What Metro customers need to know for Fourth of July, including supplemental service and travel tips

Published: 06/27/2022

Updated 6/29/22

Important service note: Due to the reduced number of railcars available for service, capacity on Metrorail will be less than previous Independence Days. That means customers should be prepared for longer lines to enter stations near the Mall after the fireworks, up to 60 minutes, and for crowding to occur. Metro Transit Police may temporarily restrict entry to stations experiencing excessive crowding to prevent unsafe conditions on the platforms. Delay post-firework travel to Metrorail stations if possible to allow crowds to disperse. Planning your trip in advance is strongly encouraged.

Customers are encouraged to:

  • Select a destination station on the same line as your origin to avoid the need to transfer Delay return travel after the fireworks, if possible. Consider taking advantage of restaurants and other attractions downtown and at the Wharf to allow crowding to subside.
  • Consider utilizing a station other than Smithsonian, which typically sees the most crowding. The Mall side of Smithsonian will become ‘entry only’ after 9 p.m. to accommodate crowds. Other convenient options include:
    • Foggy Bottom (may become ‘entry only’ after fireworks)
    • Metro Center
    • Federal Triangle
    • Archives
    • Gallery Place
    • Judiciary Square
    • Union Station
    • L’Enfant Plaza
    • Capitol South
    • Federal Center SW
    • Arlington Cemetery (open until 11 p.m.)
  • Avoid lines at fare vending machines by loading enough value for your entire roundtrip, in advance, on your SmarTrip card.
  • SmarTrip mobile pay is your best option. Download the SmarTrip app for iOS or Android to buy a One-Day Pass for $13 or purchase a mobile SmarTrip card with enough round-trip value for you and all your travelers.
  • If possible, consider using Metrobus to get to and from downtown. Expect detours and delays due to road closures around the National Mall. See advisory here. For the latest information, sign up for MetroAlertsand follow @metrobusinfo on Twitter.

See below for full service information:

As people across the region prepare to celebrate the Independence Day holiday, Metro is also preparing to get people to and from July Fourth activities and fireworks. Trains will operate regular weekday service on all lines, with supplemental service on the Red Line and trains positioned throughout the system to provide extra capacity when needed.

Downtown where stations are served by multiple lines, as well as the Red Line, trains will arrive every 6-8 minutes. Off-peak fares will be in effect and parking will be free at all Metro parking facilities and garages.

Customers traveling to the National Mall are encouraged to plan ahead and allow additional time post-fireworks due to large crowds expected to converge on stations after the event. L'Enfant Plaza and Smithsonian stations typically experience heavy volume and customer should consider alternate stations to avoid long lines.

Metrorail closes at midnight which should give people plenty of time if they want to allow the crowds to clear before leaving. Check the station page for last train information which varies by station. Metrobus may also provide a convenient option as an alternative to rail. Use Metro's trip planner, enter July 4 as your travel date and select travel by bus to view the options available.

Metro's mobile pay for Apple iOS and Android provide a convenient option without having to wait at fare vending machines. Customers can transfer a SmarTrip card or purchase a virtual SmarTrip card and add value immediately. Plus Metro's real-time live train map will help you plan your trip and let you see when the next train is coming.

HOURS & SERVICE:

Monday, July 4

Metrorail

  • Metrorail will open at 7 a.m. and close at midnight.
  • Last train times vary by stations. View wmata.com/stations for specific times.
  • Red Line Trains will operate every 12 minutes; with additional trains combining to provide service every 6 minutes between Grosvenor and Silver Spring.
  • Blue Line Orange LineSilver Line Trains will operate every 20 minutes, with service about every 7 minutes at downtown stations served by multiple lines.
  • Green LineYellow Line Trains will operate every 15 minutes, with service every 7-8 minutes at stations served by both lines.
  • Metro will also extend the hours of the Arlington Cemetery Station to 11 p.m., an hour later than the normal April 1 - October 30 closing time
  • Due to the Platform Improvement Project:
  • New Carrollton, Landover, Cheverly, Minnesota Ave and Deanwood stations are closed.
  • Orange Line trains will operate between Vienna and Stadium-Armory only.
  • Free express and local shuttle buses will be provided.
  • Customers traveling to/from Orange Line stations east of Stadium-Armory should allow additional travel time.
  • Park & Ride customers are encouraged to consider using parking at alternate stations on the Green, Yellow, Blue or Silver lines to avoid taking shuttle buses.
  • View here for additional travel alternatives.
  • Due to large crowds, bicycles and large coolers are not permitted after 2:00 p.m.
  • Click here for a list of items prohibited on the National Mall from the National Park Service

