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DC Parking Meter Hours & Rates

dc parking meter times & rates

The Washington DC street parking structure can be difficult to navigate, especially the DC Parking meter Hours & rates. There are 18,000 metered parking spaces in Washington DC split into different zones. We’ve created your one-stop shop for everything you need to know about metered parking in Washington D.C. so that you can avoid a dreaded parking ticket.

• • •

Washington DC Parking Meter Hours

Hours of operation for parking meters in most parts of Washington D.C. are as follows:

Day of Week Premium Demand Zones Normal Demand Zones
Monday – Friday 7:00am – 10:00pm 7:00am – 6:30pm
Saturday 7:00am – 10:00pm 7:00am – 6:30pm
Sunday Free Parking  Free Parking

• • •

Parking Meter Rates by Zone

Metered parking in Washington D.C. is broken down into two different types of areas, Premium Demand Zones, and Normal Demand Zones.

Metered parking in both of these zones costs $2.30 for the most part. The difference between the zones is that enforcement hours are extended until 10pm for premium demand zones.

Normal demand zones only require payment from 7AM-6:30PM local time. Meter rates are the same for commercial and passenger vehicles.

Commercial vehicles can pay $323 for an annual meter parking pass by visiting the DC Freight Management website.

Nighttime parking enforcement hours have been extended to 10 pm in the following “premium demand zones”:

  • Adams Morgan
  • Georgetown Historic District
  • Penn Quarter/Chinatown
  • U Street NW Corridor
  • Downtown Central Business District
  • Maine Avenue and Water Streets SW
  • The National Mall
  • Wisconsin Avenue NW (from Van Ness Street to Western Avenue)

• • •

Washington DC Meters: Free on National Holidays

The following National Holidays do not require parking meter payments:

  • New Year’s Day Observed
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • Inauguration Day
  • Washington’s Day
  • DC Emancipation Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Columbus Day
  • Veterans Day Observed
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day

    • • •

Performance Based Parking Zone

Performance Based Parking Zones is a pilot program run by the DDOT which implements different metered parking prices based on the demand for street parking in a few specific high traffic areas in the District.

The goal of the program is to reduce congestion on streets and prevent drivers from circling the block by increasing the availability and turnover rate of metered spaces. By studying data from in-ground sensors, payment transactions, and historical data, the program will be able to charge more money per hour for areas with high parking demand, and less for areas with low demand for parking.

The metered rates will be adjusted every three months and posted in advance on the ParkDC project website. So, it’s not like prices will adjust randomly throughout the day, leaving drivers with increased parking fees when they return to their cars. If the project is a success, it’s possible that DDOT will expand it to other sections of the city.

The first areas chosen for the pilot program are Penn Quarter, Columbia Heights, the Ballpark Neighborhood in the southwest waterfront, and a section of H Street Northeast.

Rates in these areas have already been adjusted five separate times, with the latest adjustment coming on November 6, 2017. For the most up to date prices for a given time, visit the ParkDC website directly.

View all of the pilot areas on the maps below to see which streets in particular are a part of the program.

Penn Quarter Performance Zone

Ballpark Performance Zone Map

Screen Shot 2017-12-06 at 2.39.56 PM

H ST NE Performance Based Parking Map

Screen Shot 2017-12-06 at 2.45.19 PM

Columbia Heights Performance Based Parking Zone Map

Screen Shot 2017-12-06 at 2.54.43 PM

• • •

Red Top Metered Parking in Washington D.C.

In certain high traffic areas around Washington D.C., there are designated metered parking spaces reserved exclusively for drivers with disability placards. Meters marking the spaces have red on the top of them. “Red Top Meter” parking went into effect in May of 2017, and is now enforced. For detailed information on disability parking and the location of these meters, visit the DDOT website directly.

• • •

DC Parking Meter Resources

  • Performance Based Parking Pilot: Learn more about D.C.’s plan to limit traffic and reduce congestion with responsive parking prices.
  • DC Parking Meter Zone Map: View a very helpful interactive map of all of the parking meter zones in Washington D.C.
  • Penn Quarter Metered Parking Prices: Driving to the heart of downtown Washington D.C.? View more about street parking in this popular area.
  • ddot.dc.gov: The official resource for street parking in Washington D.C., the DDOT.
  • About.com: DC Parking Meter
  • DC Parking Tips

May 29, 2014 by

Filed Under: DC Parking

Washington DC Hotels With Free Parking

washington dc hotels with free parking

Heading to DC soon? Looking to save some extra cash on parking? DCparking.org is here to give you a complete rundown on all the Washington DC hotels that offer free parking. You’ll be surprised at how many do!

