Heavy crowds expected; customers encouraged to book early
WASHINGTON – Amtrak is offering customers a convenient, comfortable, and efficient way to travel to the nation’s capital for the inauguration of the U.S. president on Monday, Jan. 20, and surrounding activities.
All Amtrak [1] trains operating between Boston and Washington, D.C., require reservations and ticket purchases prior to boarding. Tickets for all Amtrak trains this weekend remain available, but customers are advised to book as early as possible to ensure availability.
Large crowds are expected in and around Washington, D.C., so Amtrak is working with local, state and federal officials to ensure a safe and memorable visit for travelers. Many of the inauguration events and festivities are just blocks away from Washington Union Station [2].
Before traveling to or through Washington, D.C., here are a few tips for customers to keep in mind before heading out the door:
- Allow additional time to arrive at the station before departure.
- Access to Washington Union Station will be limited to select points of entry beginning Saturday, Jan. 18, through Monday, Jan. 20. Customers should follow instructions from station personnel and special signs to reach boarding gates for Amtrak, commuter and transit services, the parking garage and bus deck.
- With numerous services arriving within short time frames, we encourage customers to be attentive to your conductor’s instructions when about to depart the train during this busy period.
- Amtrak Ambassadors wearing high-visibility vests will be on hand to assist customers at Washington Union Station and other stations, including the William H. Gray III 30th Street in Philadelphia, Wilmington, Baltimore Penn and Alexandria, Va.
- Customers with special needs should specifically request assistance when making reservations. Learn about reserving accessible space on com [3] or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) or TTY 1-800-523-6590 to talk to an agent.
Additional information and updates on traveling and accessing stations will be posted to the Amtrak.com/Inauguration [4] website.