Overview

Traveling to the Swearing-in ceremonies will be difficult. 

We recommend:

• Planning ahead
• Double-checking your plan in the days and hours prior to the event in case of changes to transportation schedules, street and other closures and other factors
• Developing a back-up plan

Within 2 miles of the U.S. Capitol

• Walk to the swearing-in ceremony. 
  • This will be the most reliable method of reaching the U.S. Capitol. 
  • Monitor street closures for your trip home—it won’t be possible to cross the Pennsylvania Avenue parade route except at designated points.  Check back here for links to maps of these areas as we get closer to January 20.
  • Sign up to receive alerts via email when ceremony information is updated.
• Metrobus plans to run buses on Inauguration Day. 
  • Check the Metro website for information regarding routes and schedules. 
  • As with any other travel planning for January 20, please allow extra time and prepare a back-up plan.

Outside 2 Miles of the U.S. Capitol

Our interactive Google map has markers for every Metro subway station, Virginia Railway Express (VRE) commuter train station, and every MARC commuter train station that will be operational on Jan. 20, 2009.

Please note that Amtrak, MARC and VRE (the area commuter trains) will be operating reserved trains on special schedules requiring advanced-purchase tickets and may sell out well in advance of January 20.

Bicycling

• The Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) is working with officials to have bike valet stations available just outside the security perimeter near the swearing-in ceremony and parade route. 
• Bicycles are prohibited on D.C.’s subway system on Jan. 20, 2009
• Bicycle racks on D.C.’s busses are available on Jan. 20, 2009

Links

• Amtrak
• MARC (Maryland) Commuter Train
• Metro (Bus and Subway)
• Virginia Railway Express (VRE) Commuter Train
• Washington Area Bicyclist Association
• Washington, D.C. ‘Getting There’ Website

Other Important Considerations

• A security perimeter will be established around the U.S. Capitol and the parade route on (or before) Jan. 20, 2009.  Subway stations, bus stops, and streets within that perimeter will be closed;
• Street closures throughout Washington, D.C. will make traveling by car or taxi very, very difficult;
• There will be no street parking near the U.S. Capitol, and street parking in other areas of the city may be extremely limited;
• D.C.’s subway system is expecting “crush-level” crowds. Be prepared to stand in close proximity to several thousand people for long periods of time;
• Bridges from Virginia crossing the Potomac River into Washington, D.C. may be closed to all but bus traffic;
• Major roadways from Maryland into Washington, D.C. may be closed to all but bus traffic;
• The weather in Washington in January is usually quite cold and often rainy or snowy. Please think carefully about whether you can stand outside in cold weather in a large crowd for up to six hours, and whether you are ready for long delays getting home afterwards;
• Regardless of the weather conditions, umbrellas will not be permitted in the ticketed areas.  There are many other prohibited items in the ticketed areas including baby strollers, backpacks, thermoses, etc. See prohibited items for a complete list;
• Bring with you any medications that you need because there will be very long delays in getting to and from events;
• Be aware that it may be difficult to talk or send pictures from your cell phone, according to wireless companies.  Please use text messaging to send critical messages.