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marchondc50

50th Anniversary of the March on Washington

Getting to the March on Washington

Metro/Bus and Rail

Metro is preparing to be the transportation mode of choice for thousands of visitors during the week of official events. 

On Saturday, August 24, 2013, March on Washington

  • Metrorail will provide 15 consecutive hours of service of service.
  • Metrorail will open at 7 am and close at 3 am.
  • Normal weekend parking rates will apply at Metrorail parking facilities. Parking fees will be charged as you exit the garage and may be paid by SmarTrip® or credit card.
  • Metrobus will operate weekend.
  • MetroAccess will operate identical hours to Metrorail and Metrobus. MetroAccess customers are encouraged to plan extra time due to increased traffic throughout the service area.

Buses and Motor Coaches

The information below will help you plan and prepare to bring a motorcoach to Washington for the March on Washington.

1. Get permitted: Many motorcoaches will need to obtain a Trip Permit from the Department of Motor Vehicles to operate in Washington, DC. Please visit the DMV website to find out if you need a trip permit and apply. If you have questions or need assistance, please call (202) 729-7083.

2. Reserve Parking: All motorcoaches must register for parking. Registration is available here.  Please call (202) 608-1113 if you have questions or need assistance.

3. Know Before You Go: All operators must know the route to parking facilities as well as the walking directions to the event site. A map with driving directions to RFK Stadium is available here[PDF]. A map with walking directions from RFK Stadium to the National Mall is available here[PDF].

Helpful Hints

  • Due to space restrictions, tour buses are prohibited from discharging passengers at Metrorail stations at any time.
  • Each bus in your caravan should designate a Bus Captain responsible for tracking passengers during and after the festivities.
  • All passengers must travel with their bus to the parking location. There will be no curbside passenger drop-off or pick-up for charter buses on the day of the March in the District of Columbia.
  • Passengers should be prepared to walk. Passenger drop-off could range from 1 to 3 miles away from the events.
  • Please provide a contingency plan for passengers. Designate a meeting place in the event passengers are separated from the group. Cell phone use may be limited.
  • Traffic may be slow. Allow for additional travel time. The District and Metrorail are preparing for a large number of visitors.
  • Prepare for temporary street closures. Traffic will be stopped for dignitary motorcades.
  • Check weather reports one to two days prior to your trip and advise passengers to dress accordingly.
  • Advise passengers to pack light. Inaugural security will be strict and bags will be checked.

If you have any questions, please contact DDOT at (202) 673-6813 or  (202) 671-2226.

MARC Trains

For information on MARC train service, visit the MTA website at mta.maryland.gov.

Driving into the District

Driving into the District of Columbia may be difficult on the day of the March, and if you plan to attend any of the events you are strongly encouraged to take public transportation.

Find information about specific road closures and Emergency No Parking Zones.

Locate a towed vehicle.

For more information about transportation alternatives and to plan your trip, visit goDCgo.com.

March on Washington Boundaries

View the March on Washington boundary map.

Bike Parking and Capital Bikeshare Corrals

On Saturday, August 24, the day of the March, DDOT and goDCgo will establish a bike parking area at 16th and I Streets, NW with racks to hold hundreds of bikes. Owners will be responsible for parking and locking their own bikes, and availability will be on a first-come first-served basis.
In addition, Capital Bikeshare will establish two corrals on Mto serve members attending the Inauguration and Inaugural Parade. The corrals – which are only for Capital Bikeshare bikes - will be located at:

  • 17th and K Streets, NW (Farragut Square)
  • 12th Street and Independence Avenue, SW (USDA)

For more information on Capital Bikeshare members, visit www.capitalbikeshare.com.

Taxis

Content to come

Drop-Locations for Persons with Disabilities

All areas around the Lincoln Memorial will be restricted to vehicular access on August 24, 2013 and on August 28, 2013. If you need to drop someone off as close to the Ceremonies as possible, please follow the directions of the National Park Service.

Tips for Seniors

Content pending.

Know Before You Go

Planning ahead will make your experience more pleasant and safe.

Please be prepared to be outside for a long period of time and dress for the weather.  A limited number of food and beverage vendors may be available, but attendees are encouraged to bring snacks and beverages in order to stay healthy and hydrated.

Guests are strongly advised to take public transportation rather than drive. Parking in Washington DC will be extremely limited and roads will be very congested.

Find information about road closures.

Visitor Information

We are glad you plan on visiting the Nation's Capital where there are plenty of activities and sites to experience to make your trip memorable. Washington.org is the main resource for visitors and meeting professionals seeking information about Washington, DC helping inform the nearly 18 million people who visit the city annually about the hotels, restaurants, attractions and cultural experiences available in the nation’s capital.

Transportation

We are urging spectators to use public transportation and arrive early. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) is the area's main source of public transportation. To plan your trip via the Metro, use Metro's Trip Planner.

Children and the Elderly

Extra consideration should be taken when planning to bring infants, young children, the elderly, or anyone with a weakened immune system. A vast majority of attendees will be in standing for long periods of time and should be prepared to be on their feet for several hours.  The temperature in Washington in August can reach over 90 degrees so stay hydrated.