This July Fourth, join the nation in celebrating Independence Day with the freedom to travel seamlessly across the region on Metro. In honor of America’s birthday, Metro is boosting service, unveiling special patriotic-themed vehicles, and offering fare-free rides after 5 p.m. to ensure a safe and convenient journey for all passengers.
Fare-Free Travel and Enhanced Service:
Date: July 4, 2024 Fare-Free Period: 5 p.m. until system closure
Whether you’re using Metrorail, Metrobus, or MetroAccess, enjoy the freedom of fare-free travel starting at 5 p.m. This initiative aims to provide everyone with a stress-free and easy way to attend backyard barbecues, parades, fireworks, and other festivities without the hassle of traffic.
During the afternoon, Metrorail service will be ramped up to rush hour levels, ensuring that tens of thousands of riders can travel safely and reliably to various events across the region.
Travel Advice for Metrorail Customers:
For those traveling to the fireworks and activities on the National Mall, it is recommended to enter and exit a station on the same line as your origin to avoid transfers and reduce crowding. Consider using stations other than Smithsonian, which may become overcrowded with extremely long lines and waits after the fireworks. Nearby stations within a short walk of Smithsonian include:
- 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
Outside of major construction impacting four stations on the Red Line, no additional track work is scheduled for the holiday. However, Metrobus and MetroAccess customers should expect possible detours and delays due to road closures.
Metrorail Service Information:
- Operating Hours: 7 a.m. to midnight
- Fare Information: Regular weekday fares until 5 p.m.; fare-free from 5 p.m. onwards
- Parking: Free all day at Metro-owned garages and lots
Service Details by Line:
- Red Line: Trains every 6 minutes between Shady Grove and Takoma all day. Glenmont, Wheaton, Forest Glen, and Silver Spring stations are closed. Free limited-stop, local, and downtown express shuttles replace trains. Express shuttles will operate between Silver Spring and Metro Center.
- Blue Line: Trains every 12 minutes; after 5 p.m., every 10 minutes. Arlington Cemetery Station will remain open until midnight.
- Orange Line: Trains every 12 minutes; after 5 p.m., every 10 minutes.
- Silver Line: Trains every 12 minutes; after 5 p.m., every 10 minutes.
- Green Line: Trains every 8 minutes; after 5 p.m., every 6 minutes.
- Yellow Line: Trains every 8 minutes; after 5 p.m., every 6 minutes.
Metrobus Service Information:
Metrobus will operate on a Sunday schedule. Regular fares will apply until 5 p.m.; fare-free service begins at 5 p.m. Customers traveling near the National Mall should expect detours and delays or route truncations due to road closures. Consider using Metrorail as an alternative for travel in this area. Impacted routes include:
- 16E, 38B, 33, 32, 36, 42, 43, 52, 64, 70, 74, 79, 90, 92, G12, G14, P6, S2, X2