Join Metro in ringing in the Fourth of July! Are you going to the National Mall for fireworks or a barbecue? Don’t worry about your vacation plans. Allow Metro to transport you to your destination. From 5 p.m. until the system shuts down, Metrorail, Metrobus, and MetroAccess fares will be free in honor of the event.
According to WMATA, Metro is also increasing rail service to rush hour levels in the afternoon to transport tens of thousands of passengers to events throughout the area. According to Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke, there is no better way to commemorate America’s birthday than by offering free tickets on the country’s metro system. Serving locals, American families, and visitors from around the world to the National Capital Region makes us proud.
Watch out for the launch of our exclusive July 4-wrapped train, buses, and MetroAccess vehicle today. Through July, these cars with an Independence Day theme will be available on the system. At WMATA.com/live, you can follow the train and bus in real time and select the special edition option.
In order to minimize crowding and save transfers, Metrorail passengers heading to the fireworks and events on the National Mall are advised to board and disembark from a station close to their destination on the same line as their origin. Additionally, patrons should think about using a station other than Smithsonian, which can get busy and have very long lines and waits after the fireworks are gone. Within a short stroll of the Smithsonian, Metro has stations on all lines in the area, including the following:
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Metro Center
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Foggy Bottom
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Federal Triangle
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Archives
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Gallery Place
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Judiciary Square
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Union Station
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L Enfant Plaza
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Capitol South
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Federal Center SW
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Metro Center
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Foggy Bottom
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Federal Triangle
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Archives
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Gallery Place
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Judiciary Square
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Union Station
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L Enfant Plaza
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Capitol South
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Federal Center SW
Although there is no planned track work on the holiday, Metrobus and MetroAccess users are cautioned that there may be delays and detours because of road closures. The Blue Line’s summer construction project is anticipated to start on July 5 and last until July 26.
On the Fourth, Metrorail runs from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m., though the last train times differ depending on the station; for further details, see Trip Planner.
Details of Services
Metrorail
At 6 a.m., metrorail will open, and it will close at 2 a.m. Until 5 p.m., regular weekday prices will apply. Parking at Metro-owned garages and lots will be free all day, and all journeys after 5 p.m. will be fare-free.
Red Line: Up until 5 p.m., trains run every 6 minutes. Trains run every five minutes between 5 and 11 p.m. Trains depart every ten minutes after 11 p.m.
Every 12 minutes until 5 p.m., trains on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines run. trains every ten minutes from 5 to 11 p.m. Trains depart every 15 minutes after 11 p.m.
Trains on the green and yellow lines run every eight minutes until five o’clock. Every six minutes, trains run from 5 to 11 p.m. Trains run every eight minutes after 11 p.m.
The Metrobus
Metrobus is scheduled to run on Sundays. Route-specific service varies; see timetables for specifics. Until 5 p.m., regular fares will apply. After 5 p.m., there will be no fees for any excursions. Road closures may cause some routes to be shortened, and customers driving close to the National Mall are urged to anticipate delays and detours.
If passing through this location, customers should think about taking the Metrorail as an alternative. Among the affected routes are:
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A49, A58, C11, C53, C55, D10, D1X, D30, D40, D4X, D44, D50, D6X, D74, D82, D94, D96
MetroAccess
Customers of MetroAccess may book a trip for the holiday, but scheduled subscription trips will not be available. Reservations can be made separately on the internet or by phone at 301-562-5360 (TTY301-588-7535). Until 5 p.m., regular fares will apply. After 5 p.m., there will be no fees for any excursions.
Advice for Travel
- Customers riding Metrorail can skip the fare machines and simply tap a credit or debit card to enter and exit the faregates.
- Metro s Smithsonian Station is typically the most crowded and trains may bypass the station, passing through without stopping if crowding becomes dangerous. After 5 p.m. the station may become exit only, to accommodate crowds traveling to the National Mall, and entry only after 9 p.m.
- After fireworks end, it may take up to an hour or more for lines to clear at Smithsonian Station. If possible, delay return travel or use an alternate station.
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Avoid traveling with items prohibited by the National Park Service on the National Mall, including weapons, alcohol, glass bottles or containers, fireworks, folding chairs, and coolers larger than 36 quarts (23 x15 x1micros5 ).
Click here
to view the full list of prohibited items.
