Driving / Parking, Washington D.C. – Transportation

Transportation in Washington D.C.: Driving and Parking

Washington, D.C., is the capital of the United States and one of the most famed regions in the country. When driving in the area, keep in mind a few tips about transportation and parking.

Parking

While there is free parking scattered throughout the capital, parking can sometimes feel like a guessing game. Fortunately, the city has an online website that helps people find different places to park.

When visiting, remember that there is limited parking at the various memorials. Both the Washington Monument and Tidal Basin at Jefferson Memorial are both known as bad places to park. One place where you’ll probably have better luck is at the National Mall, near the museums. You are allowed three hours of parking for free, though you can also pay $10 for all day parking at the lot across the street.

Driving in D.C.

The Capital Beltway is one of the most famous roads in the country, particularly for those who are interested in politics. The Beltway is also one of the most infamous roads in D.C. for local drivers, who spend hours sitting in traffic. It can sometimes take hours to commute in and out of the city. If you don’t want to fight the traffic going into town or struggle to find a parking spot, then a great alternative is to drive to one of the stations outside of the city and take the Metro bus into town.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about driving and parking in Washington D.C.