No need to race to the start line, Metrorail will open early to get you to the Cherry Blossom ten mile run Sunday, April 7

Cherry Blossom train, buses, and National Cherry Blossom Festival commemorative cards debut

Metro today announced the rail system will open two hours early on Sunday, April 7, for the 2024 Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile. The event, celebrating its 51st anniversary this year, is known as “The Runner’s Rite of Spring” during cherry blossom season and draws more than 17,000 runners.

Metro will operate normal service on all lines starting at 5 a.m. on race day, providing plenty of time for participants and spectators to make the 7:30 a.m. start time. The closest Metrorail station to the start and finish lines is Smithsonian Station on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines. Customers should also consider using Federal Triangle nearby, which is also on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines, or L’Enfant Plaza on the Green and Yellow lines just a short walk away to avoid crowding.

The early opening, approved under new guidelines issued last year, allows Metro to provide additional service without charge in partnership with large scale events expecting 10,000 or more attendees. The move to boost ridership and provide safe reliable Metrorail service aligns with Metro’s Strategic Transformation Plan to support our customers, the communities we serve, and the region.

Cherry Blossom Train & Buses

Metro’s cherry blossom themed buses and train made their debut this week. We’ve wrapped three buses and a six-car train to bring on the blossoms. You’ll find the buses in service across the region, while the train will rotate between all six lines over the course of the cherry blossom season. You can use our real-time tracker at wmata.com/live. Go to the special events tab and follow the cherry blossom icon.

Cherry Blossom Commemorative SmarTrip Card available today

To kick-off the start of the National Cherry Blossom Festival next week, we’re loading up fare vending machines with our Cherry Blossom Commemorative SmarTrip Card at L’Enfant Plaza, Metro Center, Smithsonian, and Navy Yard. We’ve got a limited supply only available at specially marked fare vending machines starting on Friday. Look for the signs on top of the machines where you buy your farecard.

No daytime and evening track work for five weeks

Starting Monday, we’re putting scheduled track work and maintenance on hold during the daytime and evening hours for five straight weeks. We’ll have no work until after 10 p.m. to make sure visitors and festival goers can take in the view along the tidal basin and get to events around the city.

Check out Metro’s Tips for Traveling to the Cherry Blossoms for directions, best times to travel, and more.

Metro’s customer service teams are also available to help weekdays from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. and weekends from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. by calling 202-637-7000 (automated information available 24/7), via chat online at wmata.com, email, and through our social media channels. Follow us on X @wmata, @Metrorailinfo, @Metrobusinfo.