In honor of the nation’s birthday celebration, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority has announced free fares. On July 4, Metrorail, Metrobus, and MetroAccess rides will be free of charge from 5 p.m. until the systems close.
And the Washington Regional Alcohol Program has partnered with Lyft to offer free rides as well. The rides are available from 4 p.m. on July 4 through 4 a.m. on July 5. Area residents age 21 and over can enter a code in the Lyft app’s ‘Payment’ tab (under the ‘Add Lyft Pass’ option) to receive their no-cost (up to $15) safe transportation home. The promo code will be posted at 3 p.m. on July 4.
Free Rides on Metrorail, Metrobus, and MetroAccess
Metrorail will open at 6 a.m. and close at 2 a.m. Regular weekday fares will be in effect until 5 p.m. All trips after 5 p.m. will be fare-free, and parking will be free all day at Metro-owned garages and lots.
Metrobus will operate on a Sunday schedule, and service varies by route, so check timetables for details. Regular fares will be in effect until 5 p.m., and all trips after 5 p.m. will be fare-free. WMTA advises that customers traveling near the National Mall should expect detours, delays, or truncated routes due to road closures.
MetroAccess customers can make a reservation to travel on the holiday online or by calling 301-562-5360. Regular fares will be in effect until 5 p.m., and all trips after 5 p.m. will be fare-free.
WMTA Fourth of July Travel Tips
- Avoid traveling with items prohibited by the National Park Service on the National Mall, including weapons, alcohol, glass bottles or containers, fireworks, folding chairs, and coolers larger than 36 quarts. See the full list of prohibited items.
- Customers riding Metrorail can skip the fare machines and simply tap a credit or debit card to enter and exit the faregates.
- Metro’s Smithsonian Station is typically the most crowded. Trains may bypass the station, passing through without stopping if crowding becomes dangerous. After 5 p.m. the station may become exit only to accommodate crowds traveling to the National Mall, and entry only after 9 p.m.
- After fireworks end, it may take up to an hour or more for lines to clear at Smithsonian Station. If possible, delay return travel or use an alternate station.
- Metrorail customers traveling to fireworks and activities on the National Mall are encouraged to enter and exit from a station near your destination on the same line as your origin to avoid transfers and reduce crowding.
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- Check out more stories about the Fourth of July 2025.
Feature image courtesy doganmesut/stock.adobe.com
