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Parking in Old Town – Payment and Maps
Coming in from out of town, or just need a spot to park your vehicle for a day while exploring Alexandria by water, on foot or on the Trolley – here’s where to park.
Live from 515 King Street in Old Town Alexandria
Quick Facts About Parking in Old Town
In Old Town Alexandria, there are many options for parking – from metered street parking to city lots and parking decks and garages, there are plenty of places to put your precious for the day – even some spots with electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
Parking Lots and Garages
Street Parking and Time Limits
Typical meter time limits are 2–3 hours depending on location; at the end of your time, you must move your vehicle: meter feeding is prohibited. There is a 72-hour rule for on-street parking: don’t leave a car in one spot beyond 72 consecutive hours (excludes weekends/holidays). Some streets are for locals only residential parking. Always read the block-face sign—rules vary by block.
Meters in Old Town/Carlyle: pay Mon–Sat, 8 a.m.–9 p.m.; free on Sundays and state holidays. Pay by phone with ParkMobile (app, web, text, or call) at most meters in Old Town.
How to Use ParkMobile to Pay for Parking
Metered parking on Alexandria’s streets as well as some city lots and garages use ParkMobile for payment. You can use the app, the web, text or make a call to pay for your metered street parking. See options below.
Don’t Have the App?
Pay by web at ParkMobile.io, text “PARK” to 77223, or pay by phone at 877-727-5758 (the Alexandria ParkMobile number).
What You Need:
- ParkMobile app on iOS or Android
- Your license plate number
- A payment method (credit/debit card or ParkMobile Wallet)
Time needed: 3 minutes
How to Use the ParkMobile App to Pay for Parking
- Get ParkMobile
Download the ParkMobile app and open it, or go to ParkMobile.io if you prefer to pay on the web.
- Create your account
Add your email, license plate, and payment method. You can set up more than one vehicle in your account. You can also set up ParkMobile Wallet if you want lower convenience fees later.
- Find the zone number
At your parking space, look for the green ParkMobile signs or the number on the meter. In Alexandria, zones are five digits and start with “44” (e.g., 44000–44999). Enter that zone in the app or on the website.
- Pick your vehicle and time
Pick the vehicle on your account and select how long you want to park, up to the posted time limit for that block.
- Start your session
Tap Start Parking and confirm. Your active session and countdown will appear in the app. A per-session convenience fee applies when you use ParkMobile.
- Extend or stop early
If you need more time (check time limits on block signs), extend in the app. Leaving sooner? Stop the session to pay only for the time used (where allowed).
Electric Car Charging Stations
Electric car charging stations are available in multiple locations throughout Old Town Alexandria. One is at our very own building, 515 King Street in the A-level garage.
Read more about Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Alexandria.
Accessible parking and drop-offs
- Public garages and lots provide accessible spaces as required by the ADA; look for the blue wheelchair symbol and elevator access.
- Quick drop-offs/pickups: the City operates curbside loading and PUDO (pick-up/drop-off) zones—use these for rideshare or quick passenger drops along busy blocks. Motorcoaches and busses have specific drop-off and loading zones.
- Have accessibility questions while downtown? City Mobility Services oversees parking and access programs.
King Street Trolley
Once you’re parked, you don’t have to walk everywhere. The King Street Trolley is at your service! Free and frequent, the trolley serves King Street from the Alexandria visitor’s center all the way to the King Street/Old Town Metro Station.
Read More: How to Ride the King Street Trolley
Live Views: Webcams on King Street
Want to see King Street traffic conditions right now? ALXcam hosts two live streams from 515 King Street. One camera looks east toward the Potomac River, showing traffic and parking along King Street toward the river. The other faces the Alexandria Courthouse courtyard at 520 King Street. These streams let you check the crowd levels, parking conditions, or traffic before coming in to town.
FAQs about Parking in Old Town Alexandria
Accessible spaces are provided in public garages as required by the ADA; Market Square Garage has elevator access. For curbside drop-off, use designated PUDO/loading zones nearby.
Meters are free on Sundays and state holidays. Some residential blocks have time-limited parking—always check posted signs.
Yes there are multiple lots with electric car charging spots, including the garage located underneath 515 King Street.
Old Town Alexandria’s Premiere Webcam Site
