Know Before You Go

2025 Presidential Inauguration Information

During a Presidential Inauguration, the National Park Service's primary job is to ensure the safety of visitors and staff at National Mall and Memorial Parks, President’s Park, the parade route along Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Site, and other D.C. area national parks. Check here for updates as you plan your visit.

Prohibited Items

Capitol Grounds - U.S. Capitol Police
The U.S. Capitol Police Board has released the prohibited items list for U.S. Capitol Grounds.

• Aerosol and non-aerosol sprays
• Alcohol
• All bags, backpacks, roller bags, suitcases exceeding size restrictions (12"x12"x5")
• Ammunition
• Animals (other than service animals)
• Balloons
• Balls
• Beverages
• Bicycles
• Body Armor
• Camera cases
• Camping and climbing equipment, including tents, ropes, and grappling hooks
• Cans, bottles, bottled or boxed liquids
• Chairs (except those for mobility needs)
• Chemicals, to include spillable batteries, paint, artificial blood, etc.
• Commercial audio/video recording equipment and tripods
• Coolers
• Devices or equipment designed or used for jamming, disrupting, or interfering with communications signals or equipment
• Duffle bags
• Explosives of any kind (including fireworks and smoke bombs)
• Firearms
• Flammable liquids
• Glass, thermal and metal containers
• Handcuffs, zip ties, flex cuffs
• Illegal substances, including marijuana
• Knives, blades, box cutters or sharp objects (regardless of size)
• Laptops/tablets/iPads
• Laser lights and laser pointers
• Leatherman or similar tools
• Liquids of any kind (except for medicines).
• This liquid ban is just for Capitol Grounds
• Water will be provided for ticketed guests on Capitol Grounds
• Mace/pepper spray
• Noisemakers, such as air horns, whistles, drums, bullhorns, and other noise amplification devices
• Packages
• Poles, bats, sticks, and clubs, including selfie sticks
• Range finders
• Recreational motorized mobility devices
• Seat cushions
• Signs, placards, or banners
• Spray containers
• Scooters (including commercial/rental)
• Strollers
• Suitcases
• Structures, including tents.
• Supports for signs and placards.
• Thermoses or thermal containers
• Toy guns
• Umbrellas
• Unmanned aircraft systems/Drones
• Weapons of any kind, including blackjacks, slungshots, slingshots, sand clubs,
• Other items that may pose a threat to the security of the event as determined by sandbags, knuckles and at the discretion of the security screeners


Prohibited Items List - U.S. Secret Service
The U.S. Secret Service has released the prohibited items list for all other inaugural events.

• Aerosols
• Ammunition
• Animals other than service/guide animals
• Backpacks and bags exceeding size restrictions (18” by 13” by 7”)
• Balloons
• Bicycles
• Coolers
• Drones and other unmanned aircraft systems
• Explosives
• Firearms
• Flammable liquids
• Glass, thermal, or metal containers
• Laser pointers
• Mace / Pepper spray
• Packages
• Range Finders
• Recreational motorized mobility devices
• Selfie Sticks
• Signs exceeding the size restrictions (20’ x 3’ x 1/4”)
• Structures
• Supports for signs and placards
• Toy guns
• Weapons of any kind
• Any other items determined to be potential safety hazards

National Mall - Parade Route Access Points

  • Maryland Ave btwn Independence Avenue & 3rd Street SW
  • Washington Ave btwn Independence Avenue & 1st Street SW
  • Rayburn Building (Delaware Avenue SW - Parking Lot)
  • Senate Park (Delaware Avenue NW)
  • Louisiana Avenue btwn New Jersey Avenue & 1st Street NW
  • 3rd Street btwn C Street & Connecticut Avenue NW
  • John Marshal Park NW
  • Indiana Avenue & 7th Street NW
  • 7th Street & D Street NW
  • 9th Street & E Street NW
  • 12th Street & F Street NW
  • 13th Street & F Street NW
  • 14th Street & F Street NW
  • F Street & 14th Street NW
  • New York Avenue & 14th Street NW
  • 15th Street & F Street NW
  • 15th Street & Pennsylvania Avenue NW
  • 15th Street & H Street NW
  • H Street & Madison Place NW
  • NE Corner of Lafayette Park NW
  • 16th Street & H Street NW
  • Jackson Place & H Street NW
  • 17th Street & H Street NW
  • 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
  • 14th Street & Constitution Avenue NW
  • 12th Street & Constitution Avenue NW
  • 9th Street & Constitution Avenue NW
  • 7th Street & Madison Drive NW
  • 7th Street & Jefferson Drive SW
  • 17th Street & Constitution Avenue NW
  • 17th Street & Independence Avenue SW
  • 15th Street & Independence Avenue SW
  • 14th Street & Constitution Avenue NW
  • 12th Street & Constitution Avenue NW
  • 12th Street & Independence Avenue SW
  • 7th Street & Independence Avenue SW
  • The Waldorf Astoria Hotel NW (for hotel guests only)

Planning Your Trip

Capital Bikeshare

Capital Bikeshare offers a convenient and eco-friendly way to navigate Washington, DC, especially during special events like the Presidential Inauguration.

