Donald Trump inauguration day 2025: Here are travel tips if you are planning to go to Washington D.C

Experts offer travel advice for those planning to attend President-elect Trump's inauguration.

The US Capitol's West Lawn will host the inauguration on January 20. Although COVID-19 may have caused the 2021 inauguration of President Joe Biden to be postponed, Washington, D.C., is now getting ready to receive a massive influx of tourists for President-elect Donald Trump's historic event this year, as quoted in a report by Fox News.

The public hasn't been able to participate in the inauguration since 2017, so we expect significant interest, said Elliott Ferguson, II, president and CEO of Destination DC, in an interview with Fox News Digital.

What Are the Best Ways to Navigate D.C. During Inauguration?

According to Destination DC's data partners, inaugurations are typically larger for first-term presidents.

When flying into the Washington, D.C., area, Kristin Petersen, a travel advisor at Travelmation in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, told Fox News that she advises her clients to avoid the rush hour.
The airports closest to the nation's capital are Virginia's Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Dulles International Airport (IAD). Their rush-hour commute will be congested and sluggish, Petersen stated.

Therefore, it is recommended to fly in the middle of the week because most people are coming and going from the city on the weekends. According to Petersen, she expects hotel rates to keep rising as rooms fill up. A hotel near Capitol Hill accessible by foot is the perfect spot.

It will be very challenging to move around the city because many areas will be gated and much of the city will be closed.

According to Petersen, if hotel rates in the area are too high for travellers, she suggests they look into staying at locations outside the district on metro stops.

How Should You Prepare for the Winter Weather?

Before leaving, travellers should check the weather and make sure they have the right clothing packed.

The beginning of 2025 has been snowy, and the temperatures have been lower than usual. She advised travellers to expect freezing temperatures and the possibility of snowfall.

If the temperature rises, you can always take off the layers, Petersen said. Packing hats, gloves, insulated shoes, heavy coats, and even hand warmers is beneficial.

According to Destination DC's website, the parade will start at around 2:30 p.m. on Inauguration Day and last for 60 to 90 minutes.

The parade's public viewing areas stretch from 3rd Street to Pennsylvania Avenue, close to the Canadian Embassy.

FAQs

When and where will the inauguration take place?
The inauguration will be held on January 20, 2025, on the West Lawn of the United States Capitol, followed by a parade beginning at 2:30 p.m.

How can attendees prepare for the event?
Travelers should book accommodations in advance, consider staying outside of Washington, D.C. near metro stops for cost savings, and pack warm clothing, including insulated shoes and hand warmers, due to the possibility of freezing temperatures and snowfall.