What to know for July Fourth Metro service

With Independence Day less than a week away, Metro is advising customers of their public transit options for the holiday. The rail system will be open from 7 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. July 4, and all trains will run on near-rush-hour service after 2 p.m., regardless of Metro line. (They will run every 12 minutes, on a Saturday schedule, before 2 p.m.) Bikes and big coolers will be prohibited on Metrorail after 2 p.m. “due to large crowds,” Metro says in a recent release.

Scheduled track work along the Virginia segments of the Blue and Yellow lines will still be going on, with free shuttle buses replacing trains between Reagan National Airport and the Van Dorn Street and Huntington stations. Off-peak fares will be in effect for the whole day and parking will be free at all Metro-operated facilities. Also, Metro buses will operate on a Saturday schedule, with detours expected around the National Mall. MetroAccess will run regular service, but subscription trips are cancelled—riders will have to make reservations.

“The closest station to the Mall is Smithsonian, however this is not your best choice,” Metro points out in a release. “While many passengers choose to use Smithsonian, this station can become overcrowded during larger Mall events. Metro recommends selecting a destination station on the same line as your origin to avoid the need to transfer.” Below are your options.

Foggy Bottom (Orange, Silver, and Blue lines). “Due to this stations proximity to the Lincoln Memorial, it may become ‘entry only’ prior to festivities and ‘exit only’ afterward,” Metro says.

Metro Center (Red, Orange, Silver, and Blue lines)

Federal Triangle (Orange, Silver, and Blue lines)

Archives (Yellow and Green lines)

Gallery Place (Red, Yellow, and Green lines)

Judiciary Square (Red Line)

Union Station (Red Line)

L’Enfant Plaza (Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow, and Green lines)

Capitol South (Orange, Silver, and Blue lines)

Federal Center SW (Orange, Silver, and Blue lines)

Arlington Cemetery (Blue Line)

Additionally, this year the Arlington Memorial Bridge will be closed to both pedestrians and drivers because of changes in the official slate of events. “If you are traveling to the National Mall, do not use Arlington Cemetery Station,” Metro notes. If you plan on taking the bus, the following routes run on the Mall’s perimeter: 30N, 30S, 32, 33, 34, 36, 52, 70, 74, 79 and P6.

Be sure to check out our fireworks viewing map if you’re going to stick around for the show.