For immediate release: June 25, 2021

Metro service information for July 4 and July 5, with additional trains operating on the Independence Day holiday

Updated 6/30/21 to reflect later closing time of Arlington Cemetery Station

Metro riders going out to celebrate Independence Day can count on Metro to get you there. Additional trains will be operating to accommodate crowds attending the fireworks display on the National Mall and other festivities around the region. 

On Sunday, July 4, Metrorail service will operate from 8 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. During the day, trains will run on a regular weekend schedule, (every 12 minutes on the Red Line and every 15 minutes on all other lines) until 4 p.m., at which time service will ramp up to rush-hour service levels or better before and after the fireworks. Trains will run every 6 minutes on the Red Line, every 8 minutes on the Orange Line and every 12 minutes on all other lines from 4 p.m. until closing.  

All stations will be open; however, after 9 p.m. the National Mall entrance at Smithsonian Station will become “entry only” to accommodate returning crowds. Arlington Cemetery Station will be open until 11 p.m. on July 4, an hour later than its normal April 1 - September 30 closing time.  

Off-peak fares will be in effect all day, and parking will be free at all Metro-operated facilities. Bicycles and large coolers will not be permitted aboard trains after 2 p.m. due to space constraints. 

Metrorail customers are also advised of the Platform Improvement Project that runs through September 6. The Greenbelt, College Park, West Hyattsville and Prince George’s Plaza stations are closed with free shuttle buses provided. Customers that normally Park & Ride from these stations are encouraged to use alternate stations to avoid additional travel time due to shuttle buses.  

Customers traveling on the holiday are encouraged to purchase fare ahead of time. The best option to avoid lines, is SmarTrip mobile pay. Download the SmarTrip app for iOS or Android to buy a One-Day-Pass for $13 or purchase a mobile SmarTrip card with enough round-trip value for you and all your travelers. 

On Monday, July 5 (observed holiday), Metrorail will open at 8 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. Trains and buses will operate on a Sunday schedule. MetroAccess customers may make reservations to travel on the holiday; however, subscription trips will be canceled. 

Customers should be aware, under federal law, masks are required when riding in trains, buses, MetroAccess vehicles and at all indoor stations.   

For complete service details for July 4 and July 5 and additional travel tips, please see Metro’s service advisory.