How Much Is Parking at Capital One Arena?
Parking at Capital One Arena typically costs between $20 and $70, depending on how close the garage is to the arena and the size of the event.
Private garages immediately surrounding the arena are the most common option for drivers. These independently operated structures are integrated into the surrounding Penn Quarter buildings and are within easy walking distance of the venue. Rates in these close-in garages generally fall in the $30–$70 range on high-demand game nights, while garages a few blocks farther out can run $20–$35. On ParkMobile, prepaid lots near the arena start as low as $10 for non-peak events, though Wizards and Capitals game nights consistently push prices toward the higher end of the range.
Prices are not fixed — they shift based on the event type, day of week, and how early you book. Prepaying through SpotHero, ParkMobile, or ParkWhiz is the most reliable way to secure a lower rate and a guaranteed space before prices climb as game time approaches.
Capital One Arena Parking Lots and Maps
Capital One Arena does not operate large dedicated surface lots — parking near the arena is handled through a network of surrounding private garages and independently managed facilities.
The Arena Garage sits directly beneath the building, accessed via 6th Street NW, but it is open only for concerts and select special events — it is not available for public parking during Wizards or Capitals games. The Gallery Place Garage and Colonial Parking Garage are two of the most commonly cited nearby options, both within a short walk of the arena entrances. The Indiana Ave Lot, listed directly on ParkMobile for Wizards events, is another bookable option just north of the arena.
Over 10,000 parking spaces exist within a short walk of Capital One Arena across the broader downtown Penn Quarter neighborhood, though availability tightens quickly on major game nights. Capital One Arena’s official website directs fans to use SpotHero to browse real-time lot availability and distances, and ParkMobile covers many of the same facilities. Checking either platform’s map view before your event is the best way to compare price versus walking distance for your specific game.
Preferred/Premium Parking at Capital One Arena
The closest-in garage options near Capital One Arena serve as the de facto premium parking tier, with prices reaching $40–$70 on sold-out nights for the Wizards or Capitals.
The Gallery Place Garage is one of the most sought-after locations for fans who want minimal walking. Garages on F Street NW and 7th Street NW, directly adjacent to the arena’s main entrances, command the highest event-night rates but offer the most convenient access. For both Capitals and Wizards games, these spots sell out on popular matchups — booking one to two weeks in advance through SpotHero is the recommended approach to locking in a space at the closest garages.
Capital One Arena’s official parking partner is SpotHero, and once a reservation is purchased, the parking pass is emailed immediately and can be displayed on a mobile phone for contactless entry. There is no valet service at Capital One Arena itself, but some neighboring hotels in Penn Quarter offer valet parking that may be available on event nights.
Free Parking Near Capital One Arena
Free parking near Capital One Arena is very limited, and fans should not rely on finding it on game days.
Street parking exists throughout the Penn Quarter and Chinatown neighborhoods, but it is subject to DC parking restrictions, time limits, and permit-zone rules that are strictly enforced. Metered spaces on surrounding streets typically have evening time limits that expire before a game ends. Driving east toward neighborhoods like NoMa or north toward Columbia Heights and riding the Metro the remaining stops is a practical option for fans who want to reduce or eliminate parking costs — paying Metro fare is substantially cheaper than any nearby garage.
Fans willing to walk 15–20 minutes can sometimes find cheaper garage options further from the arena along the I-395 corridor or near Union Station. Checking apps like SpotHero or ParkMobile and sorting by price with the walking distance filter is the fastest way to identify the most affordable bookable spaces for a specific event night.
Can You Tailgate at Capital One Arena?
Tailgating is not permitted at Capital One Arena.
The venue does not have surface parking lots where traditional pre-game tailgating takes place, and the surrounding garages and private parking structures prohibit tailgating activity. This is consistent policy for both Wizards and Capitals home games. Fans looking for a pre-game experience are encouraged to visit the bars and restaurants in the Penn Quarter and Chinatown neighborhoods surrounding the arena, which are concentrated along F Street NW, 7th Street NW, and G Street NW.
While some parking aggregator sites note that tailgating may be loosely allowed in certain lots for select events, this is not confirmed by Capital One Arena or either team’s official communications. Plan your pre-game gathering at one of the many sports bars within a two-block walk of the arena rather than assuming any tailgating space will be available.
ADA and Handicap Parking at Capital One Arena
ADA-accessible parking is available at Capital One Arena, and many of the garages near the arena offer designated handicap spaces.
A valid disabled parking permit, license plate, or placard is required to use ADA-designated spaces. Standard event parking rates apply to accessible spaces — there is no separate discounted rate for ADA parking at the venue-adjacent garages. Capital One Arena was constructed to fully comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and provides accessible seating and related services inside the arena as well.
To confirm ADA parking availability at a specific garage for your event, or to ask about accessible seating accommodations, contact Capital One Arena guest services directly at (202) 661-5065. Fans requiring accessible parking are strongly advised to book in advance, as ADA-designated spaces in nearby garages are limited and availability cannot be guaranteed on high-demand game nights.
Uber and Lyft Drop-Off at Capital One Arena
Uber is the exclusive rideshare partner of both the Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena, and designated drop-off and pick-up zones are located near the arena perimeter.
