Inauguration 2025

Welcome Guide

Welcome to the Washington, DC. area and the 2025 Presidential Inauguration. You've likely planned your trip already, but we have some inside information that may help you have a better experience as you travel the area. The #1 item to bring with your is your patience, especially with the rapidly changing agenda for the day.

When and where is the swearing-in ceremony?

The official proceedings of Inauguration Day typically commence around noon on Jan. 20 at the U.S. Capitol. Due to inclement weather, this year the swearing-in ceremony will occur inside the U.S. Capitol at the Rotunda with vice president-elect J.D. Vance and president-elect Donald Trump taking the Oaths of Office, followed by an inaugural address.

Items you NEED!

- Patience

- SmartTrip / Metro Ticket - readily available at the King Street Station. the Metro Station will have staff to assist

- Fully charged cell phone + portable charger if you have one

- A plan in the event you get separated from your group, especially on the metro. What if the doors close while some of your group is still trying to board?

- Some cash in the event networks crash and vendors and restaurants are unable to accept cards...same applies to ATM.

- Comfortable shoes

- Dress in layers...it may be very cold outside, but the crowded trains and stations can get quite warm with crowds

- More patience if the cell phone networks get overwhelmed

DC Metro

Metro said they are prepared to move customers for Inauguration Day with additional train service and earlier hours. The latest planning changes with the events moving indoors has added to the list of stations closing. This is purely for crowd management and safety.

Tip: If the train you are trying to board is crowded - just WAIT for the next one and don't force entry as it can be dangerous.

Per the request of the United States Secret Service and the United States Capitol Police, Metrorail will open at 4 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 20 to accommodate the crowds.

The following stations will be closed, and trains will bypass these stations for security reasons from Sunday, Jan. 19 at 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21:

- Federal Triangle (Blue, Orange, Silver)

- Gallery Place/Chinatown (Red, Green, Yellow)

- Mt. Vernon Sq.-Convention Center (Green, Yellow)

- Archives-Navy Memorial (Green, Yellow)

- Pentagon Station will be closed Jan. 20.

Updated Plans (as of January 19th)

The 2025 Presidential Inauguration ohas undergone significant changes due to extreme weather conditions forecasted for January 20, 2025. Here are the updated plans and key details:

Due to dangerously cold temperatures, the swearing-in ceremony will be held indoors in the Capitol Rotunda instead of the traditional outdoor setting on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol. This marks the first indoor inauguration since Ronald Reagan’s second term in 1985. The ceremony will include the Oath of Office, inaugural prayers, and speeches. Attendance inside the Rotunda will be limited to dignitaries and invited guests

Public Viewing

To accommodate public interest, Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., will host a live broadcast of the ceremony. The arena will also serve as the location for a modified Presidential Parade. Approximately 20,000 people can be seated at Capital One Arena. The venue change is the reason the adjacent Metro Station at Gallery Place/Chinatown is closed.

The 2025 Presidential Parade, originally planned for Pennsylvania Avenue, has been relocated to Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., due to severe cold weather. Here is the updated schedule and details:

Time: The parade is expected to begin at approximately 2:30 PM ET on Monday, January 20, 2025.
Location: Capital One Arena will host the event, where attendees can enjoy the parade in a sheltered environment.
Participants: The parade will feature nearly 7,500 participants, including marching bands, veterans’ groups, equestrian units, and other ceremonial groups from 23 states
President's Appearance: President Donald Trump will join the crowd at Capital One Arena following his swearing-in ceremony and inaugural luncheon.

This adjustment ensures safety and comfort for attendees while preserving the tradition of the inaugural parade.

Update: Officials confirmed Saturday afternoon that following Trump's appearance at Capital One Arena, he would travel from the arena to the White House along Pennsylvania Avenue. The route is open to the public, who will have to go through screening to access the area. However, officials stressed that Trump would be traveling in a typical motorcade, with no ceremony.

The National Park Service confirmed the National Mall would be open to the public on January 20 with security screening. However, the large screens for the public to view the inauguration are in the process of being removed.

What we don't know:

Officials could not provide information whether there will areas for the public to watch the inauguration from on Monday.

Restrooms

Thousands of portable toilets are brought onto the National Mall and in front of Metro stations for the event. Heating and comfort stations will also be available along the Mall to help visitors stay warm. For immediate needs, make sure to bring your own water and snacks. The National Park Service will have food vendor kiosks on-site.

Beyond Metro

In lieu of driving, we recommend walking or riding the Metro as modes of transportation in DC on Inauguration Day. Uber & Lyft geofencing will simplify pick-up/drop-off options for the day as well.. You will not be able to get exactly where you want, but close enough! A bus perimeter will restrict vehicle access from early Sunday through early Tuesday.

*Link your Hilton Honors & Lyft accounts together to earn points when riding with Lyft! Here

Road Closures

A great map of closures - all subject to change

Security in DC

Presidential inaugurations are a festive experience, though as with any event of this size, being prepared will make it smoother and more enjoyable. Be sure to check advisories ahead of time, including resources on local road closures. It is cold in January in DC, so dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes. Thousands of portable toilets are brought onto National Mall and placed in front of Metro stations for the event. Bring your own water and snacks or purchase from on-site vendors. There are also numerous restaurants near the National Mall.

If you’re a ticket holder to any event, you will have to pass through security screening. Make sure to bring your photo ID and check the list of prohibited items ahead of time.

Driving is not recommended. Parking will be limited and there will be road closures to accommodate the crowds and parade, so visitors are recommended to walk, bike and/or use the Metro. More specific information regarding Metro operation on Inauguration Day can be found at wmata.com.

If you are using a ride sharing app such as Uber or Lyft, there will be a geofence around the security perimeter, making drop off easier. Attendees using the services will have to leave the perimeter to get picked up. A bus perimeter will restrict vehicle access from early Sunday through early Tuesday.

Emergencies

911 is best for all emergencies.

Washington, DC has several law enforcement agencies you will see in your travels. Locally, Alexandria Police are here to protect and serve but once you step into the Metro Stations, you will likely see many Metro Transportation Police. In Washington DC, you will also likely see National Guard, Washington DC Metropolitan Police, US Park Police , US Secret Service Uniformed Division and US Capitol Police.

The event has been designated a National Special Security Event (NSSE), with heightened security measures in place. Nearly 7,800 National Guard members and additional law enforcement personnel will be deployed across D.C

DC Area Weather