Where is the most economical parking garage/parking lot near the Washington DC Convention Center?

Question

I am looking for frugal parking for more than two hours in the morning and in the evening.

Answer 1

See the map at http://www.dcconvention.com/directions/parking.asp

Expect to pay around $18 to park in the morning (most lots charge the daily maximum after two hours). I don't think you'll find substantial cost variations between the lots shown.

The most economical parking you'll find in the evening is on the street--meter spaces are free after 6 p.m. and not limited to two hours, and fairly plentiful in that area.

Answer 2

If you're coming from the North, you can park all day at the Greenbelt Metro Station for $4 if you have a Metro Smartcard. I believe the Convention Center has its own stop on the Green line.

{EDIT} I had thought about Anacostia and the southern stations on the Green line but the asker never mentioned where he's coming from - MD or VA. Plus, the hours are staggered - 2 in the morning and 2 in the evening - implying that the person may be in school and has morning and evening classes.

You can also park at Metro's parking garages on the other lines for no more than $4 a day. You can be in DC in 30 minutes from most of the outlying stops.

Answer 3

I'd actually agree with both of the previous posters--you will pay about $18 or so for most garages near there (and actually, probably most garages within 1 or 2 miles of there). I'd also say taking Metro might be a better option.

There is one closer station--Anacostia, which has tons of parking all day long, and is only a few stops away from the Convention Center. It would probably be less than 15 minutes from the center to your car.

Of course Anacostia has a bit of a reputation, but I've found the subway station and parking pretty safe. Still, if you are very nervous, or not very street wise, perhaps it would be better to hop in a garage or park out in the suburbs.