Travel to Washington DC for Obama Presidential Inauguration

Want to get there? Get a discount!

One of the most major presidential inaugurations of all time is happening January 20, 2009, when Barack Obama, the nation's first African-American president-elect, officially takes office in Washington DC. Want to be there to see history made? Let's look into some cheap ways to travel to Washington DC for the presidential inauguration.

Student Airfares to Washington DC

First, check out a sale from STA, the humongous student travel agency -- $142 RT to DC (not bad!):

• Washington DC from $143 and other student airfare deals of the week

Alternatively, you can try student standby for $69 at the last minute, though flights to DC for the presidential inauguration are going to be pretty full by inauguration day:

• Airtran student standby airfares

Keep reading to learn more about air travel, too.... and let's look into other ways to get to Washington DC for the presidential inauguration.

Student Discounts on Trains and Buses to Washington DC

Don't want to fly or finding it too expensive? Check out student discounts on Amtrak or Greyhound as quick and easy ways to get to DC, or just take a look at cheap US buses in general (might be able to ride for a very few bucks):

• Amtrak student discounts (more on Amtrak below, too)
• Greyhound bus student discounts
• All about all the cheap US buses

Washington DC Inauguration Day Events; Getting Around Washington DC; Where to Stay

And what's going to be happening in Washington DC for the presidential inauguration?

• Inauguration Events Schedule

And how to get around Washington DC:

• Getting Around Washington DC
• National Mall Map
• Logistics: How to Deal With Getting Around to the Actual Swearing-In Ceremony

Lastly, find a place to lay your head in the nation's capital:

• Find hostels in DC
• What's a hostel?

First Time Traveler?

Will this travel to Washington DC for the presidential inauguration be your first time on a plane? There's plenty to know about flying in the US these days; learn all about it:

Air Travel for Beginners

• Preparing for Air Travel
• Packing for Airport Security
• Airport Rules
• Packing Light
• Where to Get Travel Sized Tubes of Liquids and Gels
• How Not to Lose Your Luggage
• About Oversold Flights and Bumping
• About Delayed Flights
• Sleeping in Airports
• About Fear of Flying

Will this be your first time on a train? Check out a host o' train travel tips:

Amtrak Pictures and Information

• Amtrak Routes
• Buying Amtrak Tickets
• Choose an Amtrak Coach Seat or Superliner Sleeper
• Amtrak Viewliner Sleeper and Other Sleeper-Bedroom Options
• Amtrak Family Bedrooms
• Carry On and Checked Baggage Amtrak Rules
• Finding and Boarding Your Amtrak Train
• Amtrak Conductor Checking Tickets
• Amtrak Observation, Dining Cars and Other Services
• Amtrak Personnel and Who's Who
• Tipping on Amtrak Trains
• View From the Window
• Denver Platform View
• Nebraska Platform View
• Winter Park Ski Train Platform View
• Glenwood Springs Platform View

Travel to this presidential inauguration in Washington DC is going to be a crazy but cheerful scene, as your fellow travelers are probably headed to the nation's capital because they're feeling optimistic and want to see the scene -- so enjoy!