Free Hotel Parking Near the National Mall

Assuming you are visiting our Nations Capital to view the National Mall and take part in some tourist sight seeing, here are the top hotels with free parking closest to the National Mall.

  • Oakwood Lexington
  • Channel Inn
  • Holiday Inn (Arlington)
  • Best Western (Arlington)
  • Howard Johnson Inn
  • Motel 6 Washington DC

Free Hotel Parking in DC Resources

HotelsNearDCMetro.com: This site is a great resource for not only free hotel parking in DC, but also Arlington and the surrounding area. They state that the Channel Inn is the only hotel in DC with free parking, but offer other hotels that are close by metro stops, so you can easily access the city while not paying for parking.

TripAdvisor: You can’t go wrong with a good ol’ TripAdvisors post. This one lists 6 Washington DC hotel locations with free parking. Similar to HotelsNearDCMetro.com, but added user reviews and ratings always leave a nice personal touch.

VacationsMadeEasy.com: Not the best looking site, but it looks like this is one of the best resources to search for hotels in DC with free parking. At first glance there are not many in the metro area, but that seems to be a consistent theme.

Forget Your Parking Worry, Book Online & Save

Looking to avoid that worry of parking altogether? SpotHero makes it easy to find affordable DC hotel parking, all across the city. You can save up to 50% off over night parking, and feel at ease with your decision. Browse their DC Hotel Parking Options, to see if they have what you are looking for.

You Might Also Like

  • Smithsonian Institution Parking Guide
  • DC Pay-By-Phone Parking App Rundown
  • Dulles Airport Parking Guide

 

May 28, 2014 by

Filed Under: DC Parking Tagged With: Free Parking, Hotels, Washington DC

DC Parking App Rundown

dc parking apps

The Top Pay for Parking Apps in DC

The online pay for parking industry has been booming the past 12-18 months, and there are no signs of it slowing down. Already we have seen 12+ online parking reservation companies pop up, and as most companies started in 2014, there is an app for that! DCparking.com has the complete rundown of the top pay for parking apps out there. iOS, Andriod, Windows Phone, whatever the devise, we’ve got the info. [Read more…]

May 22, 2014 by

Filed Under: DC Parking Tagged With: Android, App, Apple, DC Parking, DC Parking App, SpotHero

Ultimate Guide To Verizon Center Event Parking Deals

verizon center parking

Looking for Verizon Center Parking Deals? You came to the right place!

Parking at the Verizon Center can be a huge pain, and very expensive. DCparking.org has compiled some tips and resources to help you save some money, and forget about that worry of parking. Read on to learn about our tips, or head over and book parking online at the Verizon Center right now. [Read more…]

May 21, 2014 by

Filed Under: DC Parking Tagged With: Event Parking, Verizon Center

Dulles Airport Parking

dulles airport parking

Searching for Washington Dulles Airport Parking?

Serving more than 22 million passengers each year, Dulles International Airport is the busiest airport in the Washington Metropolitan region.  Up to 60,000 passengers can pass through the terminals on any average day, which can make for quite the chaotic scene. Imagine how hectic the parking garage gets with those crowds rushing around vying for a good spot. 

Our guide to Dulles IAD Airport parking will help you find the best parking space at or near the airport, regardless of your needs. Nothing is worse than trying to make your flight, being pinched for time, and fighting to find a parking space. Read on for more information about Dulles airport parking rates, long-term options, maps, and deals so that you can worry about where you’re flying, and not where you’re going to park.

• • •

Dulles Airport Online Parking Reservations

Explore cheap parking options on the map below and use SpotHero to reserve a guaranteed space ahead of time.

• • •

Dulles Airport Parking Rates & Options

If you have longer term parking needs at Dulles International Airport, the Economy Parking Lot is your best option.  Located close to the airport, just at Dulles Access Road and Route 28 airport exits, this option is fast and easy to access.  There is a 24 hour shuttle that will transport you to the airport terminal in a matter of minute.  There are shuttle stops in each of the parking areas.

If you’re in a great hurry or if you just feel like getting the VIP treatment, Dulles International Airport offers Valet Parking.  Not only can you save time, but you can also take advantage of extra amenities, such as dry cleaning, auto detailing, and car wash.  As soon as your return flight arrives, send a text and they will get your car ready.

Long-Term Parking Rates

Off-Site Long-Term w/ Shuttle Rate
Per Day – Book Now! $7
Hourly Parking Garage Rate
Per Day $22
Daily Parking Garage Rate
Per Day $12
Express Lot Rate
Per Day $10
Valet Parking Rate
First Day $35
Each Additional Day $30


FlexPark

The Dulles FlexPark program is perfect for those who have an ongoing need for parking at Dulles International Airport.  This membership program provides an access card for easy entry and exit.  All payments and account maintenance are conveniently processed through an online system. Discover more about the FlexPark program here.

