Conveniently located on the Potomac River, the Kennedy Center offers diverse artistic spaces and hosts over 2,000 events and shows each year. Since 1964, its full name has been John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as a memorial to the assassinated president. The campus is accessible by car and public transit, and our guide will help you get to the venue without any hassle. Learn about the Kennedy Center parking garage and its services, and discover where to find cheap or free parking. Use all the info and handy tips to park safely, avoid D.C. parking tickets, and save time and money!
All About Kennedy Center Parking
Official garage parking for Kennedy Center visitors is available in the center’s garage, which has entrances on the south and north sides. Overnight parking is prohibited, and the Kennedy Center parking hours vary according to the day.
- Monday – Friday: 5 AM to midnight
- Weekends: 7 AM to midnight
The garage offers limited parking spaces for oversized vehicles taller than 6 feet, while the height clearance is 7 feet. Bike racks are available at several locations, including the Level A garage entrance, F Street & New Hampshire Avenue, and the Front Plaza. The Kennedy Center map shows all the gates and routes to the complex.
How Much Is Parking at the Kennedy Center?
The Kennedy Center parking cost depends on the time of the day, the event, and whether you purchase parking in advance or on-site. If you opt for the online pre-paid option, reserve parking at least 24 hours prior to attending an indoor performance; all major credit cards are accepted.
| Performance Parking | $25 |
| Discounted Pre-Paid Parking | $22 |
| Early Bird Special (in by 9:30 AM, out by 6 PM) | $14 |
Tip: Choose the Mobile Ticket feature at checkout or print the ticket at home since you must present it to enter the garage. Otherwise, you’ll have to stop by the box office beforehand to pick up the parking pass.
Also, according to KC Vaccine Policy, proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 and a valid photo ID are required to attend all indoor performances and events at the Kennedy Center.
Free Parking for Box Office and Gift Shop Guests
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts offers one hour of complimentary parking for those visiting the box office or spending at least $10 at Gift Shops. Note that you must validate parking at either place to get a free parking spot.
Accessible Parking
ADA parking spaces are obtainable on a first-come, first-served basis on the west side of each garage level. Each vehicle occupying an ADA spot must bear a valid disabled parking placard or license plate. Standard parking rates apply. For information about parking for vehicles over 6’6” or monthly parking, call 202-416-7988.
Member Reserved Parking
Certain members of the Kennedy Center have season parking passes that allow access to a reserved section on Level C. To enter the reserved parking area, display the season pass on the dashboard. Click here to learn more about Circle memberships or here to support the performing arts.
Additional Parking Near the Kennedy Center, D.C.
Aside from the official garage, the Kennedy Center guests can use on-street parking or off-site parking lots. Since metered parking is limited, we looked into the off-site options and singled out the top three most convenient parking garages near the campus.
| Parking Structure | Address | Parking Rate | Walking Distance |
| Watergate Garage | 600 New Hampshire Ave. NW | $10 | 1 minute |
| Virginia Ave. Garage | 2400 Virginia Ave. NW | $10 | 5 minutes |
| GW University Garage | 800 22nd St. NW | $12 | 8 minutes |
Taking Public Transit to the JFK Center
Public transportation is an excellent, cost-effective alternative for any visitor who lives in the area or stays in a city hotel. The Foggy Bottom-GWU subway station is the closest station on the Orange, Blue, and Silver lines; take a short walk or use the free Kennedy Center shuttle to and from it. Metrorail fares range from $2 to $6, depending on the time of the day and your route.
Metro Buses also stop near the Kennedy Center—lines 43 and 44 run daily from Mt. Pleasant to Foggy Bottom. The bus fare is only $2, and you can learn more by calling Metro at 202-637-7000.
Find Parking in Washington, D.C. Without Any Hassle
Whether you’re a Washington, D.C. resident or visitor, look us up whenever you search for event parking in the area! Use our help to learn more about Washington D.C. in general, or click on the following links for additional information.
We also cover all major airports that serve the U.S. capital—check out any of the following pages to find the best parking deals!