Parking near Audi Field on DC United game day is one of the most underestimated parking challenges in the city. The stadium sits in Buzzard Point — the southern tip of Southwest DC where the Anacostia meets the Potomac — and the road access is genuinely awkward. One way streets, dead ends at the waterfront, and a neighborhood that’s still developing means fewer garages than you’d expect for a 20,000-seat venue.
Here’s what works and what doesn’t before you drive in.
🅿️ Reserve Audi Field Parking in Advance
Audi Field game day parking sells out fast and walk-up rates hit $40+. Pre-booking locks in your rate before event pricing activates.
Why Audi Field Parking Is Uniquely Awkward
Audi Field sits at 100 Potomac Ave SW at the very tip of Buzzard Point — a peninsula bounded by water on three sides. That geography creates a bottleneck problem. There are limited road access points into and out of the area, which means post-game traffic backs up badly on South Capitol Street and Potomac Avenue SW.
The neighborhood is still developing — unlike Navy Yard which has a dense grid of garages, Buzzard Point has fewer commercial parking options within walking distance. What exists is mostly surface lots managed by the team or third-party operators who activate event pricing on game days.
Best Parking Options for Audi Field
1. Audi Field Official Lots — Potomac Ave SW
DC United operates surface lots directly adjacent to the stadium. These are the closest option and sell out for marquee matches. Purchase in advance through the DC United website or via SpotHero. Walk-up cash rates on game day run $35–$45.
2. Buzzard Point Surface Lots — 1st Street SW Area
Several independently operated surface lots sit in the blocks immediately surrounding the stadium. These activate event pricing on game days but are often slightly cheaper than the official lots. Check SpotHero for availability and pre-book rates — these can come in at $20–$28 when booked in advance vs $40 at the gate.
3. Navy Yard Garages — Walk from Nationals Park Area
If you’re comfortable with a longer walk, the Capitol Riverfront garage cluster near Nationals Park is about a 15–20 minute walk north along the waterfront path. On non-sellout game days these garages often have lower rates than the Buzzard Point lots. The walk along the Anacostia Riverwalk is actually pleasant — flat, paved, and scenic.
4. The Wharf Parking — 680 Maine Ave SW
The Wharf development just north of Audi Field has a public parking garage. It’s about a 10–12 minute walk to the stadium and The Wharf garage rates are often lower than the event-adjacent lots. Bonus: after the game you’re already at one of DC’s best waterfront dining and bar destinations. Read our full guide to The Wharf DC for everything the neighborhood has to offer.
🏨 Staying Near Audi Field?
The Wharf and Southwest DC waterfront have several hotels within walking distance of Audi Field — perfect for out-of-town DC United supporters or a DC weekend that combines the game with waterfront dining.
Street Parking Near Audi Field
Street parking in Buzzard Point on game days is extremely limited. The residential development in the area is still sparse which means fewer residential street options than Capitol Hill or Navy Yard. Most streets near the stadium are either restricted, metered with short limits, or controlled as event parking on game days.
Your best shot at street parking is the blocks along Half Street SW and N Street SW — arrive at least 90 minutes before kickoff if you’re hunting for street spots. ParkMobile app required for meters. 2-hour maximum on most metered blocks.
Taking the Metro to Audi Field
Audi Field has no dedicated Metro station — it’s one of the few major DC venues without a direct transit connection. Your closest options:
Navy Yard–Ballpark station (Green Line): About a 20-minute walk south along the Anacostia Riverwalk. This is the most straightforward Metro option — the walk is flat and follows the waterfront path.
Waterfront station (Green Line): About a 15-minute walk east through the Southwest neighborhood. Less scenic than the Navy Yard walk but slightly shorter.
Neither option is as convenient as the direct Metro connections at Capital One Arena or Nationals Park — which is exactly why driving and pre-booking parking is more justifiable for Audi Field than other DC venues.
The Wharf Strategy: Park, Walk, Win
The smartest move for Audi Field on game day is the Wharf garage strategy: park at The Wharf, walk to the game along Maine Avenue SW, and return to The Wharf after the final whistle for dinner or drinks before driving home. You avoid the post-game Buzzard Point bottleneck entirely by waiting it out at one of DC’s best waterfront destinations.
It’s a 10–12 minute walk each way, The Wharf garage is almost always below event pricing, and you turn a frustrating post-game traffic situation into a built-in dinner reservation. Read our guide to walking The Wharf end to end to plan the full evening.
📘 Know DC’s Parking Rules Before Game Day
Event pricing, tow zones, rush hour restrictions — the DC Parking & Towing Survival Guide covers every rule so game day doesn’t end at the impound lot.
Quick Reference: Audi Field Parking
- Official lots: Potomac Ave SW — closest, most expensive ($35–$45)
- Best value: Buzzard Point surface lots, 1st Street SW — pre-book via SpotHero
- Wharf strategy: Park at The Wharf garage, 10–12 min walk, wait out post-game traffic with dinner
- Longer walk option: Navy Yard garages — 15–20 min walk along riverwalk
- Closest Metro: Waterfront (Green Line) — 15 min walk
- Post-game: Wait 45 min before driving — South Capitol Street clears fast
- Sellout/playoff matches: Pre-book or Metro — walk-up parking disappears
- Pre-book: SpotHero — lock in before event pricing