take Metro to Pentagon or Pentagon City stations for the Runners Village and race starting line. Note, only runners will be allowed at the start and finish lines this year.

• Spectators can take Metro to race viewing spots near the following stations: Smithsonian, Crystal City, L’Enfant Plaza, and Arlington Cemetery (opening at 9 a.m.). Visit the Marine Corps Marathon website for race viewing location details and use Metro’s Trip Planner  to map out your ride.

• Spectators can meet runners at the Family Link Up Zone near Rosslyn Station.

Fares range from $2.25 to $2.50 for any one-way trip. Customers can simply tap a debit, credit, or mobile wallet card to pay for trips at fare gates. Be sure to use the same card to tap out to exit. Other payment options are also available.

SERVICE INFORMATION

Metrorail

Sunday, Oct. 26

Stations will open at 5 a.m. and will operate normal Sunday frequencies.

Red Line: Trains run every 6 minutes; after 9:30 p.m. trains run every 10 minutes

Green Line: Trains run every 8 minutes all day.

Yellow Line: Trains run every 8 minutes all day.

Blue Line: Trains run every 12 minutes; after 9:30 p.m. trains run every 15 minutes. Arlington Cemetery station will open at approximately 9 a.m.

Orange Line: Trains run every 12 minutes; after 9:30 p.m. trains run every 15 minutes.

Silver Line: Trains run every 12 minutes; after 9:30 p.m. trains run every 15 minutes.

At downtown stations served by multiple lines, trains will arrive every 4 minutes on Blue, Orange, and Silver lines between Rosslyn and Stadium-Armory and every 4 minutes on Green and Yellow Lines between Mt. Vernon Square and L’Enfant Plaza.

Metrobus   

Saturday, Oct. 25 – Marine Corps Marathon Kids Run

Pentagon Bus Terminal – Due to the Marine Corps Marathon Kids Run, Metrobus routes that normally operate to/from the Pentagon will be diverted to the Pentagon City Station on Saturday, from 5 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 26 – Marine Corps Marathon

Pentagon Bus Terminal - Due to the event, all Metrobus service that normally operates to/from the Pentagon will be diverted to Pentagon City Station on Sunday from 2:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Additional staff will be on hand at Pentagon City Station to assist bus customers.

Rosslyn Bus Terminal - All Metrobus service will be relocated from the Rosslyn Bus Terminal to North Oak St between Wilson Blvd and North 18th St from 2:30 a.m. until approximately 7 p.m. to accommodate the Marathon Finish Festival.

Crystal City Station - All Metrobus service will be relocated from the Crystal City Station to Pentagon City Station from 2:30 a.m. until approximately 7 p.m. to accommodate the Marine Corps Marathon. 

Across Virginia and DC - Due to road closures, some Metrobus routes will be detoured or turned back between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Impacted routes include: A1X, A11, A27, A40, A58, A66, A76, C11, C55, D1X, D10, D30, D4X, D40, D44, D5X, D50, D6X, D60, D74, F44, F62, and EF1. View a list of temporary detours . Routes will be detoured from opening and will reopen as allowed up through 6 p.m. 

Customers will be notified as roads reopen on X @MetrobusInfo and on the Status and Alerts page or sign up for MetroAlerts to receive up-to-date service information.

Travel tools and resources

• View the Metrorail map.

• Use the MetroPulse app or visit wmata.com for real-time service information.

• Sign up for MetroAlerts to receive service updates via text or email.

• Follow @wmata, @metrorailinfo, and @metrobusinfo on X or @wmata.com, @metrorailinfo.bsky.social, and @metrobusinfo on Bluesky for the latest updates.

• Need more assistance? Call202-GO-METRO (202-466-3876, TTY 202-962-2033): Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Automated information is available 24/7.