Questions about Mall and Zoo Parking

Question

We lived in Springfield VA for 30 years and commuted DT to work for many years - so know the major routes relatively well. But there have been many changes since we moved out of the area 10 years ago. We are spending Thanksgiving week in an AirBnb in the Landmark area right off of Rt 236 and I-395.

Would like to visit the Mall and the National Zoo. Quick search on WMATA discloses that there are no longer any express busses to the Pentagon anymore, so a trip downtown now takes about 1 to 1:30 hrs using bus and subway. Driving is relatively quick from this area - about 20 to 30 min if traffic is not too bad.

Mall parking: In the old days, street parking along the mall was free for a few hours if you could find an empty space. Is it all metered parking day now? Anyone know the cost per hour and the max limit? Alternative is full day parking at nearby garage like the Ronald Reagan Bldg for about $25 to $30. Are such parking garages typically full about 10 am in the morning with commuter cars?

Zoo parking and Rock Creek Pkwy: Just checked and found out that reservations are required for Zoo parking at $30 daily as well as reservations for entry. In the old days, you could cross Memorial Bridge and go up Rock Creek Parkway to Beach Drive to an exit almost directly into the Zoo after the long tunnel. Is this exit now closed? Googlemap currently shows I have to get off Rock Creek Pkwy at Cathedral Ave and access the Zoo from Connecticut Ave.

Zoolights may to fun to attend - any comments? Of course, with purchasing tickets in advance, it would be bummer if it were a rainy night.

Last question - are the HOV lanes on I-395 (Shirley Hwy) inside the Beltway now always HOV 3 or paid express lanes? How about I-66 inside the Beltway - is it still HOWe lived in Springfield VA for 30 years and commuted DT to work for many years - so know the major routes relatively well. But there have been many changes since we moved out of the area 10 years ago. We are spending Thanksgiving week in an AirBnb in the Landmark area right off of Rt 236 and I-395.

Zoolights may to fun to attend - any comments? Of course, with purchasing tickets in advance, it would be bummer if it were a rainy night.

Last question, are the HOV lanes on I-395 inside the Beltway always HOV 3 or paid express lanes? No free use unless you have HOV 3 - is that correct? How about I-66 inside the beltway - is it either HOV 2 or paid express lane use only?

Thanks for any comments. Been away quite awhile and certainly don't miss all the traffic.

Answer

Visiting Washington DC during Thanksgiving week from Springfield, VA, with driving and parking in mind requires planning due to recent changes in parking rules, Zoo entry, and traffic patterns. Here’s a detailed overview based on current practices:

Mall Parking:

Street parking along the National Mall is now mostly metered. Rates vary but typically are around $2 to $4 per hour, depending on the exact location. Meter limits usually range from 2 to 4 hours.
Alternative is full-day parking in nearby garages. The Ronald Reagan Building garage and nearby Smithsonian garages typically charge about $25–$30 for a full day. By 10 AM, some garages may have commuter cars, but there are usually spaces available if you arrive around opening time. Weekdays can be busier due to office workers downtown.
Other nearby garages like those at L’Enfant Plaza or the National Gallery of Art can also be used and are convenient for walking around the Mall.

National Zoo Parking & Access:

Zoo parking now requires advance reservations and costs $30 daily. You also need timed-entry tickets for the Zoo itself.
The old entrance via Memorial Bridge up Rock Creek Parkway to Beach Drive and the tunnel exit is no longer the standard access. Most visitors now are directed to exit at Cathedral Avenue and enter from Connecticut Avenue. Google Maps reflects this new recommended route.
Zoolights, the Zoo’s holiday evening light display, is a fun event for families. Buying tickets in advance is necessary. Be mindful that rainy nights can make the experience less enjoyable, as it is mostly outdoors.

Traffic & HOV/Express Lanes:

I-395 (Shirley Highway) inside the Beltway operates as HOV-3 during peak hours. Solo drivers cannot use these lanes for free; they may only enter if driving with three or more passengers or by paying a toll via the Express Lanes option. Off-peak hours are open to all traffic.
I-66 inside the Beltway operates as HOV-2 during peak hours. Solo drivers may use Express Lanes by paying the variable toll. Off-peak, it is generally open to all traffic. HOV rules and paid lanes are strictly enforced during rush hours.
Expect traffic to be heavier than normal during Thanksgiving week, especially mid-morning and late afternoon near downtown and major arterials.

General Recommendations:

Driving from Landmark to the Mall can be efficient if you leave early (before 10 AM) to avoid congestion, especially since WMATA express buses are no longer available.
Use online parking reservation systems for the Zoo and Mall garages if possible to secure spots.
For Zoo visits, aim for weekday mornings to avoid crowds and make entry smoother.
Check the DC Department of Transportation and Zoo websites for real-time updates on closures, HOV rules, and event schedules.

Overall, driving remains convenient from Landmark compared to relying solely on Metro and bus service, but careful planning is required for parking and timed events like Zoolights. HOV and Express Lane rules should be reviewed ahead of travel to avoid violations or unexpected toll charges.

Questions about Mall and Zoo Parking

More Washington DC Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions