Motorcoach Guide to Washington
 
INTRODUCTION
A Motorcoach Guide to Monuments, Museums...and Beyond
This web page includes directions to several neighborhoods, major attractions, nearest Metrorail stops (METRO) and available parking for motorcoaches in Washington, DC For more information about Metrorail and connecting Metrobus routes, call 637-7000 or go to www.wmata.com. Addresses are followed by a “NW,” “SW,” “NE” or “SE” designation. The US Capitol Building serves as the point at which the District is divided into these quadrants. The map that accompanies this text provides additional information.
Although DDOT will attempt to keep this information reasonably up-to-date, conditions may change from day-to-day. If you notice any discrepancy, please contact Eulois Cleckley by email or call (202) 671-0682.
Event Routes
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has developed a plan to facilitate vehicular movement into, within, and out of the downtown. DDOT has identified 25 corridors (marked in red on the map) as primary routes into and out of the downtown from the Capital Beltway (I-495). DDOT has installed E-Route signs along these priority routes for easy identification by the motoring public and emergency authorities. Both Maryland and Virginia Departments of Transportation have also installed E-Route signs for regional consistency.
In the event of an emergency, instructions will be provided by radio about how to use the E Routes to expedite vehicular movement out of the downtown area while also avoiding hazardous areas. For example, if an evacuation is ordered, motorists in some locations will be directed North, East, or West on radial E-Routes while motorists in other locations will be directed South, East, or West on radial E-Routes.
Street Closures
Special events, construction and security concerns result in occasional street closings. To see the current information on street closings—such as near the White House and the U.S. Capitol–please visit the Street Closures website or call the Office of Emergency Preparedness at (202) 727-3159 during business hours.
IMPORTANT BUS PARKING REGULATIONS
New Registration or Permit Requirement for Chartered Buses
The District of Columbia recently enacted a law that requires a bus from any US state or Canadian province used for travel of a chartered party with a seating capacity of greater than fifteen (15) passengers to obtain one of the following:
Vehicle owners must be in compliance with the chartered bus law prior to entering the District of Columbia. The chartered bus law became effective on March 14, 2007 and its effective implementation date will be August 1, 2007.
Enforcement
- Any vehicle owner that uses a trip permit for a vehicle other than the one listed on the front of the trip permit, is subject to a fine of not more than $500 or 180 days imprisonment or both.
- Any applicant that misuses, transfers or sells a trip permit is subject to a fine of not more than $1000 or 180 days imprisonment or both.
- Any vehicle that does not have a trip permit or is not apportioned to operate in the District will be assessed a $500 fine.
For more information, go to the website for the DC Department of Motor Vehicles or call Elaine Speller at (202) 729-7078.
General Information
Please show consideration for our environment and the District’s motorcoach law. Don't let your motorcoach stand idling more than three minutes, except when the outside temperature is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Also a few tips:
- Please check posted signs before parking since some short and long-term parking is subject to change.
- All buses must turn their motors off when parked. This is city law enforced by the Metropolitan Police Department. The fine is $500 for a violation.
- Don't embark or disembark passengers in "Loading Zones" or at Metrobus stops.
- Don't park in any area posted "No Parking" or "No Standing."
- Don’t park adjacent to any residential property, school, playground, hospital, church or park. (A standing vehicle that is not loading or unloading passengers is considered to be “parked” regardless of whether the engine is on.) Fine for violation is $250.
- Don't park in metered areas when the meters are in effect – unless the meters are designated for motorcoach parking.
- Don't leave your motorcoach parked in any space on the street more than 72 hours.
- No tour bus parking or standing on H Street, between Madison & 17th Street, NW.
- Information regarding street closings can be obtained from the DC Government web site at http://dc.gov/closures/closures_by_type.asp?type=4 or by phone from the Office of Emergency Preparedness at (202) 727-3159.
- All motorcoaches providing city tours must have a licensed DC Guide on board at all times. Tour guides should make specific pick-up time arrangements with drivers
For further information about parking enforcement, please visit the Department of Public Works (DPW) website.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE (NPS) MEMORIALS
US Capitol
The US Capitol Police released new commercial bus restrictions as effective June 9, 2007 prohibiting tour buses from the following streets:
- Independence Ave between Washington Ave SW and 2nd Street SE
- Constitution Ave between Louisiana Ave NW and 2nd Street NE
- 1st Street between D Street NE and D Street SE
- 1st Street between Maryland Ave and Independence Ave SW
- 2nd Street between D Street NE and D Street SE
Tour buses may ENTER US Capitol Grounds at 3rd Street and Maryland Ave SW or 3rd Street and Pennsylvania Ave NW. Tour buses may EXIT US Capitol Grounds at 3rd Street and Maryland Ave SW, 3rd Street and Pennsylvania Ave NW, or 1st Street and Louisiana Ave NW. Loading and unloading of passengers MUST occur at the east curb of 1st Street and Maryland Ave SW (east curb of Garfield Circle), 1st Street SW/NW between Pennsylvania Ave and Maryland Ave, or 1st Street and Pennsylvania Ave NW (east curb of Peace Circle). Currently open daily, Mon-Sat 9 am- 4:30 pm Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day. Free, but patrons must obtain timed tickets on the day of the tour. Tickets obtained from a ticket kiosk near the southwest corner of the Capitol Grounds. No reservations – first come first served. For US Capitol Guide Service recorded information on tours call (202) 225-6827. For other information, call the special events unit of the Capitol Police, (202) 224-8891. BUS PARKING: Union Station, (enter from H Street, NE) or RFK Stadium (enter from SE-SW Freeway – Access Road beneath Barney Circle). METRO: Union Station or Capitol South.
The National Mall
The entire block in front of the American Indian Museum, the 300 block of Jefferson Drive, is dedicated to bus unloading and loading. There is space for approximately 9 buses.
Hains Point Parking Lot
Free parking for up to 11 tour buses, no time restrictions, located at the tip of Hains Point. Access the lot by traveling south on Ohio Drive past the Golf Course entrance.
Parking Regulations
The following information pertains to all National Park Service memorials. Any exceptions to the rules are listed under each memorial. Parking rules will be strictly enforced by U.S. Park Police and violators will be subject to fines. Maps of many of the main memorials located along the National Mall can be found at http://www.nps.gov/mall/planyourvisit/maps.htm. For more information, please visit the National Mall & Memorial Parks website at www.nps.gov/nama or contact the National Mall Park Ranger Station at (202) 426-6841.
- No food or beverages allowed in the Monuments or Memorials
- Use walkways where provided
- All memorials have facilities for people with special needs
- Please remind your group that SILENCE and RESPECT are most appropriate when visiting these historic places dedicated to honor
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