Parking Near the White House: What to Know Before You Go

There is no parking at the White House — not one spot. Here’s where to actually park, which Metro stops to use, and what to know before your tour.

Quick Answer

Parking on-siteNone. Zero. Don’t look for it.
Best MetroMcPherson Square — 5-minute walk to the tour entrance
Tour entranceNE corner of Lafayette Square, H Street NW & Madison Place NW
ToursSelf-guided, ~45 minutes, must be requested through your member of Congress
REAL ID requiredAs of May 7, 2025 — passport also accepted
No bags allowedIncluding purses, fanny packs, and clutches

Take Metro — It’s the Right Call Here

The area around the White House has some of the most restricted street parking in DC. Metro is genuinely the easiest option, and the walk from McPherson Square is short and flat.

McPherson Square BlueOrangeSilver

5-minute walk to the tour entrance at H Street NW & Madison Place NW. This is your best option.

Metro Center BlueOrangeSilverRed

Slightly further, but the most connected station in the system — good if you’re coming from farther out on the Red Line.

Federal Triangle BlueOrange

Closest to the south side of the White House complex, near the Ellipse.

If You’re Driving: Nearby Parking

You won’t find street parking near the White House — between the security perimeter, rush-hour restrictions, and meter limits, it’s not worth trying. Book a garage ahead of time.

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Garages within walking distance — book ahead, especially on weekdays when commuter lots fill early. Closest options tend to be on 17th Street or near Farragut Square.

Tour Basics: Know This Before You Go

White House tours are free and self-guided (about 45 minutes), but you cannot just show up. You must request a tour through your member of Congress at least 21 days — and up to 3 months — in advance. International visitors request through their country’s embassy in DC.

REAL ID required as of May 7, 2025. Your standard driver’s license may not be enough — check that it’s REAL ID compliant before you go. A valid U.S. passport is always accepted in place of a REAL ID. More info at dhs.gov/real-id.

The tour entrance is at the northeast corner of Lafayette Square — H Street NW and Madison Place NW. Arrive at least 15 minutes early. Late arrivals may not be admitted, and tour schedules can change with little notice.

What You Cannot Bring

This is the part people get surprised by. No bags of any kind — that means purses, fanny packs, clutches, diaper bags (unless in use), and backpacks. There is no bag storage on site. If you show up with a bag, you will not get in.

Also prohibited: food and drinks, strollers, cameras with detachable lenses, tablets (iPads), tripods, lighters, metal water bottles, and anything pointed. See the full list at whitehouse.gov.

What you can bring: cell phones, compact cameras (lens under 3 inches), umbrellas without metal tips, wallets, and anything needed for medical purposes.

Restrooms

There are no restrooms available once you’re inside the White House for your tour. Use the facilities at the White House Visitor Center at 1450 Pennsylvania Avenue NW before you arrive.

Accessibility

The tour route is wheelchair accessible. A limited number of wheelchairs are available on the day of your tour — ask a Secret Service officer when you arrive. Registered service animals are permitted. The White House Experience App includes captions, transcripts, and audio versions of each tour stop — download it before you go since it works without WiFi once installed.

Bottom Line

Drive to McPherson Square, take the Metro two stops, walk five minutes. Leave bags at home or in your car. Bring your REAL ID or passport. Arrive early. The tour itself is genuinely worth it — just don’t let logistics be the thing that trips you up at the gate.

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