Washington DC Parking

Washington, D.C. Parking Guide

About Washington, D.C. Formally the District of Columbia, Washington, D.C. derives its popular name from President George Washington, who played a deciding role in the area's selection as the permanent seat of government in early 1791. Washington, D.C.’s origins as a planned city can be readily felt in the decidedly metropolitan character of its landscape and attractions, chief of which (though perhaps needless to say) is the White House.

The streets of Washington, D.C. are among the busiest in the nation. A 2013 report by the U.S. Census Bureau ranked it as having one of the highest number of commuters coming from another county; this report was based on 2006-2010 estimates from the American Community Survey, which registered around 540,000 workers commuting into D.C. from surrounding areas.

Parking in Washington, D.C. The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) manages parking in Washington D.C. and employs around 17,000 metered parking spaces in its bid to do so effectively. DDOT states on its website that it "constantly evaluat[es] how to manage these spaces in a manner that benefits motorists, business owners, and most importantly residents in a fair and balanced approach"; in 2010, it enforced major changes in the District's parking meter system, which affected parking meter rates as well as days and hours of enforcement. For details on these regulations, visit DDOT's official page on parking meters.

Washington, D.C. has had a Residential Permit Parking (RPP) program in place since the 1970s and more than 4,100 blocks are designated as RPP zones. For details, visit DDOT's page on D.C.'s RPP program.

Public parking in Washington, D.C. can be expensive. Long-term parking options are limited, but there are a few alternative parking lots that will save you some money.

Disability Parking The District has several programs intended to ensure on-street parking is accessible to residents and visitors with disabilities.

Residents with disabilities who live in a single family dwelling and meet certain other requirements can apply to have an on street parking space reserved for them. Parking Lots There are plenty of garage parking options available in and around the downtown area in the city. One may choose to park in a garage if the parking requirement is for more than just an hour or two. Parking Garages are highly suitable for both short and long term parking requirements. Since Washington, D.C. is a very busy place, it may be better to reserve parking space--or at the very least, to make parking plans--in advance.

Parking in the garages and lots across the city and the downtown is a viable option especially for long-term and monthly parking requirements. Best Parking helps you choose the best suitable parking facility for off-street parking via an interactive map.