Getting Around by Bike During the Inauguration
Due to heightened security measures and large crowds expected during the inauguration, the downtown areas will have restrictions affecting transportation, including Capital Bikeshare services.

Station Closures: Stations within the National Mall area and other secure zones may be temporarily closed. Use the Capital Bikeshare app to find other nearby stations:

  • Independence Ave & L'Enfant Plaza SW/DOE
  • Jefferson Dr & 14th St SW
  • 4th St & Madison Dr NW
  • 10th St & Constitution Ave NW
  • Smithsonian-National Mall / Jefferson Dr & 12th St SW
  • Columbus Circle / Union Station
  • 1st & D St SE
  • Washington & Independence Ave SW/HHS
  • Constitution Ave & 2nd St NW/DOL
  • 17th & G St NW
  • 10th & E St NW
  • 14th & D St NW / John A Wilson Building
  • 4th & C St SW
  • 15th St & New York Ave NW
  • 15th St & Constitution Ave NW
  • 9th St & Pennsylvania Ave NW
  • 15th St & Pennsylvania Ave NW
  • 17th St & New York Ave NW

Planning Your Trip

  • Check for Updates: Before your trip, review the latest information on station availability and service adjustments on the Capital Bikeshare website, social media accounts, or through the app.
  • Be Aware of Road Closures: Anticipate road closures and parking restrictions throughout DC. Plan your route accordingly to avoid inconveniences.
  • Consider Public Transportation: Given the expected disruptions, public transportation may be a more efficient option for accessing downtown areas during the inauguration.
  • For detailed information on plans and pricing, visit the Capital Bikeshare website.

Official Parking for the 2025 Presidential Inauguration

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 by clicking the Book Now / Reserve Your Spot button 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. For more information, visit https://www.wmata.com/fares/index.cfm.

ADA Shuttle Service for Inauguration Day

The District of Columbia is committed to ensuring accessibility for all attendees during the Presidential Inauguration on January 20, 2025. To support individuals with mobility challenges and older adults, the District will provide a dedicated ADA Shuttle Service to facilitate safe and convenient transportation.

Importance of ADA Shuttle Services
The ADA Shuttle Service plays a vital role in making the event inclusive and accessible. It ensures that everyone can participate fully in this historic event without barriers.

Service Details

  • Eligibility: The ADA Shuttle Service is available for individuals with mobility issues and older adults.
  • Route: The shuttle will operate from RFK Stadium Lot 8 to E Street SW, just east of 7th Street SW.
  • Operating Hours: Service begins at 4:00 AM from RFK Lot 8, with the last vehicle departing E Street SW at 9:00 PM.
  • Frequency: Shuttles will operate approximately every 10 to 15 minutes throughout the day.

Rideshare & Taxicabs

On Monday, January 20, 2025, for-hire vehicle drivers, including taxicabs and rideshare services, should expect heightened security measures, road closures, and restrictions near the U.S. Capitol, National Mall, and other federal landmarks in the District.

Additionally, due to special events, Union Station will be closed to traffic, including taxicabs, rideshare (Uber and Lyft), limousines, buses, and trains beginning at 5 pm. All incoming bus and train service will be suspended at 4 pm.

Pick Up Drop-Off (PUDO) Zones have been designated in alternate areas to ensure that passengers can be transported to their destinations. When traveling via rideshare or taxicabs, note the following designated pick up / drop off locations closest to the Inauguration:

Rideshare Locations:

  • The Wharf: 9th and Maine Ave. SW (South side)
  • The Wharf (Additional): 700 Block of 7th St. SW (North side)
  • Waterfront Metro Station: 1100 4th Street SW (East and West side)
  • McPherson Square Metro/The White House: 1000 Vermont Ave NW (East and West side)
  • Union Station: 800 New Jersey Ave NW (East and West side)
  • RFK: 1800 Constitution Ave NE (South side)
  • Convention Center: 1400 7th Street NW (East and West side)

Taxicab Locations:

  • The Wharf: 800 Maine Ave. SW (4+ spaces)
  • Capital Hilton: 1001 16th St NW (3 spaces)
  • Mayflower Hotel: 1127 Connecticut Ave NW (10 spaces)
  • Watergate Hotel: 2650 Virginia Ave NW (3 spaces)
  • Kennedy Center: 700 Block of New Hampshire Ave NW / Jamal Khashoggi Way NW (Southbound side)
  • RFK: 1800 Constitution Ave NE (north side)
  • *Existing Taxicab stands located outside the USSS perimeter will remain operational.

