2026 Major Bus Detours

Throughout this year, major events in the DMV will impact Metro Bus services. During these periods, buses may not operate on their typical routes and some stops may be temporarily bypassed or moved. Customers should use Metro's various tools listed below to learn about service disruptions and prepare for upcoming travel.

Upcoming major events

See below for upcoming major events that may impact Metro Bus service.

Great American State Fair

Some Metro Bus routes are impacted by the Great American State Fair and associated events. These service impacts are late night only.

Impacted routes: D30 | D40 | D60

Detour begins: Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 10:00PM

Detour ends: Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 11:59PM

Detour maps

July 4: Independence Day

Palisades 60th Annual Fourth of July Parade

Impacted route: D94

Detour begins: Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 10:00 am

Detour ends: Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 1:30 pm

Leisure World Fourth of July Parade

Impacted route: M22

Detour begins: Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 6:00 am

Detour ends: Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 4:00 pm

Laurel Independence Day Celebration

Impacted route: P12

Detour begins: Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 9:00 am

Detour ends: Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 11:59 pm

2026 Greenbelt Annual 4th of July Celebration

Impacted route: P21

Detour begins: Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 8:00 am

Detour ends: Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 10:30 pm

Fairlington July 4th Parade

Impacted route: A27

Detour begins: Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 7:00 am

Detour ends: Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 1:00 pm

Fairfax Independence Day Parade

Impacted route: F23

Detour begins: Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 6:00 am

Detour ends: Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 2:00 pm

Capitol Hill 4th of July Parade

Impacted route: C53 | C55

Detour begins: Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 7:00 am

Detour ends: Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 1:00 pm

Freedom 250 Grand Prix

Check back here for more information about Metro Bus service impacts due to the Freedom 250 Grand Prix. 

Tips for navigating detours

Metro Bus service will be available but may be detoured during upcoming major events. Use the tips and tricks below for navigating during these detours.

Detour information

Visit wmata.com/alerts or visit Rider Tools to learn whether your route is impacted by detours. When routes are detoured, specific routing information will be provided in the service advisory. This will include whether your stop is impacted and, if so, where you can catch the bus instead.

Next bus information

Customers can also use Rider Tools to get next bus arrival information. See available service near your current location, or search for arrivals at specific stops or nearby other locations.

Metro Pulse

For customers on the go, the Metro Pulse mobile application is also a useful tool for accessing Metro Bus information.