Metro Will Be Free After 5 P.M. on July 4: What Alexandria Riders Need to Know
Heading into Washington for the Fourth of July? Metro is offering free rides after 5 p.m., but riders should still plan for heavy crowds.
ALEXANDRIA, VA – If you’re planning to head into Washington for Fourth of July festivities, here’s some good news for your wallet.
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) will offer free rides on Metrorail, Metrobus and MetroAccess after 5 p.m. on Friday, July 4, giving Alexandrians an easy way to travel to and from the nation’s Independence Day celebrations.
Metro says regular Saturday fares will remain in effect until 5 p.m., when all fares will be waived until the system closes at 2 a.m. Saturday night/Sunday morning. Parking at Metro-owned garages and lots will also be free on Independence Day.
WMATA plans to increase train service after 5 p.m. to handle the large crowds expected for fireworks on the National Mall.
Even with the additional trains, riders should expect delays after the fireworks.
The transit agency says Smithsonian Station may become exit-only before the fireworks and entry-only afterward as crowd-control measures are implemented. Riders may find it quicker to walk to nearby stations such as L’Enfant Plaza, Federal Triangle or Archives before beginning their trip home.
Metro says trains will operate approximately every three to four minutes through the downtown core during the busiest part of the evening.
For Alexandrians, Metro remains one of the easiest ways to avoid holiday traffic, road closures and expensive parking in Washington.
Anyone planning to travel should also remember that dangerous heat is expected throughout the holiday weekend. Riders are encouraged to carry water, dress for hot weather, and allow extra travel time due to heavy crowds.
Complete schedules, service updates and maps are available on WMATA’s website.
What You Need to Know
When are rides free? After 5 p.m. on Friday, July 4.
What’s free? Metrorail, Metrobus, MetroAccess and Metro parking.
How late will Metro run? Until 2 a.m.
Expect crowds: Smithsonian Station may become exit-only before the fireworks and entry-only afterward.
Tip: Consider using nearby stations such as L’Enfant Plaza or Federal Triangle after the fireworks.
