Nationals Park Guide
Entry, transit, rideshare, parking, and game-day logistics for Washington.
Last updated: 3/4/2026
Key logistics
| Bag policy | Any bag larger than a 5” by 7” by ¾” clutch must be clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and not exceed 16” x 16” x 8”. Backpacks, including clear ones, are generally not permitted, with exceptions made for diaper or medical bags. All bags are subject to search. |
|---|---|
| Doors open | Gates typically open 80 minutes prior to first pitch for most games, and 75 minutes prior for 6:45 PM games. Parking garages generally open two and a half hours (2 hours and 15 minutes) before first pitch. |
| Cashless? | Nationals Park is cashless, meaning cash is not accepted for tickets, concessions, or retail. Guests can use eCash, touchless payment options (like Apple Pay), QR codes via the MLB Ballpark App, or credit/debit cards. Cash can be exchanged for 'Nats Bucks' at Advance Ticket Sales (behind Sections 103/104) and Guest Services (behind Section 131). |
| Rideshare zone | The primary designated rideshare drop-off and pick-up area is located at the corner of First Street and Potomac Avenue SE, just steps from the park's gates. Suggested Uber pickup locations include N St. SE and New Jersey Ave. SE; L St. SE between First St SE and New Jersey Ave. SE; and M St. SE and Half St. SE. |
| Re-entry | Re-entry to Nationals Park is generally not permitted. An exception may be made for guests with service animals needing a relief area outside the Home Plate Gate, requiring communication with a Security Supervisor for re-entry. |
| Transit | Nationals Park is accessible via the Metro Green Line at the Navy Yard-Ballpark station, which is one block away from the center field gate. Fans can also use the Orange, Blue or Silver Lines to the Capitol South station, which is a 15-minute walk to the park. Several Metrobus routes (e.g., 74, P17, P19, C11, C31, C55) and the DC Circulator bus (from Union Station) serve the area. |
Parking
All Nationals parking garages and lots are cashless. They open two and a half hours before the start of every game and close one hour after the final out. Fans are strongly encouraged to purchase parking in advance to ensure availability.
Family & accessibility
- Strollers: Strollers are permitted in all concourse areas of Nationals Park. If a stroller can fold and fit under a seat, it may be brought to the seat. Otherwise, strollers must be checked at Guest Services locations in Center Field Plaza or behind Sections 131 or 320.
- Family perks: Nationals Park offers baby changing stations in all public restrooms and dedicated family restrooms (behind Sections 104, 117, 139, and 235). There is also a Nursing Lounge, a Kids Zone for children 10 and under, and sensory bags equipped with noise-canceling headphones and fidget tools available at Guest Services. First game certificates are offered, and the Racing Presidents greet fans for photos. Kids Run the Bases is typically held after Sunday home games.
Culture layer
- Signature food: Popular food items include half-smokes from Ben's Chili Bowl, Salvadoran pupusas from La Casita Pupuseria, Korean hot dogs from Ssongs, Roaming Rooster's fried chicken sandwiches, Rocklands barbecue, and Capital City Mambo Sauce. Ahi tuna nachos at Kam & 46 are also a mentioned favorite.
- Local tradition: Local fan traditions include taking photos with the Racing Presidents and kids participating in 'Kids Run the Bases' after Sunday home games.
Verified places nearby
- Walter's Sports Bar10 N St SE, Washington, DC 20003 · Navy YardWhat to order: Beers from the self-pour taps, classic bar food, $5 beers, rail cocktails, and glasses of wine during happy hour.
- Tom's Watch Bar1250 Half St SE, Washington, DC 20003 · Navy YardWhat to order: Elevated sports bar classics, chef-driven dishes, bold and crave-worthy flavors, ice-cold beer, handcrafted cocktails, or refreshing seltzers.
- Solace Outpost71 Potomac Ave SE, Washington, D.C. 20003 · Navy YardWhat to order: Craft brews, fried chicken, tater tots, jumbo pretzels.
- Dacha Beer Garden79 Potomac Ave SE, Washington, D.C. 20003 · Navy YardWhat to order: Beers, simple outdoor menu.