We are planning our trip to Washington DC area. We have a senior with us, so our walking would be limited. We are thinking about renting a car. Is that advisable?

How bad and expensive is the parking near The Mall?

Thank you.

Rahul

I think a car is more a liability than an asset - especially trying to find a space to park it when you go to various sites.

Between Metro, DC Circulator, and taxi, you should be able to get to most places most tourists are interested in, with minimal walking.

Add "tourmobile" to the ways to get around.

Where are you staying? If it is in DC or close-in Va, it would be far cheaper and easier to take taxis everywhere than to pay for rental and parking (IF you could find parking near the Mall).

There's very little parking on or near the Mall. Parking and then walking to and from the car could well increase the total walking you'll do and it'll eat up time and money. Use Metro to get you to and from the Mall, and cabs to get around where Metro won't help.

I definitely agree with the above. We brought a car to the Mall area and after an hour of searching for a parking spot my husband was fuming and we ended up leaving. We went back to our hotel and the next day parked and took the train into the city. I would highly suggest that. Finding a place to park, and navagating the traffic, is a nightmare and not worth the hastle.

Tracy

Thank you for the responses. My conclusion after reading your posts is to avoid renting a car. I agree with a post that said we would have to walk to and from the car anyway. Also if we would end up spending a lot of time finding a place to park, I might as well not do that and save my BP.

So Metro it is then. Thanks everyone.

Don't forget about the DC Circulator ( http://www.dccirculator.com ) Look at the 3 routes for their buses. When I was in DC a few months ago, the $1 fare was good for all day; recent reports say it's only for 3 hours now, still a good deal.

What places do you plan to visit?