Metro Adds More Service and Free Fares on July 4th

“For the second straight year, we’re providing fare-free service for part of the holiday to give everyone a stress-free, easy way to beat the traffic to backyard barbecues, parades, fireworks and other festivities,” said Metro Board Chair Paul C. Smedberg. “There’s no day off for Metro. We’re open seven days a week, 365 days a year and want everyone to have a safe and happy Fourth of July holiday.”

“As America’s subway system, Metro is part of the fabric that keeps the nation’s capital moving, serving visitors from coast to coast, around the world, and those here at home,” said Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke. “We are proud to represent the DMV and help everyone celebrate the birth of America.”

Metrorail customers traveling to fireworks and activities on the National Mall are encouraged to enter and exit from a station near your destination on the same line as your origin to avoid transfers and reduce crowding. Customers should also consider using a station other than Smithsonian, which may become overcrowded, with extremely long lines and waits after the fireworks end. Metro has nearby stations on all lines including the following within a short walk of Smithsonian:

• • Metro Center
  • Foggy Bottom (may become ‘entry only’ after fireworks)
  • Federal Triangle
  • Archives
  • Gallery Place
  • Judiciary Square
  • Union Station
  • L’Enfant Plaza
  • Capitol South
  • Federal Center SW
  • Arlington Cemetery (open until 11 p.m.)

Outside of major construction impacting four stations on the Red Line, no additional track work is scheduled on the holiday. Metrobus and MetroAccess customers are also advised to expect possible detours and delays due to road closures.

Metrorail operates 7 a.m. to midnight on the Fourth, but last train times vary by station, so visit the station pages for more information.

Service Information

Metrorail

Metrorail will open at 7 a.m. and close at midnight. Regular weekday fares will be in effect until 5 p.m. All trips after 5 p.m. will be fare-free, and parking will be free all day at Metro-owned garages and lots.

Red Line Trains every 6 minutes between Shady Grove and Takoma all day. Glenmont, Wheaton, Forest Glen, Silver Spring closed. Free limited-stop and local shuttle buses replace trains. Express shuttle buses between Silver Spring and downtown DC will also operate on the holiday. Additional information and travel alternatives are available at wmata.com/majorconstruction.

Blue Line Trains every 12 minutes. After 5 p.m., trains every 10 minutes. Arlington Cemetery Station will remain open until midnight. (Normally closes 10 p.m.)

Orange Line  Trains every 12 minutes. After 5 p.m. trains every 10 minutes.

Silver Line  Trains every 12 minutes. After 5 p.m. trains every 10 minutes.

Green Line  Trains every 8 minutes. After 5 p.m. trains every 6 minutes.

Yellow Line Trains every 8 minutes. After 5 p.m. trains every 6 minutes.

Metrobus

Metrobus will operate on a Sunday schedule. Service varies by route, check timetables for details. Regular fares will be in effect until 5 p.m. All trips after 5 p.m. will be fare-free. Customers traveling near the National Mall are advised to expect detours and delays, or some routes may be truncated due to road closures.

Customers should consider Metrorail as an alternative if traveling through this area. Impacted routes include:

• 16E, 38B, 33, 32, 36, 42, 43, 52, 64, 70, 74, 79, 90, 92, G12, G14, P6, S2, X2

• Metro Mobile Pay for iOS and Android is the fastest and easiest way to pay your fare. Purchase a new or transfer an existing farecard to your digital wallet and add value instantly.
• 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.
• 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”x15”). Click here to view the full list of prohibited items.