Washington, DC

Last Updated: September 21, 2015 10:15 am

We encourage use of the RideDC app, which will assist with determining your next transit option in real time. To get the latest service alerts and schedule information for Metrorail and Metrobus, visit WMATA's advisory page for Pope Francis' visit to DC. 

Metrorail

The Metrorail system will operate regular hours on all days of the Papal visit, with stations opening at 5 am and closing at midnight. Regular fares and parking fees will be charged. All stations will be open; however, selected station entrances may be temporarily closed for short periods due to security needs. There will be no scheduled track work during the Papal visit.

Metro will provide additional train service during non-peak hours Wednesday and Thursday during the Papal visit. However, because Metro does not have the ability to add significant capacity during the morning and evening rush hours, riders should expect significant crowding aboard trains and at rail stations near Papal events. Specifically, riders may need to wait extended periods of time--possibly hours--before re-entering the Metrorail system at certain stations following large events. All riders are encouraged to allow extra travel time during the Papal visit.

All riders who are planning to use Metro during the Papal visit are strongly encouraged to purchase fare media in advance. Each traveler needs his or her own SmarTrip or paper fare card, which should be loaded with sufficient value to pay for all planned travel. Riders can purchase SmarTrip cards online prior to September 14.

Due to capacity limitations at Brookland Station (closest station to the Mass at the Basilica), attendees should consider using alternate shuttle bus service from Fort Totten or Rhode Island Avenue stations. Visit www.wmata.com/PapalVisit for details.

Metrobus

Metrobus service will operate on a regular weekday schedule during the Papal visit. Regular fares will be charged on all routes.

Due to the Papal visit security plan, many bus routes in Washington, DC, will be adjusted, detoured or shortened. Information about individual Metrobus routes will be posted at wmata.com/PapalVisit as plans are finalized. All bus riders are strongly encouraged to allow additional travel time, and to sign up for Metro Alerts email and text messages to be notified of any late changes or real-time updates.

DC Circulator

DC Circulator buses will provide shuttle bus service on September 23 to the Brookland-CUA rail station during the Basilica event. Due to anticipated large crowds and street closures, service on the DC Circulator National Mall route will be suspended on Wednesday, September 23 and Thursday, September 24.

For additional information visit: gdcg.co/circulatorpope

Capital Bikeshare

Capital Bikeshare corral stations will be established for the bike-riding public for the Capitol event on September 23 and 24. 

Get more information and service alerts for Capital Bikeshare during the papal visit.

Local Commuter Routes and Services

All bus and train information
http://wtop.com/pope-francis-2015-us-visit/2015/09/transit-changes-announced-papal-visit-d-c
MARC trains will run on a regular weekday schedule. Virginia Railway Express trains will run normal rail service while the pope is in D.C. VRE trains generally run inbound in the morning and outbound in the afternoon.

MD Buses
http://mta.maryland.gov/advisories/commuter-bus-modified-schedule-923-24-pope-francis-visit

Loudon County
http://www.loudoun.gov/bus
http://www.loudoun.gov/DocumentCenter/View/116003Fairfax Connector Service
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/connector/news/2015/15_015.htm

Arlington Transit
http://www.arlingtontransit.com

Arlington County
http://www.stayarlington.com/explore-arlington/blog/tips-for-navigating-arlington-and-dc-during-the-papal-visit