Travel tips for the inauguration

• TRANSPORTATION: Many streets downtown and around the National Mall will be closed on Inauguration Day, so plan to use public transportation whenever possible. Your best options include Metrorail and Metrobus and the DC Circulator bus. You can avoid waiting in line in Metro stations by pre-purchasing all-day Metro passes online — www.wmata.com/onlinestore/default.cfm?nocache. Be aware that security is heightened. For example, your bags might be checked on Metro and Amtrak trains.

• TICKETS: Tickets to the inauguration ceremony are free — but sure to be scarce — and will be distributed through members of Congress in January. Contact your senator or representative to request a ticket. Congressional offices will get the tickets about a week before the Jan. 20 swearing-in ceremony; in-person pickup is required. Be wary of any Web site or broker claiming to sell tickets; Congress is the only way to go.