Hourly Parking Rates

For your short-term parking needs, Dulles provides the Hourly Parking Lot, which is perfect for those moments when you just need to drop someone off, pick someone up, or just need to park for a few days.  There is no time limit, but there are other more economical options if you plan to park for a longer period of time.  If you plan to park for longer than 45 days, you must contact the parking office to register or else they will tow your car as abandoned, at your expense.   You can easily find your way to the terminal from the Hourly Parking Lot through the underground pedestrian walkway.

More economical options for parking at Dulles International Airport are in the Garages 1 & 2.  This covered parking is very near to the terminals and allows you easy access to the terminals through covered pedestrian walkways.  There is also a free 24 hour shuttle service.

Terminal Hourly Lot Rate
Per Hour $6
Garages 1 & 2 Rate
Per Hour $6

 

Mobile Apps

mobile iconThe following apps were developed to help you save time and reduce stress in locating and securing Dulles International Airport Parking.

  • SpotHero –This app is available for both iPhone and Android.
  • Washington Airport Pro Dulles –This app is available only for iPhone.
  • FlySmart –  This app is available for iPhone, Android, and Blackberry.
  • About Airport Parking – This app is available only for iPhone
  • Airport Parking Reservations – This app is available only for iPhone

Park, Stay, and Fly

Park, Stay, and Fly is a neat package bundle offered at many hotels that allows you to stay the night at the hotel and leave your car parked there while you go on your trip.  They also offer complimentary shuttle to and from the airport.  This can be a very economical option and it’s quite convenient when you don’t have to fuss over parking the day of your flight.   The following hotels offer parking and shuttle for Dulles International Airport.

  • Hilton Washington Dulles Airport
  • Springhill Suites Herndon Reston
  • Courtyard Dulles Airport Chantilly
  • Sheraton Reston –
  • Comfort Inn & Suites
  • Doubletree by Hilton Dulles Airport
  • Comfort Inn Suites Chantilly
  • Fairfield Inn & Suites Dulles Airport

March 10, 2014 by

Filed Under: Airport Parking, DC Parking

National Mall Parking

national mall parkingNo trip to our nation’s capital is complete without exploring the National Mall and other great sites.  Although be forewarned, finding parking here can become a very complex task.  Parking anywhere in DC is at a premium and in very high demand.  In areas like the National Mall, parking becomes quite scarce, due to the crowds of tourists it draws.  While there is limited free parking on the streets, it’s typically limited to just a few hours.  Plus, you’ll have to navigate through the confusing streets signs and make sense of inane parking regulations.  So, you really had your heart set on touring this great national site and wonder what to do?  You can relax, because we’ve laid out numerous options for you!

Reserve Affordable National Mall Parking

[Read more…]

March 10, 2014 by

Filed Under: DC Parking

Smithsonian Institution Parking

smithsonian parkingIf you’re not from the DC area, driving here can be quite scary. Between one way streets, confusing signs and aggressive drivers, finding parking can turn into a major ordeal.  What’s one to do when they want to visit and explore the great Smithsonian Institution of Washington, DC?  Not to worry SpotHero has you covered.  This quick and easy guide will help show you the way to Smithsonian parking.

smithsonian parking cta

With 19 museums, 9 research facilities and the National Zoo, the Smithsonian is quite the hot tourist attraction, drawing in millions of visitors each year from across the globe.  As if the DC streets weren’t congested enough, this just adds to the insanely high demand for parking.  All is not lost, SpotHero offers great rates and discounts on parking at dozens of options near the Smithsonian Institution.  You can even find parking for as low as $5, so long as you don’t mind walking a little bit to get to your destination, or you can pay more and have just a few steps to take.  Check out the map below to see some of our hottest spots or view our Smithsonian Parking Page to get a detailed list of options.

Smithsonian Institution Parking Resources

Not quite the information you see?  Abundant resources are available for parking near the Smithsonian Institution and museums in Washington, DC.  Check out the links below and you are sure to find the answers you need.

