Inauguration Day 2009

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Bus Parking

Bus Parking
Apply for permits and parking.

Accessibility at the Swearing-In Ceremony

Accessibility
Accessibility at the Swearing-In Ceremony.

GETTING THERE

The District of Columbia is expecting an unprecedented amount of visitors in the city during the Inauguration of Barack Obama. This historic event marks an exciting new chapter in our nation's history.

Make every moment memorable by planning each step of your trip!

2009 Presidential Inaugural Law Enforcement and Public Safety Public Affairs Subcommittee Announces Joint Transportation Plan (PDF)
Secret Service Announces Security Information for the 2009 Presidential Inaugural (PDF)

Driving to the District

Cars
Busing

Getting Around in the City

Inaugural Boundaries (PDF)
Map and General Information Printouts |North Zone Map | South Zone Map (PDF)
Bike | Bike Valet Parking (PDF)
Drop-Locations for People With Disabilities

Walkable Routes | Map (PDF) | Walking from Metro (PDF)
Metro/Bus and Rail

Know Before You Go

Before You Leave
When You Arrive
While You are Here
Ready to Leave


	Before You Leave Plan, Prepare and Be Aware Making the decision – should I go? Do you have the physical stamina to stand outside in the cold in a large crowd for 6 hours or more and then spend additional hours getting back home or to your hotel? Are you are comfortable in extremely large crowds? Can you walk long distances to get to and from your destination? If you are planning to bring your children can you care for and keep track of them in large crowds for long hours? There are also important restrictions you need to know about What’s the best mode of transportation for me? Car Bus Public Transit Bike Walkable Routes \| Map (PDF) \| Walking from Metro (PDF) Check the weather forecast. Sign up for DC Inaugural Text Alerts Cell phone use may be limited. Have an alternate plan for staying in touch. Pack light and right. Wear warm clothes and comfortable shoes. Bring food, water, medications, maps, tickets Don’t bring: prohibited items \| Surrendered items will not be returned Virginia Transportation Information

	When You Arrive Know where you are: mark it on a map, make a note, take a photo Designate a meeting place and time in case you get separated from your group. Exchange contact information. Be prepared to walk long distances to get to your destination. If traveling on a bus: Have a “captain” of the bus responsible for your trip. Write down your bus number. Write down a roster of passengers so you don’t leave anyone behind. Include mobile phone numbers. Consider using the “buddy system” so someone else knows whether you made it back. Announce a planned departure time and make sure everyone knows it. Familiarize yourself with your surroundings so you can find the bus when you return. Get a map from one of the parking lot staff to show where your bus is.

	While You are Here Expect long lines to get through security checkpoints. Be patient. Find your “spot. Be prepared to stand “shoulder to shoulder” in large crowds. Have fun and have realistic expectations. The crowds and security restrictions could make it hard to catch a glimpse of the new president in person. Maintain contact with your group, but be aware that cell phones may not work because of high demand. Use text messages to send critical messages. Locate bathrooms, first aid tents, and a place to get warm. Call 911 in an emergency.

	Ready to Leave Meet up with your group. Return the way you came: walk back to your metro stop, parking area or drop-off spot. Be patient. It could take a long time to get home. If you get left behind, call 311 for assistance. If there’s an emergency or evacuation, don’t panic, there is a plan. If traveling on a bus: Take attendance to make sure you don’t leave anyone behind. Double check your attendance before leaving.

Events Calendar

Events Calendar
Information on Balls, Galas, the Inaugural Parade, and the Swearing In Ceremony.

Getting There
Walk, metro or bus to the parade-normal roadway access to pickup and drop off passengers in and around the National Mall and in the surrounding area will be unavailable.

Discover DC
Use the District's data catalog to create your own applications and dashboards and share them with the world.

Official Inaugural Websites

Official Inaugural Websites
Helpful links to official inaugural websites...

Fun Facts
Did you know this about the inauguration...

Public Safety
Sign up for Emergency Text Alerts, learn more about protective actions and the hypothermia hotline.

Barack Obama Bio

Barack Obama Bio
Barack Obama was raised by a single mother and his grandparents. They didn't have much money, but they taught him values from the Kansas heartland where they grew up.

Joe Biden Bio
Joe Biden is a rare mix. A leader who has worked for decades in Washington, but has never lived there. An expert on foreign policy, whose heart and values are firmly rooted...

Photo Gallery
See images of past inaugurations...

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