Inauguration 2025 Directions & Tips
While the large outdoor swearing-in ceremony is canceled, several indoor events are still planned. Metro is the best to get there with fast, efficient, and frequent service for these events.
- Getting to Capital One Arena: UPDATED -- For Monday's event, Secret Service announced a new security checkpoint entrance late Sunday night. The new location to get into the Arena is at 4th and H St. NW. Customers can take Metro to nearby stations including Judiciary Square on the Red Line or Metro Center on the Blue, Orange, Silver, or Red lines.
- Metro expects high ridership on Inauguration Day. Be prepared for long lines, crowded trains and buses, and intermittent delays.
- Inauguration Metrorail System Map
- Metrobus will run on a Saturday Supplemental schedule. A number of detours will impact travel. Check timetables for schedule information and view the temporary detours for details ( DC detour maps and details, Virginia detour maps and details).
- Follow @wmata, @metrorailinfo, and @metrobusinfo on X or @wmata.com, @metrorailinfo.bsky.social, and @metrobusinfo on Bluesky.
- For service updates via text or email, sign up for MetroAlerts or visit wmata.com/MetroPulse for real-time service information.
- The best way to pay for Metro on Inauguration Day is by adding a mobile SmarTrip card to your phone's wallet. If you're not using a mobile phone for payment, purchase your SmarTrip card in advance to avoid long lines on Inauguration Day.
- Each traveler aged five and older needs their own SmarTrip card to enter and exit the Metrorail system.
- If you're not using a 1-Day Unlimited Pass, be sure to load your card in advance with enough value for the entire day.
- Certain end of line Metro stations will have additional portable toilets in addition to a restroom being open in most stations.
- Smoking, eating, and drinking are prohibited within the Metro system, which includes trains, buses, and stations.
United States Secret Service Prohibited Items
- Bicycles and large coolers/containers will not be permitted aboard Metro trains on Inauguration Day. Prohibited items at Inauguration events include but are not limited to weapons, firearms and explosives; laser pointers; glass, thermal, or metal containers; selfie sticks; drones; and large backpacks and signs.