Last Updated on December 10, 2023 by Usama
The International Spy Museum in the U.S. capital offers the most extensive collection of espionage artifacts set out for open view. It also allows you to participate in exhibitions and test your spy skills. The museum is accessible via public transit, but there’s ample parking for visitors who prefer to remain behind the wheel. Use the following address for directions: 700 L’Enfant Plaza SW. To learn all about Spy Museum parking options and rates, keep reading our in-depth guide. We’ll also provide info on admission tickets, off-site parking availability, and transportation alternatives.
International Spy Museum Tickets
The Spy Museum in Washington, DC, is open every day—from 10 AM to 6 PM on weekdays and from 9 AM to 8 PM on weekends. It offers several admission types, and you may purchase your ticket online in a few easy steps. Here are the general admission ticket prices:
| Adults (13-64) | $24.95 |
| Seniors (65+) | $22.95 |
| Students | $22.95 |
| Military | $22.95 |
| Youth (7-12) | $16.95 |
| Children (6 and under) | Free |
| Members | Free |
Note that students and military members have to bring a valid ID to get a discount. Kids 6 years of age or younger enter free of charge, but you need to reserve their ticket along with yours.
Spy Museum Parking Garage
Garage parking for the Spy Museum visitors is available at the L’Enfant Plaza Garage, operated by ACE Parking and situated on lower 10th Street.
To access the parking facility from the plaza level, take the ramp going south on upper 10th Street and then make a U-turn. Follow the Parking signs to reach the garage entrance, which will be on your right. Once you enter, park on the Blue (G1) or Red (G2) Level and choose the B Zone on either floor for quick access to the museum. After you park the car, enter the Building 490 Elevator lobby and press the Plaza Level button. The street exit, as well as the east side of the Spy Museum, will be to your left.
How Much Is Parking at the Spy Museum?
You can book parking online or pay upon arrival at the L’Enfant Plaza Garage. Advanced booking is a better choice for weekend visits to avoid sold-out situations and save some time. The online daily parking cost is $23, but there’s a way to get up to a 50% discount! Validate your parking ticket at the Spy Store check-out counter for a 20% discount on weekdays or 50% on weekends. Note that discounts aren’t available for online reservations.
Valet Parking
If searching for the most convenient parking option in the area, head to the Hilton Washington DC National Mall. It’s right behind the museum and offers valet service for a slightly higher rate than the L’Enfant Plaza Garage. Here are the short-term parking rates:
- $22 for up to 4 hours
- $30 for 4 to 8 hours
Visitors driving oversized vehicles should note that the height restriction is 6’. For additional info or directions, feel free to call 202-484-1000.
Accessible Parking
Metered parking spots for visitors with disabilities are available on 10th Street, SW, close to Independence Ave. ADA parking is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, and each vehicle has to display a disabled parking permit or placard. If you don’t find a suitable handicapped parking space around the museum, head to the L’Enfant Plaza Garage.
Parking Near the Spy Museum, DC
If the L’Enfant Garage is full—or you look for a more affordable option—there are a couple of alternatives. Street parking is limited, but you may come across a nearby spot—just be sure to read the signs carefully to avoid DC parking tickets. If you wish to leave your vehicle in an off-street parking area, check out the top lots and garages within walking distance of the Spy Museum:
| Parking Service | Address | Parking Cost | Walking Distance |
| SP+ Garage Parking | 400 Virginia Ave. SW | $12 | 11 minutes |
| Colonial Parking Garage | 555 E St. SW | $15 | 10 minutes |
| One Parking Lot | 300 12th St. SW | $19 | 6 minutes |
| Colonial Parking | 901 D St. SW | $20 | 3 minutes |
| Federal Center Plaza | 389 6th St. SW | $22 | 10 minutes |
Transportation to the Museum
Using public transit instead of driving is the best way to save money. The closest Metrorail station is L’Enfant Plaza, served by Green, Orange, Yellow, Blue, and Silver lines. The station is an 8-minute walk from the Spy Museum’s lobby doors on 10th Street, SW.
Visitors who plan to use Metrobus services can hop off the bus on Independence Avenue, SW, or along 7th Street, SW. There’s also a free Southwest Shuttle that stops at the museum, the National Mall, and the Wharf. Shuttle buses operate until 8:30 PM, except on Fridays and Saturdays, when they run until 10:30 PM.
If you need an airport transfer, learn more about Dulles Airport Metro services, get an Uber at Dulles Airport, or pre-book a DCA Airport Shuttle.
FAQs
- How much does it cost to go to the Spy Museum?
General admission tickets for adults cost $24.95, while students and seniors get a $2 discount.
- Where do you park for the Spy Museum?
The L’Enfant Plaza Garage is the most convenient option, but there’s also limited on-street parking and a few nearby garages and lots.
- How much is parking at the Spy Museum?
The L’Enfant Plaza Garage offers an online daily rate of $23. If you don’t book a spot in advance, validate your parking ticket at the Spy Museum and get a 20% to 50% discount.
- Can you bring water into the Spy Museum?
Yes, you may bring bottled water, while drinks and snacks are available in the Spy Museum Store.
Other Useful Parking Guides
Parking Access is the go-to choice for all DC residents and visitors who need suitable and affordable parking. In addition to the International Spy Museum parking information, we can help you learn about Washington DC parking in general or any of the following:
If you plan on starting a trip soon, use our airport parking guides to discover all about on-site parking and off-airport lots with shuttles to and from the terminals:
- DCA >Get Rates
- Dulles >Get Rates
- BWI >Get Rates