  • Central Parking, Washington, DC
  • About.com Smithsonian Museums
  • DC Parking Meters
  • Where Can I Park – DC

To learn about each of the individual museums and the zoo of the Smithsonian Institution, visit the following links:

  • African American History and Culture Museum
  • African Art Museum
  • Air and Space Museum
  • Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center
  • American Art Museum
  • American History Museum
  • American Indian Museum
  • Anacostia Community Museum
  • Arts and Industries Building
  • Freer Gallery of Art
  • Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
  • National Zoo
  • Natural History Museum
  • Portrait Gallery
  • Postal Museum
  • Renwick Gallery
  • Sackler Gallery
  • Smithsonian Institution Building (The Castle)

December 16, 2013 by

Filed Under: DC Parking

DC Parking Tickets

Avoiding Parking Tickets

The best way to avoid having to fight a parking ticket in Washington is to avoid one all together.  Apparently, you can pay around $3,000 to be parking ticket free for a year.  This only makes sense if you receive more than $3,000 worth of parking tickets.  If this is consistent, I think it’s safe to say you have a problem 🙂 That said, it does feel great knowing you can park anywhere and don’t have to pay attention to the myriad of parking signs and regulations.  Washington D.C. collected more revenue from parking tickets than any other city in America.

With almost $100 million collected, it’s no reason you’d want to try to research before attempting street parking in DC so you can avoid them.  Here’s a good discussion on TripAdvisor about tickets in DC that you can follow.  DC parking tickets range from $25 to $100 depending on the offense.  Here is a great article which had some great information on Washington DC parking tickets.  Part of avoiding the dreaded slips of paper, are knowing the areas where to avoid.  In the District’s 2nd Ward, almost a third of the total number of tickets written (over 500,000 of them) were written.  This is right in the area near the Georgetown University campus.  In a distant 2nd place, the next most ticketed area is in the 6th Ward near the Congressional Cemetery and Lincoln Park.

  • Watch out for ticketing during the National Cherry Blossom Festival.  This is high season for tourists and one of the most ticketed times of the year.
  • Don’t park past the time period in zoned metered parking areas.  A lot of these areas allow 1 or two hour parking, but don’t have a permit and park beyond that and boom a parking ticket appears.
  • Watch for signs that overlap or contradict.  – The most common ticket issued in Washington is for an expired meter.  Just because it says you can park from 7am to 7pm does not mean you’re in the clear!  Be mindful of every sign that you see because there could be a sign that also has rush hour restrictions between 7am and 9am.  What does this mean?  It means you get a ticket if you park!

You can also check out DC Parking tips.

Paying Parking Tickets

Don’t be afraid to fight D.C parking tickets.  Provide the right evidence and contesting by mail is truly a great option.

According to the Washington Department of Motor Vehicles, if you don’t pay your parking ticket within 30 days, then the fine doubles!!  Yes, you read that correctly, the fine actually doubles.  There are four different ways to pay your parking tickets in the District of Columbia.

  1. Online – You can go online and pay your parking tickets through this link.
  2. By Phone – Call the following phone number 866-893-502 and follow the instructions on the phone.
  3. By Mail – When you pay by mail cash is not accepted.  Only checks and money orders.  These must be made payable to “DC Treasurer” and include your parking ticket number.  This must be mailed to: DMV Adjudication Services, PO Box 2014, Washington, DC 20013.
  4. In Person – Paying in person is the most flexible in terms of what they accept as payment.  All major credit cards are accepted except for American Express.  Cash is accepted as well along with checks and money orders.  That said, checks are not accepted for towed and booted vehicles.  Make sure you are prepared for the proper form of payment.  Who’d like to make the trek there twice?
DC Parking Ticket

An Unsuspecting Vehicle

Photo from Wikipedia

December 30, 2012 by

Filed Under: DC Parking

Washington DC Street Parking Information

The most parking will cost you on the street is $2 and hour which is in the so called “premium demand zones”.  Outside those zones, the cost is 75 cents an hour.  That said, Washington D.C is one of the toughest places to find parking in the country.  There are other options including DC parking garages and lots.  The hours of enforcement have been extended to 10pm.

Is street parking FREE in Washington DC on Sundays?

Yes, this is true. You can park on the street for free ALL DAY.  The signs on the street can be confusing so if you are unsure, the DDOT offers a number you can use to call for assistance and clarification.  DDOT Line: 202-671-2700.

• • •

Washington DC Street Parking Links

DDOT (District Department of Transportation) – This is a great resource and list of all the DDOT parking programs.  Not just cars,  but for bicycles too, (among many other resources, pay by phone, parking meters, etc.).

District Street Parking Enforcement Updates – This details the rate increase to a maximum of $2 and hour (that’s only if you don’t get a parking ticket) along with extended enforcement hours for metered zones.  Previously, parking wasn’t enforced on Saturdays or on nights Monday through Friday.

About.com DC Parking – This is About’s list os helpful links and guide including maps of Washington DC parking information.

• • •

Street Parking Nearby the Verizon Center

Our sister site VerizonCenterParking.com has a full post on all the info you need to know to lock down cheap or free street parking near the Verizon Center. Read the full post here > Verizon Center Street Parking

 

December 30, 2012 by

Filed Under: DC Parking

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