VRE Fireworks Trains Return for July 4

Virginia Railway Express said its Fireworks Trains will return on Saturday, July 4, 2026, offering roundtrip service to Washington, D.C., for Independence Day travelers who want to avoid driving. The special trains will run on both the Manassas and Fredericksburg lines, according to VRE’s service page. The rail service comes as Washington prepares for July 4 crowds tied to the annual National Mall fireworks and the broader America 250 observance. VRE said regular full service will still run on Friday, July 3, 2026, ahead of the holiday. ### Which VRE lines are getting the July 4 service? VRE said the special trains will operate on both of its commuter corridors, the Manassas Line and the Fredericksburg Line. The agency said the trains will provide roundtrip transportation to and from Washington on July 4 only. The Manassas Line schedule shows a northbound departure from Broad Run at 4:00 p.m., stopping at Manassas Park at 4:15 p.m., Burke Centre at 4:30 p.m. and Backlick Road at 4:45 p.m. before reaching L’Enfant at 5:05 p.m. and Union Station at 5:13 p.m. The return trip leaves Union Station at 11:00 p.m. and reaches Broad Run at 12:13 a.m., according to VRE’s posted schedule. (vre.org) The Fredericksburg Line schedule shows a northbound departure from Spotsylvania at 3:30 p.m., with stops at Leeland Road, Quantico and Woodbridge before arriving at L’Enfant at 4:52 p.m. and Union Station at 5:00 p.m. The southbound return leaves Union Station at 10:45 p.m. and arrives in Spotsylvania at 12:15 a.m., VRE’s schedule says. ### How much do the tickets cost, and when do they go on sale? (vre.org) VRE said adult roundtrip tickets will cost $20 and children’s roundtrip tickets for ages 12 and under will cost $10. The agency said every passenger must have a valid ticket to board. June 1, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. is the start of ticket sales, according to VRE’s Fireworks Trains page. VRE said tickets will be sold through Eventbrite and will remain available until sold out. (vre.org) All sales are final and tickets are non-refundable, the agency said. ### Where do the trains leave riders in Washington? Union Station and L’Enfant are the two Washington stops listed on both special-train schedules. (vre.org) The posted timetables show inbound trains arriving in late afternoon and outbound trains leaving after the fireworks window. The National Park Service said the National Mall remains the main viewing area for the annual Independence Day fireworks and that special closures and security access points are put in place for the event. (vre.org) VRE’s Fireworks Trains page also directs riders to National Mall and Memorial Parks information on safety, security and accessibility for the fireworks show. (vre.org) ### Why is VRE running the service this year? VRE said the trains are returning for July 4, 2026, as Washington hosts Independence Day celebrations during the 250th anniversary year of the founding of the United States. The agency described the service as a way to travel to the city for the holiday on both commuter lines. (nps.gov) The National Park Service said the National Mall will again host its annual Fourth of July celebration in Washington. Event pages for the 2026 celebration say fireworks are scheduled for 9:09 p.m. on July 4, weather permitting. ### What should riders do next? VRE said riders can review schedules, ticketing details and event guidelines on its Fireworks Trains page before July 4. (vre.org) The agency also posted a PDF timetable showing all departure and arrival times for both lines. June 1 is the next date riders need to watch. VRE said ticket sales open that morning at 10:00 a.m. through Eventbrite, and the agency said sales will continue until the trains sell out. (nps.gov) (vre.org) (vre.org)