metro inauguration day

Question

I have been researching about how to get to a station that would be the closest walk to the National Mall from Rossyln station. At first I saw the Federal Triangle, but found out that that station along with others will be closed. Then I figured that Farragut West would be another option but the inaugural website said that:

Some station "entrances" will also be closed Sunday, Jan. 19 at 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21:

- Metro Center: 13th and G St. NW and 12th and F St. NW entrances

THIS ONE - Farragut West: 17th and I St. NW entrance

So I am assuming that you can get off there but not back on? Is there more than one entrance to Farragut West station so we can get back to Rossyln?

The website says: 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:

- McPherson Square (Blue, Orange, Silver lines)

- Federal Triangle (Blue, Orange, Silver lines)

- Smithsonian (Blue, Orange, Silver lines)

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

- Archives-Navy Memorial (Green, Yellow lines)

So does anyone know what would be best for us to get close to the National Mall and back from same station? Thank you

Answer

During major events like the presidential inauguration, Metro implements extensive station closures for security reasons. From your research, you’re correct that several stations along the National Mall—including Federal Triangle, Smithsonian, McPherson Square, and Archives—will be fully closed and bypassed by trains between Jan. 19 at 8 p.m. and Jan. 21 at 5 a.m.

Regarding Farragut West, the notice you found about the 17th and I St. NW entrance closing means that particular entrance will be unavailable, but the station has multiple entrances. You should be able to enter and exit using other entrances (for example, at 18th & I St NW or connecting through the underground concourse to Farragut North), but it’s very important to check the Metro map and signage on the day of the event, as additional entrances may also have temporary closures.

Given these closures, if your goal is to get as close as possible to the National Mall, here are your options:

Use a nearby Metro station that is not closed and then walk to the Mall. Foggy Bottom-GWU (Blue, Orange, Silver lines) is a reasonable option; it’s about a 15–20 minute walk to the Lincoln Memorial end of the Mall.
Consider L’Enfant Plaza (Blue, Orange, Silver, Green, Yellow lines) for access to the central or east end of the Mall. Some entrances may be open, so plan to use designated open gates.
Capitol South (Blue, Orange, Silver lines) could work for reaching the east end near the U.S. Capitol, but be aware of potential pedestrian congestion and security screening delays.

Important tips for navigating Metro during inauguration:

Expect significant crowds and long waits for elevators, escalators, and fare gates.
Check Metro’s official inauguration webpage daily for updates, as entrance closures can change leading up to the event.
If walking distances are manageable, you may consider using a station slightly farther away from the Mall and walking, which can sometimes be faster than waiting in line at the nearest station with limited access.

In summary, Farragut West has multiple entrances, so you likely can enter/exit using a different one than 17th & I St NW, but given the closures, your safest bet is to use stations like Foggy Bottom-GWU or L’Enfant Plaza and plan extra walking time to reach the National Mall. Keep a close eye on real-time updates from WMATA during the event.

metro inauguration day

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