Insider’s Guide: Expert Tips for Navigating President-elect Trump’s Inauguration Like a Pro

President Joe Biden’s inauguration in January 2021 was minimized due to COVID-19, yet Washington, D.C., is now gearing up for a significant surge of visitors for the historical occasion this year for President-elect Donald Trump.

Elliott Ferguson, II, the president and CEO of Destination DC, informed Fox News Digital, “The public hasn’t been able to engage in the inauguration since 2017, hence we anticipate considerable interest.”

Traditionally, inaugural events for first-term presidents are larger, according to the data associates of Destination DC.

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Kristin Petersen, a travel consultant at Travelmation in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, advised Fox News that she motivates clients to sidestep rush hours when arriving in the Washington, D.C., area.

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Virginia are the closest airports to the nation’s capital.

“Your travel during rush hour will be overcrowded and sluggish,” stated Petersen.

Therefore, “I suggest arriving in the middle of the week, as most individuals come and go over the weekends.”

Petersen mentioned that she expects hotel prices to keep increasing and rooms to become fully booked.

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“The best location is a hotel within walking distance of Capitol Hill,” she noted.

“A large portion of the city will be closed off and numerous places will be fenced, making it incredibly challenging to navigate around the city.”

Petersen advised visitors to think about staying at accommodations that are situated outside the district near metro stations if hotel rates in the vicinity exceed their financial plans.

Travelers should verify the weather before their journey, ensuring they pack appropriate clothing.

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“We’ve had a snowy beginning to 2025, and the temperatures have been lower than normal…Travelers should prepare for freezing temperatures and possible snow,” she mentioned.

“You can always remove layers if the temperatures rise,” Petersen added.

Heavy jackets, insulated walking footwear, gloves, hats, and even hand-warmers are advisable items to include in your packing.

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The inauguration is scheduled for January 20 on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. 

The parade is set to commence at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Inauguration Day, lasting between 60 to 90 minutes, as stated on Destination DC’s website.

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The public viewing zones for the parade begin at 3rd Street, stretching to Pennsylvania Avenue near the Canadian Embassy.