Field guide
Running on the National Mall: official visitor facts
Plan your run at the National Mall in Washington, DC. Find official information on parking hours, fees, and rules for runners and hikers.
The National Mall is a large park area in Washington, DC, that includes multiple roads and drives within East and West Potomac Parks.
This guide provides official information for visitors planning to run or hike, covering parking availability, hours of operation, and payment details.
Official facts at a glance
- Mailing Address
- 1100 Ohio Drive SW Washington, DC 20242
- Metered parking hours
- Daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. (including weekends and holidays, except December 25)
- Metered parking cost
- $2.30 per hour
- Visitor parking
- Available throughout the park, with metered and free options
- On-street parking locations
- Constitution Avenue NW between 15th Street NW and 23rd Street NW, Independence Avenue SW between 15th Street and Maine Avenue, Jefferson Drive SW, Madison Drive NW, Parkway Drive NW, West Basin Drive SW, and Ohio Drive at East and West Potomac Parks
- Number of metered parking spaces
- Over 1,400
- Metered parking maximum duration (general)
- 3 hours (not renewable at the same location)
- Metered parking maximum duration (specific lots)
- 6 hours for Parking Lots A, D and Ohio Drive, SW
- Metered parking payment methods
- Credit and debit cards, ParkMobile app or website
- Free parking spaces (Hains Point)
- Approximately 520
- Accessible metered parking spaces
- 150
- Accessible Parking Spot Map
- Available
- Bike Rack Location Map
- Available
Sources: Parking (nps.gov), Maps (nps.gov). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Parking locations
Visitor parking is available throughout the park, with both metered and free options. On-street parking can be found along Constitution Avenue NW, Independence Avenue SW, Jefferson Drive SW, Madison Drive NW, Parkway Drive NW, West Basin Drive SW, and Ohio Drive.
Metered parking rules and fees
There are over 1,400 metered parking spaces. The meters operate daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., including on weekends and holidays, except for December 25.
The cost is $2.30 per hour, payable by credit card, debit card, or the ParkMobile service. The general maximum duration is 3 hours and is not renewable at the same location. A 6-hour maximum applies to Parking Lots A, D and Ohio Drive, SW.
Free parking and other access
Free parking is available at Hains Point, where there are approximately 520 spaces.
The park has 150 accessible metered parking spaces, and a map showing their locations is available. For visitors arriving by bicycle, a bike rack location map is also available.
Before you go
- Confirm parking meter hours, which are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
- Be prepared to pay $2.30 per hour for metered spots.
- Note the 3-hour time limit for most metered parking.
- Have a credit card, debit card, or the ParkMobile service ready for payment.
- Consider Hains Point for approximately 520 free parking spaces.
- If needed, consult the available map for accessible parking spots.
Nearby options: running and active spots in Washington, DC. All cities: City running and hiking guides.