WASHINGTON — Getting to the National Mall for the presidential inauguration successfully will involve some planning and extra time.
Part of the security plan involves the use of security zones. Some of the roads spectators may plan to use near the National Mall will be closed to traffic, others restricted to drivers who work or live in the area.
The Secret Service and the District have created a walking map, with routes to use to get to the National Mall.
Pedestrians will not be allowed to cross the parade route, which begins at 1st Street SE, goes up Constitution Avenue, Pennsylvania Avenue and 15th Street, and ends at the White House. So meeting a person on the other side of the parade route involves walking around the two-mile route.
Using Metro
The first recommendation from city leaders is to use Metro to get into town. Many Metro stations in northern Virginia and Maryland have parking lots, and the further away the stop, the better the chance riders won’t find a full lot.
Metro will run rush-hour service from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m., and that means peak fares.
The Archives, Federal Triangle, Mount Vernon Square, Pentagon and Smithsonian stations will be closed on Inauguration Day for security purposes.
Riders are also encouraged to read signs carefully at Metro stations, because some entrances may be marked “entry” or “exit only to manage the crowds.
Metro buses are also an option, but several lines will be detoured. WMATA’s trip planner can help Inauguration goers figure out the best way in.
Riders are also advised to get Metro SmarTrip fare cards reloaded before Inauguration Day, as long lines are expected at the cashiers and machines. Metro is offering a $10 unlimited-use card for Inauguration Day which can be found at several retail locations and government offices.
Ride Sharing
People who plan to use Uber or Lyft are encouraged to have the driver drop you off at three ride-sharing meeting spots:
- The Kennedy Center
- 3rd Street, between M Street SE and Tingey Street SE (near the Navy Yard)
- RFK Stadium
Taxi Stands
Cabs in the city are being told to pick up passengers at four designated taxi stands:
- The Kennedy Center
- 9th Street NW and K Street NW (near the convention center)
- Maryland Avenue SW Circle (near L’Enfant Plaza)
- East Capitol Street NE between 17th Street NE and 19th Street NE (near Eastern Senior High School)
Bikes
DC is providing free bike parking at 16th and I street NW.
Capital Bikeshare will also provide bikes, but all stations in the National Mall area will be closed on Inauguration Day. The bike service will have two corrals setup, one at 17th and K NW, another at 4th and E SW.
Buses
Charter buses will park at RFK Stadium. Visitors will then need to walk from the stadium, or take the Metro to a closer station. Charter buses are not allowed to drop off riders at Metro stations.
National Mall Circulator buses won’t be running on Inauguration Day; the buses will be used to help shuttle charter bus riders who need help closer to the National Mall.