Metrobus

  • Buses will operate on a Sunday service level. Schedule varies by route.
  • View timetablefor service details.
  • Strategic buses may be implemented on high-ridership routes to increase capacity as needed.
  • Customers should expect detours and delays due to road closures around the National Mall on July 4. For the latest information, visit wmata.com/service, sign up for MetroAlerts, and follow @metrobusinfo on twitter.

MetroAccess

  • Regular service.
  • Subscription trips will be canceled.
  • Customers wishing to travel on the holiday should make a separate reservation online (text only) or by calling 301-562-5360 (TTY 301-588-7535)

TRAVELING TO THE NATIONAL MALL

The closest station to the Mall is Smithsonian, however this is not your best choice. While many passengers choose to use Smithsonian, this station can become overcrowded during larger Mall events. Metro recommends selecting a destination station on the same line as your origin to avoid the need to transfer. There is a station near the Mall on every line. Here is a list of suggested stations:

  • Foggy Bottom Orange Line Silver Line Blue Line
    • Due to this stations proximity to the Lincoln Memorial, it may become "entry only" afterward.
  • Metro Center Red Line Orange Line Silver Line Blue Line
  • Federal Triangle Orange Line Silver Line Blue Line
  • Archives Yellow Line Green Line
  • Gallery Place Red Line Yellow Line Green Line
  • Judiciary Square Red Line
  • Union Station Red Line
  • L'Enfant Plaza Orange Line Silver Line Blue Line Yellow Line Green Line
  • Capitol South Orange Line Silver Line Blue Line
  • Federal Center SW Orange Line Silver Line Blue Line
  • Arlington Cemetery Blue Line.
    • Arlington Cemetery Station will remain open until 11p.m. on July 4, an hour later than its normal April 1 - September 30 closing time.
  • Smithsonian Orange Line Silver Line Blue Line
    • The National Mall side of Smithsonian Station will become "entry only" after 9 p.m. to accommodate returning crowds.
    • The Independence Avenue entrance of Smithsonian station will be available for both entry and exit throughout the entire day.

Sign up for MetroAlerts or follow us on Twitter @metrorailinfo and @metrobusinfo for up-to-the-minute station information.

FARE INFORMATION

  • SmarTrip mobile pay is your best option. Download the SmarTrip app for iOS or Android to buy a One-Day Pass for $13 or purchase a mobile SmarTrip card with enough round-trip value for you and all your travelers.
  • Determine your fare, use the Trip Planner and enter July 4 as the travel date. Each passenger must have his or her own SmarTrip card or One-Day Pass.
  • A One-Day Passallows unlimited trips on Metrorail and Metrobus throughout the day.
  • Buy in advance. Skip the long lines at vending machines by loading enough value for your entire roundtrip, in advance, on your SmarTrip card.

TRAVEL TIPS

  • Due to large crowds, bicycles and large coolers will not be permitted on Metrorail after 2 p.m.
  • Smoking, eating and drinking are prohibited.
  • Traveling with a stroller? Use elevators, not escalators.
  • Always stand back from the platform edge for your safety.
  • When boarding the train, step all the way into the car and move to the center to make room for passengers boarding behind you.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

  • Prohibited items at many events include alcohol, bicycles, explosives/fireworks, glass containers, coolers, animals (except service animals), weapons, and more. Be sure to check the event website for a complete list. If in doubt about whether an item will be permitted, it is best to leave it home.
  • See something suspicious? Say something! Report suspicious activity or unattended items to Metro Transit Police. Call 202-962-2121 or text MyMTPD (696873).

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Metro's customer information line will be open on the holiday. Call 202-637-7000.

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