Info about Metro park & rides in the National Mall area (Washington: construction, buses)

[neera]

Hi

We are driving to Washington DC from Akron, OH on July 4th. I have a two fold question :-

1. After browsing and going through loads of overwhelming information on the net, it looks like getting parking close to the National Mall would be pretty hard. Would parking experts among you know of parking spots where there is a good chance if we reach around 3 pm. Else I was thinking of parking at one of the Metro park and rides and then taking the metro to the mall. Which park and ride would be a good one for the same?

2. We shall be staying at Ellicott City, MD on July 5 and July 6. Again which park and ride would be a good option to drive to and then take the metro to the Smithsonian Station? (because taking a public transport directly from Ellicott City shows a transit time of 3-1/2 hours)

Thanks

[stuckinsj]

Park at Greenbelt on the weekends (lots of free parking and right to the stadium)... watch out for track work.

[wrightflyer]

Wmata (Metro's operating authority), has been doing extensive track work on the weekends. My guess is the work will not happen the weekend after the 4th (which, unfortunately, is a Thursday this year) due to the tourist crush. Red Line, especially north of the RI Ave stop, has been under constant reconstruction (with some stations closed on weekends, buses replacing trains). Greenbelt would be best because, as was mentioned, there is plenty of parking. Just be aware that parking may still be at a premium on the 4th. Trains will also still be packed. I rarely park and ride (unless visiting family in Mt. Airy, driving to Shady Grove, and riding into DC), so someone with more experience, especially with park and ride on the 4th, could probably give the best answer.

Wmata's current work calendar. Metro - Rail - Major Weekend Track Work

I was wrong, there is Orange Line work on the weekend after the 4th. Too get to Smithsonian, take Green Line towards Branch Ave, then exit at L'Enfant Plaza. Take Orange (Vienna) or Blue (Springfield-Franconia) one stop to Smithsonian.

Good luck!

[neera]

Thanks! Greenbelt does sound like a good option. The wmata website says that it has more than 3000 parkign spots. I am just hoping they would be enough even with the 4th of July crowds! I don't know how bad it is since I am visiting for the first time.

[leighland]

The Smithsonian Metro stop is closed on 4 July for security reasons.

You'll need to use a different stop, like federal triangle or L'enfant Plaza.

Plus everyone must be able to walk- it can't be done with people in wheelchairs unless they are part of a paid tourgroup who caters to physically challenged


[URL="http://www.nps.gov/foju/thingstoknowbeforeyoucome.htm"]Here[/URL] is the National Park Service link-they run the 4th july.

Good Luck!