Overnight Parking at Metro Stations

Question

Hello, I am thinking about leaving my car at the New Carrollton, Greenbelt or Glenmont Metro stations tomorrow until Sunday afternoon while I spend the weekend in Alexandria, rather than driving to Alexandria on a Friday afternoon. Are there any reasons not to do this? There won’t be anything left in the car. I haven’t decided which station yet for a variety of reasons. Thanks for any opinions!

Answer

Leaving your car at a Metro station for a full weekend is generally possible and commonly done by commuters and travelers, especially at the larger suburban stations. Washington Metro allows overnight parking at many of its park-and-ride lots, and the three stations you’re considering—New Carrollton, Greenbelt, and Glenmont—are all popular choices.

That said, there are some practical considerations, differences between the stations, and alternative options that may influence your choice. The good news is that leaving nothing visible in the car significantly reduces the chance of issues.

Here’s a breakdown of the stations you’re considering, and what to expect.

New Carrollton (Orange Line / Amtrak / MARC) — Large lot, easy access from major highways (I-495 & Route 50). Historically a bit more urban/industrial, but still heavily used by commuters. Overnight parking is common. Security patrols exist, but the area is not as suburban as the others.
Greenbelt (Green Line) — Very large parking facilities and one of the safest-feeling park-and-ride options. The lot is spacious, suburban, and close to I-495. It’s typically one of the better choices for multi-day parking because the lots are well utilized but not overcrowded.
Glenmont (Red Line) — Located in a more residential suburban area. Feels safe and is generally quieter. Parking fills during weekday mornings but weekends have ample space. Slightly farther from Alexandria in terms of travel time because you’d need to transfer from the Red Line.

In terms of safety, all three lots are widely used and patrolled by Metro Transit Police. Weekend long-term parking is not unusual. Your car being empty is a good precaution, and you should lock doors, avoid leaving chargers or mounts visible, and park in a well-lit area.

Other considerations to help you choose the best station:

The easiest for weekend parking: Greenbelt.
The easiest Metro ride to Alexandria: New Carrollton (Orange Line) or Greenbelt (Green Line) depending on where in Alexandria you’re staying.
The station with the most suburban/residential feel: Glenmont.

If your goal is to avoid Friday afternoon traffic into Alexandria, your plan makes excellent sense. Metro will get you into the city without stress, and parking at a suburban station for two nights is routine.

In short, there is no major reason not to leave your car at one of these stations for the weekend. Choose the one that aligns best with your Metro route and comfort level, ensure nothing is left inside the car, and you should have a smooth and trouble-free experience.

Overnight Parking at Metro Stations

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