Have you ever found yourself driving up and down streets looking for reasonably priced parking spots? Searching for affordable parking in places like the bustling city of Washington, DC can be a nightmare, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area.
Parking prices are substantially different in Washington, DC, depending on where you decide to park, which sometimes puts a damper on your spending budget. Luckily, staying informed about Washington, DC parking prices can reduce some of the parking stress.
Washington, DC Parking Options and Prices
Before taking off into the neighborly city of Washington, DC, you should know your parking options. Here are some places you can park, along with their prices.
Street Parking Rates in Washington, DC
Street parking is often your cheapest option, as it is usually metered with an affordable hourly rate. Washington, DC street parking is $2.30 per hour. This hourly price applies Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with some parking meters extending to 10 p.m.
Metered street parking is free on holidays and Sundays, which is perfect if you’re trying to avoid parking fees altogether.
Just be mindful of where you’re parking your vehicle, as residential neighborhoods often have posted signs with limits of two hours on weekdays and other parking restrictions. If you don’t adhere to this limit, you have a high chance of getting towed or receiving a parking ticket.
The nation’s capital utilizes both the typical single-space meters and newer multi-space meters, where you input your space number and pay. You can pay for both with a typical credit card or online/by app for your convenience. However, some DC parking meters still accept coin payments.
Garage Parking Rates in Washington, DC
There are plenty of parking garages situated throughout Washington, DC, for those who cannot find or feel uneasy about street parking. Expect these rates as far as DC garage prices go.
- Daily rates can start as low as $10 in DC, but most garages charge around $20 to $25.
- Overnight parking in garages will typically cost anywhere from $20 to $50 per night.
- Some parking garages charge by hourly ranges, such as the Union Station garage. Prices for these types of garages typically start at around $6 to $11 for the first one to two hours.
Keep in mind that local events can place parking garage prices on the higher end of the scale.
Free Parking Options in Washington, DC
It is possible to find free parking in DC, but you have to be quick! A popular spot is Hains Point in East Potomac Park, which offers around 400 free parking spots.
Another place to park is at the metro lots on the weekends and federal holidays. They don’t charge for parking on these days.
Metered parking is free for everyone on Sundays and holidays, which is great if you’re taking a day trip. Holidays include the following:
- New Year’s Day
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- President’s Day
- DC Emancipation Day
- Memorial Day
- Juneteenth
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Indigenous Peoples’ Day
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
The meters also generally stop tracking time around 6:30 p.m. and turn back on at 7 a.m., allowing free overnight street parking Monday through Saturday. If you’re a permit-holding resident, you can park for free in certain DC neighborhoods for specified amounts of time.
Long-Term Parking in Washington, DC
If you’re a frequent visitor or resident in Washington, DC, you may want to use monthly parking. This could be much more cost-effective for you, as monthly prices typically range from $200 to $300. This comes out to about $6.67 to $10 per day, making it an excellent way to save money if you park regularly.
Washington, DC Parking Tips
The following tips can be helpful when looking for affordable parking in DC.
Use Parking Apps
With the advent of the digital age, parking apps such as ParkWhiz and SpotHero are revolutionizing the way we find and book parking spots in advance. These apps allow you to compare prices, pick your parking spot, choose your time slot, and pay ahead of time to receive a digital parking pass.
Utilize Public Transportation and Park-and-Ride Options
Park-and-ride lots are a great choice for individuals open to combining driving with public transportation. There are hundreds of these lots located throughout DC, with most of them offering free parking. Commuters can use these lots to carpool or use public transportation, making them a convenient choice.
Most of these lots allow for bus, rail, or metro connections, and some even have bicycle parking facilities. This can help save you money (and save you from the aggravation of driving through the city).
Metro stations are also excellent places to park, as they typically charge around $4.95 for parking. From there, you can get metro tickets and travel through public transportation throughout your trip instead of driving.
What Determines Washington, DC Parking Prices?
Parking prices are highly dependent on the following factors in the DC area:
1) The location of the spot, lot, or garage: Parking in popular tourist areas will often be more expensive.
2) The parking option you choose: Street parking is usually the cheapest option, while parking garages are more expensive because they offer more security.
3) The time of day you’re visiting: Early mornings and evenings will typically be cheaper, as they aren’t busy times.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Washington, DC–with all its monuments and museums–is a trip you’ll never forget. However, because you’re not a local, you’ll need to know where you can legally park your car (and how much it’ll cost).
If you’re planning a long visit or plan to move to Washington, DC, you’re going to need a parking space or vehicle storage for your car. You can find nationwide parking and car storage options at prices that are 30% lower than traditional vehicle storage options with Neighbor, a peer-to-peer car storage marketplace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is All Public Parking Free in Washington, DC?
Most public parking is not free in Washington, DC. Public metered parking applies Monday through Saturday, and parking garages charge every day of the week.
How Much Does It Cost to Park in Washington, DC?
It generally costs $2.30 to $50 for daily parking, depending on how long you park and where you park. Long-term parking can cost up to $300 per month.
Is Parking Free at the Washington, DC Metro Stations?
Washington, DC metro lots charge $4.95 or $8.95 for parking from Monday to Friday. The weekends and federal holidays are free.
