MARC Train is anticipating a significant increase in ridership between January 18 and January 20, 2025 for the Presidential Inauguration and other events in Washington, DC.  MARC Train will accommodate as many passengers as possible, however riders should note boarding on trains will be stopped once trains reach a safe capacity.

Saturday, January 18

MARC Train will supplement our regular Saturday schedule with additional service to accommodate customers traveling to events in Washington, DC.  The details of that additional service are still being finalized and will be posted on this webpage in early January.

Sunday, January 19

MARC will operate our regular Sunday schedule.

Monday, January 20 (Inauguration Day)

MARC Train will operate full weekday service on all three lines in lieu of the "R" schedule (reduced service) that is usually operated on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.  To view the schedule for the:

Information and Policies for traveling during this time

MARC Train does not have pre-reserved seating or ticketing for specific trains. Passengers who are unable to board a train due to it being full will have to wait for the next train.

All transportation providers will be operating under a heightened security alert. Remember the MTA’s safety campaign slogan: “If You See Something, Say Something!” Notify your conductor of any unusual occurrences, suspicious individuals or unattended luggage or call the MTA Police at 410-454-7720.

All types of bicycles and two-wheeled scooters (full size and collapsible/folding) will not be permitted on MARC Trains on January 18 or 20 due to anticipated crowded conditions and to ensure the safety of all passengers.

Disorderly or disruptive behavior is not tolerated on board any MARC Train. Passengers exhibiting such behavior will be removed from the train at the next station and will be denied transportation on any MARC Train for the remainder of the day.

Parking lots, platforms, and trains may be crowded. We advise all passengers to arrive to the station well ahead of the train’s scheduled departure to allow ample time to park, purchase a ticket, and walk to the platform

We strongly discourage large bags or other objects, including coolers.  Additional restrictions may be imposed by law enforcement.

Trains may be subject to security checks by law enforcement which may cause delays.  We thank you in advance for your patience and understanding as our law enforcement partners work to ensure your safety.

MARC Train, Amtrak and Alstom staff will be on hand to assist passengers, provide information, and ensure crowd management.

When boarding the train, please move inside and either upstairs or downstairs to the center of the car. This will ensure that there is enough space for standees. Passengers may not stand in the area between the railcars, this is not permitted anytime a train is in motion for your safety.

Please refer to the MARC Riders Guide for a full list of MARC Train policies.

When you return to Union Station to travel home:

  • Remain inside the station at the designated boarding gate until your train is announced.
  • Trains begin boarding 15-20 minutes prior to departure.
  • Please follow directions from Amtrak and MARC staff at Union Station.
  • Boarding will include a passenger count to ensure that trains do not exceed a safe capacity.

Full information, including schedules, cost of tickets and how to purchase tickets, stations locations and parking and other important details can be found on our website.

If you have any questions, please email us.  

Thank you for riding MARC Train.