The primary rideshare drop-off area is along F Street NW and 7th Street NW, near the arena’s main entrances. Fans arriving via Uber or Lyft for Wizards games will also find a designated zone along 6th Street NW and F Street NW. Both zones are well-marked on game nights and place riders within a very short walk of the arena doors.
After the game, rideshare demand spikes sharply and surge pricing is common. The best strategy is to walk one or two blocks away from the arena before opening your app, or stop at a nearby restaurant for 20–30 minutes while the post-game crowd clears. This reduces both wait times and fare costs significantly.
Public Transit to Capital One Arena
The DC Metro is the best way to get to Capital One Arena, and the Gallery Place-Chinatown Station sits directly beneath the building with entrances inside and adjacent to the arena.
Gallery Place-Chinatown is served by three Metro lines: Red, Green, and Yellow. Fans coming from Maryland suburbs can use the Red or Green Lines, while Virginia riders coming from Reagan National Airport can take the Yellow Line directly to Gallery Place-Chinatown with no transfer required. Gallery Place-Chinatown is also one stop from Metro Center on the Red Line, and Metro Center connects the Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines — meaning fans from across the region have a one-transfer or no-transfer option.
Three additional Metro stations are within walking distance of the arena: Judiciary Square on the Red Line, Metro Center, and Archives-Navy Memorial Penn Quarter on the Green and Yellow Lines. Several Metrobus routes also serve the downtown area near the arena, including routes 70, 74, X2, P6, and D6. WMATA extends Metro hours on many major event nights — check wmata.com before your game for the latest service schedule.
Capital One Arena Parking Tips
The single most important tip for parking at Capital One Arena is to book in advance — open-market garage prices rise sharply as game time approaches, and the best-located spots sell out.
Book through SpotHero (the official arena parking partner) or ParkMobile at least a week before a Wizards or Capitals game. Both platforms let you compare garages by distance and price, and your pass arrives instantly via email for mobile redemption. If you are targeting a close-in garage on F, G, or 7th Street NW, book as early as two weeks out for marquee matchups. Arrive at least 60 minutes before puck drop or tip-off — downtown DC traffic and garage queues can add 15–20 minutes of delay even after you have a reservation.
Fans on a budget should seriously consider the Metro. The Gallery Place-Chinatown station drops you at the arena door and eliminates parking costs entirely. For drivers who want to save money, park at a Metro station in the suburbs with available garage space and ride in — stations like Greenbelt, Branch Avenue, or Huntington all have structured parking at a fraction of downtown rates. If you drive and plan to leave immediately after the final buzzer, choose a garage with an exit on the opposite side of the arena from the main foot traffic flow — 6th Street NW exits tend to clear faster after Capitals games than the F Street corridor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there parking directly at Capital One Arena?
Capital One Arena has a parking garage underneath the building on 6th Street NW, but it is open only for concerts and select events u2014 it is not available for Wizards or Capitals games. Fans attending NBA or NHL games must use surrounding private garages and lots.
How much does it cost to park near Capital One Arena for a Wizards or Capitals game?
Parking near Capital One Arena for a Wizards or Capitals game typically ranges from $20 to $70. Garages closest to the arena on F Street and 7th Street NW cost the most, while lots a few blocks away are cheaper. Prepaying through SpotHero or ParkMobile locks in the best available rate.
What is the best way to get to Capital One Arena without driving?
The DC Metro is the best option u2014 the Gallery Place-Chinatown station (Red, Green, and Yellow Lines) is located directly beneath the arena. Several Metrobus routes including 70, 74, and X2 also serve the surrounding blocks.
Where do Uber and Lyft drop off at Capital One Arena?
Rideshare drop-off zones are located near F Street NW and 7th Street NW, as well as along 6th Street NW near the arena entrances. After the game, walk a block or two before requesting a ride to avoid surge pricing and long wait times.
Is tailgating allowed at Capital One Arena?
No u2014 tailgating is not permitted at Capital One Arena for Wizards or Capitals games. The arena has no surface lots for tailgating, and the surrounding private garages do not allow it. Pre-game activity is concentrated at nearby bars and restaurants in Penn Quarter and Chinatown.
Is there ADA parking near Capital One Arena?
Yes u2014 many of the private garages near Capital One Arena offer ADA-accessible spaces. A valid disabled parking permit, license plate, or placard is required, and standard event rates apply. Call Capital One Arena guest services at (202) 661-5065 to confirm availability in advance.
How early should I arrive if I’m driving to a Capitals or Wizards game?
Arrive at least 60 minutes before game time. Downtown DC traffic is heavy on event nights, and garage entry queues can add 15u201320 minutes even with a prepaid pass. Arriving early also gives you time to find your garage and walk to the correct arena entrance.
Can I reserve parking for Capital One Arena in advance?
Yes u2014 Capital One Arena’s official parking partner SpotHero allows fans to book guaranteed spots at garages near the arena. ParkMobile and ParkWhiz also offer advance reservations. Once purchased, your pass is sent via email and can be redeemed on your phone at the garage.
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