Generally, parking is not free at or immediately around the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. There is no dedicated parking lot for the memorial itself. Most visitors must use metered on-street parking along Constitution Avenue or Ohio Drive, which is managed by the National Park Service. In 2026, these meters typically cost around $2.30 per hour and have a maximum time limit of 2 to 3 hours. On Sundays and federal holidays, street parking used to be free, but enforcement policies have become stricter; always check the specific signage on the block. The most "stress-free" way to visit is to use a parking app like SpotHero to book a nearby garage or to take the D.C. Circulator bus (National Mall route), which drops you off directly at the memorial. For those with a disability, there are a limited number of designated accessible spaces on Daniel French Drive that are often occupied early.
No, parking is not free at the Lincoln Memorial.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the parking situation:
The Lincoln Memorial is located on the National Mall. The parking lots along the Mall (like the ones on Ohio Drive SW near the Tidal Basin and along Madison Dr NW/Jefferson Dr SW) are managed by the National Park Service (NPS). Cost: These are paid lots. As of 2023-2024, the rate is typically $2.30 per hour. Payment: You must pay via the PayByPhone app or at the pay stations located in the lots. They do not accept cash. Hours: Pay-to-park is enforced from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., 7 days a week. Important: These lots fill up extremely quickly, especially on weekends, holidays, and during peak tourist season (spring and summer). Arriving early is crucial.
There is some limited street parking in the surrounding areas (like Constitution Avenue NW or Independence Avenue SW). Cost & Rules: These spots are also metered and follow the same PayByPhone system, rates, and hours as the NPS lots. Caution: Read all signs carefully for time limits and restrictions. Street parking is often the first to fill up.
A more reliable (but more expensive) option is to use a commercial parking garage in nearby neighborhoods like Foggy Bottom, West End, or downtown DC. You can then: Walk 15-25 minutes to the Memorial. Ride the Metro to the Foggy Bottom-GWU station and walk ~15 minutes. Use a bikeshare or scooter.
The easiest and most recommended way to visit the Lincoln Memorial is to take the Washington Metro. Closest Station: Foggy Bottom-GWU (Blue, Orange, Silver lines). Walk: It’s about a 15-minute walk from the station to the Memorial along a pleasant route.