Incoming President Donald Trump and President Biden showed little emotion as they departed the White House on Monday for a ceremonial ride to the Capitol for the inauguration.

Mr. Trump appeared to be checking his cell phone after he got in the limo with Mr. Biden and Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Minnesota Democrat, for the short ride up Pennsylvania Avenue.

Both men were dressed in formal overcoats for the occasion. Bystanders cheered loudly as the Cadillac with flags on its hoods swept across Washington and arrived at the Capitol within minutes.

The limo ride is an intriguing political custom and a hallmark of the peaceful exchange of power. Pundits wonder what kind of conversation, if any, unfolds during the ride.

Mr. Trump and Mr. Biden are bitter political rivals.

Mr. Trump famously did not attend Mr. Biden’s inauguration in 2020 because he thought the election was stolen from him.

The incoming president showed some forms of sympathy for Mr. Biden after Vice President Kamala Harris took over the Democratic ticket, saying Mr. Biden was thrown overboard by his party.

Mr. Trump will be sworn in as the 47th president inside the Capitol instead of in a customary outdoor ceremony because of the bitter cold in Washington.

“Good to see you, good to be back,” Mr. Biden could be heard saying as he entered the Capitol.

Mr. Trump shook hands with people in the hallway as he entered.

Earlier, Ms. Harris and incoming Vice President J.D. Vance left the White House with Sen. Deb Fischer, Nebraska Republican, for the short ride to the ceremony.

• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.