Capital One Arena Parking Tips in Washington

Both the Washington Wizards and Washington Capitals play their home games during the NBA and NHL seasons at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. If you have tickets to an upcoming game, planning your park is an important step to take. 

This detailed Capital One Arena parking tips guide offers detailed parking information, including:

• The best official Capital One Arena parking lots
• Third-party parking lots near Capital One Arena you can book in advance
• Areas to look for free parking in Washington, D.C.
• Handicap parking solutions
• Public transit options for Wizards and Capitals events
• Other valuable Capital One Arena parking tips to save time and money

Everything is crowded in the nation’s capital, so don’t expect a ton of available spaces when driving to this venue. Our parking guide will help you sort things out and have a great time.

Official Capital One Arena Parking Lots

There are no official parking lots to use at Capital One Arena. The official website for the venue directs visitors to use the SpotHero app to look for parking in the arena. We will have more information later on this page about using SpotHero and some of the best options in the immediate area. 

EV Parking at Capital One Arena

Several EV chargers are located within a short distance of Capital One Arena. Specifically, there are many SemaConnect Charging Stations in this part of Washington, D.C., along with some ChargePoint Charging Stations.

With that said, it’s better to charge your vehicle ahead of time rather than counting on finding charging available wherever you decide to park. Remember, the area will be busy, and thousands of other people will attend the event.

Try to charge in advance so you can use any parking spot instead of finding a place to plug in. 

Accessible Parking Spaces

If you need an ADA parking space available, be sure to check with any third-party parking facility you might use to confirm that they have such spaces for you to use. Once inside the arena, there are escorts/transports available to help disabled visitors reach their seats. Contact Guest Services at the arena to ask about these accommodations. 

Third-Party Parking Options at Capital One Arena

Many different third-party parking facilities are available on SpotHero within a short walk of Capital One Arena. If you would like to reserve a spot today to make sure you have somewhere to park, use the widget below to make your selection before gameday.

My favorite parking garage in Washington is the garage at 701 8th Street Northwest. This garage will leave you less than five minutes from the arena, but the price is typically lower than most alternatives. This garage usually offers prices in the $25 to $30 range.

If you want lower prices, look a little further to the west between 10th Street and 12th Street. 

If you would like to find the lowest possible price for parking and don’t mind walking quite a bit farther, the Washington Plaza Hotel Self Park is often an option. It sometimes costs less than $10 depending on what day of the week it is.. You will face roughly a 20-minute walk from this location, but it’s great for the budget-minded. 

Free Parking at Capital One Arena

Finding free parking within a reasonable walking distance of Capital One Arena will be impossible. This is a congested, busy city with people coming and going at all times for countless different reasons.

Driving around in the hopes of finding a free parking spot is very likely a waste of time, so just reserve paid parking in advance or use alternative transportation. 

Public Transportation to Capital One Arena

Capital One Arena is situated in an accessible location with several public transportation options available, providing both local residents and visitors with easy access to games, concerts, and other events.

Here are the details about getting to the arena:

Metro Service

The Gallery Place – Chinatown station is conveniently located right beneath Capital One Arena, providing direct access to the venue. This station is served by the Red, Yellow, and Green lines, making it accessible from various parts of the city. The Metro system is typically the most popular option for getting to the arena, especially during busy event days.

Check the Metro’s schedule and any service advisories to plan your trip accordingly.

Capital Bikeshare

For those who enjoy biking, the Capital Bikeshare system offers a flexible and fun way to get to Capital One Arena. You can locate an available bike using the system’s app, purchase a pass, and enjoy a ride through the city.

Once you’re done, return the bike to one of the many stations close to the arena. This option provides an efficient mode of transportation and an enjoyable way to explore the city.

Buses

Various Metrobus routes serve the area around Capital One Arena. The city’s bus network is extensive, and you can use it to connect to the Metro or get directly to the arena, depending on your location.

Ridesharing to Capital One Arena

Using a rideshare service might not be as convenient or affordable as public transportation, but it can also get you to and from Capital One Arena. When coming to the arena from around the area, it’s usually best to ask your driver to drop you off a short distance away so you don’t have to deal with traffic close to the venue.

After the game or event, there are a few areas for pick-ups:

• 7th Street at either H Street or F Street
• 6th Street at either H Street, G Street, or F Street

If you are willing to walk farther out for a pick-up, you might have a quicker, easier experience getting home. 

Capital One Arena Events

The Wizards and Capitals take up many dates at this venue, but concerts and other events are also held here. If you’d like to secure some great seats for an upcoming date, use the table below.

Bars and Restaurants near Capital One Arena 

If you are in the mood for something to eat or drink before attending an event at Capital One Arena, you are in luck. There are many great options in this part of the city within walking distance of the gates. No matter what sounds good, you shouldn’t have trouble finding it. 

To get in the right mood for a sporting event, consider stopping by Guy Fieri’s DC Kitchen + Bar. While this restaurant is in the Capital One Arena building, you can enter from the street by going to the Caesars Sportsbook.

You’ll find various takes on classic American dishes and plenty of drink options. Of course, because t’s a sportsbook, you can also watch games and place wagers too.

Capital One Arena Parking Tips for a Great Outing

Attending an event at an NBA arena should be a relaxing, enjoyable experience. However, traffic and transportation issues sometimes get in the way and turn the outing into a nightmare.  

Let’s review some basic parking and travel tips to ensure that doesn’t happen to you at Capital One Arena.

Arrive Early and Beat Traffic

Simply put, Washington traffic can be brutal. Plan your day to get to the arena early and secure parking before it gets crazy. 

Check to see when the gates will open, and you can arrive early to enjoy as much time inside the facility as possible. 

Know What You Can Bring

Capital One Arena has specific policies regarding what can and can’t come into the building like all other stadiums. Check these rules in advance so you don’t have to leave things in the car. 

Remember Where You Parked!

There are plenty of parking spaces available in the area around Capital One Arena. With such a massive parking area to cover, you don’t want to be searching for your vehicle at the end of the day. Consider snapping a quick picture of your car’s location on your phone so you can get back to it easily. 

Take Security Measures

You should always consider safety when parking for an event at a popular arena. Be sure to lock your vehicle as a starting point and remove anything valuable from the car or truck before leaving home. You might want to park in a well-lit area for more security.

Have a Backup Plan

Unless you have purchased a parking pass in advance, it’s a good idea to have at least a few parking options in mind when you head out. That way, if your first option is full or otherwise unavailable, you won’t have to scramble to figure out where to go next.

Conclusion

In conclusion, parking at Capital One Arena demands strategic planning to ensure a hassle-free outing. Given the congestion in Washington, D.C., taking early measures is key.

Explore options like official lots recommended via the SpotHero app, nearby third-party facilities, or convenient public transportation, such as the Gallery Place, Chinatown station or the Capital Bikeshare system. Consider accessibility needs and safety precautions, such as securing valuables and selecting well-lit spots.

By preparing ahead, you can optimize your time and enjoyment at Capital One Arena while sidestepping parking predicaments.

Frequently Asked Questions for Parking at Capital One Arena (FAQs)