state and Washington are going to be shut . In order to get in : walk or take public transport , such as the metro area 's subway system . Amtrak says that it has increased the number -- and length -- of trains running to Washington on Inauguration Day and that tickets are still available but are going fast . iReport.com : Are you going to the inauguration ? Security officials also say charter buses , taxis and car services will be another option for those attending . Q : What ca n't I bring ? A : There are several obvious items that are prohibited , according to the U.S. Secret Service , including : `` Firearms , ammunition , explosives , weapons of any kind , aerosols , supports for signs and placards , packages , coolers , thermal or glass containers , backpacks , bags exceeding size restrictions , laser pointers , animals other than helper/guide dogs , structures , bicycles and any other items determined to be a potential safety hazard . '' Items surrendered to security officials will not be returned . Other items that are being banned include baby strollers and umbrellas .
WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The 2009 presidential inauguration is looking to be historic and , frankly , headache-inducing for the throngs of people descending on the nation 's capital to watch Barack Obama sworn in as the 44th president . Workers are putting the finishing touches on the innaugural stage on the steps of U.S. Capitol . CNN has compiled a list of frequently asked questions and answers . Q : How crowded will Washington be , and how will I get around ? A : Think Times Square on New Year 's Eve . Throw in tight security , then multiply that by 12 . At least , that 's how it will most likely feel . Nearly 2 million people are expected to hit the streets of the nation 's capital January 20 . Police will be shutting bridges across the Potomac River into Washington , along with a huge chunk of the downtown area . Two of the major routes coming into the city -- Interstates 395 and 66 -- will be closed to inbound traffic , at least for private vehicles . And for those coming from Virginia , all of the bridges between the