Comprehensive Guide to Inauguration Traffic and Transportation Plans in Washington, D.C.
The upcoming 60th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, D.C., scheduled for January 20, 2025, will bring significant changes to traffic and transportation within the city. As millions are expected to attend, comprehensive measures are in place to ensure public safety, manage congestion, and facilitate smooth event operations.
For a list of official Inauguration events, see what’s open to the public.
Here’s what you need to know:
Road Closures and Traffic Restrictions
D.C. authorities, in coordination with federal agencies, have announced road closures impacting major bridges, streets, and access points:
- Complete Closures: Bridges such as the Arlington Memorial Bridge and Theodore Roosevelt Bridge will be fully closed in both directions, prohibiting vehicle access, cyclists, and pedestrians. Similar restrictions will apply to the I-395 and 14th Street Bridge for northbound traffic entering the city.
- Restricted Access: Several bridges, including the South Capitol Street/Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge and the 11th Street Bridge, will restrict commercial vehicles. These will remain accessible to local traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists, albeit with potential delays.
- Downtown Area: Intermittent street closures in the downtown vicinity are expected for public safety, particularly near high-density areas like the National Mall and Pennsylvania Avenue. Travelers are advised to seek alternative routes and monitor updates from the D.C. Police Department.
- Plan for widespread road closures across downtown Washington: Most roads within the perimeter, bounded by the Potomac River to the west, K Street NW to the north, Second Street NE/SE to the east, and I-395/I-695 to the south will be closed or restricted residential traffic only. View an interactive map of closures and restricted access points.
- How long: Roads may be closed at various times between Sunday, January 19 and Tuesday, January 21. All street closures and listed times are subject to change based upon prevailing or unexpected conditions. The public should expect parking restrictions along the street and should be guided by the posted emergency no parking signage. All vehicles that are parked in violation of the emergency no parking signs will be ticketed and towed.
- Presidential Inaug National Cathedral Map (PDF)
- Presidential Inaug Swearing-in & Parade Traffic Advisory, Map (PDF)
Charter Bus Parking Locations at RFK Stadium and Select Metro Station Parking Lots
USP Parking offers a convenient and secure parking solution for buses attending the 2025 Presidential Inauguration at both RFK Stadium and select Metro station parking lots. USP Parking is providing mandatory motorcoach parking reservations on behalf of the District of Columbia and the 2025 Inauguration Planning Committee.
All charter buses and motorcoaches seeking to bring Inauguration attendees must reserve through USP Parking for assigned parking spaces and receive a parking pass or confirmation number. Specific parking locations, pricing, and logistical information can be found via Book Now / Reserve Your Spot link and will be shared via each parking pass.
Charter bus passengers should expect to take the Metro to reach the Inauguration. Attendees are strongly encouraged to purchase their metro fare in advance to reduce delays. It is fast and easy by adding SmarTrip to a mobile device, downloading the SmarTrip app, or pre-purchasing a SmarTrip card.
Public Transit
Public transportation will play a crucial role in mitigating congestion:
Metro Services:
Several stations will be closed, and trains will bypass these stations for security reasons from Sunday, January 19, at 8 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 21:
- McPherson Square (Blue, Orange, Silver lines)
- Federal Triangle (Blue, Orange, Silver lines)
- Smithsonian (Blue, Orange, Silver lines)
- Mt. Vernon Square (Green, Yellow lines)
- Archives (Green, Yellow lines)
In addition, specific station entrances will be closed on Sunday, January 19, from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. on Tuesday, January 21:
- Metro Center: 13th and G St. and 12th and F St. entrances
- Farragut West: 18th and I St. entrance
Some stations will be closed select hours due to Inaugural events:
- Judiciary Square: F Street/National Building Museum entrance closes at 4 p.m. on January 19 and will reopen at 5 a.m. on January 20
- Metro’s Union Station Metrorail Station will not be accessible via the Amtrak/Union Station entrance from 4 p.m. on January 19 through 5 a.m. on January 21. The Metrorail station will still be accessible from exterior entrances on 1st St NE and Massachusetts Ave. NE.
Riders are encouraged to use fare cards in advance to reduce wait times and check for updates through WMATA’s official website or mobile app.
Rideshare, Bikeshare, ADA Shuttles, Parking
Visit the Inaugural Transit Updates page for up-to-date information on other transportation modes and restrictions.
Access and Credentialing
Access to the secured areas near the National Mall and the Capitol will be tightly controlled:
- Ticketed Zones: Entry to viewing areas and stands requires tickets, often distributed by Congressional offices. Public access points will be available but limited, so early arrival is recommended.
- Credentialed Vehicles: Only delivery vehicles with appropriate permits will be allowed within restricted zones.
Alternative Routes
To avoid closed or congested areas, motorists are advised to use:
- Routes from Maryland: Entry via the Capital Beltway (I-495) or U.S. Route 50 remains open. The Wilson and American Legion Bridges will facilitate traffic between Virginia and Maryland.
- Eastern Access Points: Routes such as Benning Road, New York Avenue, and East Capitol Street are recommended for essential employeesD.C. InaugurationD.C. Inauguration.
Public Safety
The D.C. government emphasizes the prohibition of firearms within 1,000 feet of First Amendment activities. Attendees should also be prepared for security screenings at designated checkpoints.
Stay Informed
Real-time updates on road closures, public transit changes, and event guidelines can be accessed via:
By planning ahead and staying informed, attendees can navigate the city safely and efficiently during this event. Residents and visitors can text DCINAUG to 888-777 to receive text updates on inaugural-related impacts.