WMATA’s Inauguration Information

Per the request of United States Secret Service and United States Capitol Police, Metrorail will open at 4 a.m. and close at midnight on Inauguration Day (Monday, January 20) to accommodate crowds.

On Inauguration Day, Metro will run more service between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. with Red Line trains arriving every 4 minutes and all other lines will have trains arriving every 8 minutes. The Yellow Line will also be extended to Greenbelt for additional service.

Additionally, 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, certain station entrances will be closed Sunday, January 19 at 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 starting at 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 on Massachusetts Ave. NE.

Those attending the Inauguration will have specific Metrorail stations listed on the back of the event ticket that will get you to your specific security entrance. Those stations are Union Station, Judiciary Square, Capitol South, and Federal Center SW.

Expect crowding at those stations as well as L’Enfant Plaza, Gallery Place, Metro Center, Dupont Circle, Foggy Bottom, Pentagon City, Crystal City, and Rosslyn.

Please plan enough time to make your trip. Plan your trip at WMATA.com using our trip planner. You can also find real-time information on Metro Pulse at WMATA.com/MetroPulse. Customers are encouraged to sign up for MetroAlerts to get up-to-the-minute email or text alert service information.

Metrobus

On Inauguration Day, buses will operate on a Saturday Supplemental schedule. Check timetables for schedule information. From Jan. 18-21, detours will be in effect in downtown D.C. due to the security perimeter and road closures. Customers traveling through downtown should allow additional travel time.

The following bus routes will be affected:

3F, 3Y, 7A, 10A, 11Y, 16A, 16C, 16E, 16Y, 22A, 38B, 31, 32, 33, 36, 42, 43, 52, 54, 59, 63, 64, 70, 74, 79, 80, 96, D4, D6, D8, G8, L2, N2, N4, N6, P6, S2, S9, X2, X8, and X9.

MetroAccess

On Inauguration Day, subscription trips will be cancelled. Due to the number of road closures in downtown D.C., customers are advised to plan for delays. Service will not be available to customers in any secure/closed area.

Parking will cost $3-$5.20 on Inauguration Day depending on the location. Parking is free on the weekends.

Safety Tips for Cold Weather

Washington D.C. is forecasted to experience temperatures from 7 to 23 degrees on Monday. Dangerously cold wind chills are predicted. Please plan accordingly.

  • Limit exposure to extreme cold as much as possible.
  • Take breaks in warm areas or vehicles as needed.
  • Drink warm beverages to help warm up your core temperature.
  • Dress in layers, paying special attention to cover your nose, ears, cheeks, fingers, toes, and chin.
  • Drink plenty of fluids (5 to 7 ounces every 15 to 20 minutes) such as water or sports drinks with electrolytes to stay well hydrated.
  • Know the early warning signs of frostbite (change in skin color, numbness), hypothermia (shivering, exhaustion, clumsiness, and more) and dehydration (thirst, darker urine, dry mouth, and more).
  • Evaluate driving conditions. Drive defensively, slowly, and calmly.
  • Inspect surfaces before stepping on them and mark any known hazards.
  • Locations of first aid and warming tents: There will be six medical aid and six warming tents on the mall. They will be located between 4th St SW and 12th St NW.

Medical Resources

  • Six medical aid stations are available for visitors on the National Mall between 4th St. SW and 12th St. NW. In the event of an emergency, call 911.
  • Warming tents will also be available at various locations on the National Mall.

Additional Resources

  • Illustration of a desk with park-related items looking out a window at a cityscape
    Go Virtual

    The 59th Presidential Inauguration is going virtual! Join the virtual festivities and explore your presidential national parks.

  • Military fife and drum core wearing traditional 18th-century uniforms
    Schedule of Events

    Traditional and new Inauguration Day events are all virtual this year! Check the main schedule of virtual events on or near parkland.

  • Police on motorcycles riding a parade route towards the US Capitol building
    Closures

    Check for road closures in national parks and throughout downtown D.C. to plan your route around them on Inauguration Day.

Last updated: January 17, 2025

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