Parking and Street Closures Guidelines

The following traffic parking and street closure guidelines will be in effect Wednesday, May 7–Saturday, May 10, 2025 due to Howard University’s 157th Commencement Convocation.

Guest Parking for Commencement Day, May 10

Parking will be limited in public lots and streets near campus. Using the Metro or rideshare is the best way to travel to the campus. The nearest Metro stations to the campus are Shaw-Howard University, U Street-African American Civil War Memorial, and Georgia Ave-Petworth. These stations are on the Green Line.

Event parking in public lots will cost a flat fee of $20. Payment for parking should be done through the Run Parking company, either online or through the app. Parking lots will not accept cash.

  Access parking payment and reservation options and search for your chosen lot:

  • Howard Center Lot at 2235 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
  • Banneker South at 2345 Sherman Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
  • Louis Stokes Library Lot at 4th Street & Bryant St NW Washington, DC 20001
  • Georgia Ave Lot at 2702 Georgia Ave NW Washington, DC 20001

Shuttle Service for Commencement Day, May 10

Shuttles will run from 6–9 a.m. during the morning and then again after Commencement ceremonies have completed from approximately 1–4 p.m. 

Shuttle to Metro and Parking

Complimentary shuttle services will be available to transport guests arriving via Metro and those parked at the Howard Center Lot, with all drop-offs for access to the Yard occurring at the intersection of Georgia Avenue NW & Fairmont Street NW. Shuttles will stop at the following locations:

  • Shaw-Howard Metro Station
  • Howard University Bookstore
  • Intersection of Georgia & Fairmont for access to the Yard

Shuttle to Off-Campus Housing

Complimentary shuttles will run from off-campus housing to campus through pick up/drop off at the following locations:

  • Mazza Apartments
  • WISH Apartments
  • The Lanes Apartments
  • Intersection of Georgia & Fairmont for access to the Yard

Track the Shuttle

To locate the nearest shuttle stops in real time, please utilize the ride systems app (available in both Google Play and Apple App Store). 

Directions for downloading “Ride Systems” app (iOS and Android Users) 

  • Download “Ride Systems” app from the app store
  • “Select Transit Agency” screen will appear
  • Select Howard University
  • Select the closest route to your location

Employee Parking

Employee Parking Prior to May 10

Through Friday, May 9, the following parking rules will be observed for employees:

  • Employees with a parking permit may park in any available lot.
  • Employees without a parking permit should use runparking.com to pay for parking and avoid citations or towing.

Employee Parking on Saturday, May 10

Employee parking on the day of Commencement ceremonies will be modified as follows: 

  • Regular parking permits will not be honored.
  • Operations and VIP parking passes will be distributed by the Office of Parking and Transportation for employees who are working during Commencement. These passes will be the only parking passes accepted.
  • Parking lot attendants will only permit individuals with approved parking passes on their dashboard to park in designated lots.

Lots Open for Employees with an Operations Pass on Saturday, May 10

  • Drew Lot
  • Greene Lot
  • Georgia Avenue Lot
  • Banneker South Lot 

Lots Open for Employees with a VIP Pass on Saturday, May 10

  • Johnson Lot
  • Mackey Lot
  • Downing Lot

Note: Parking lot attendants will have lists of approved names for the VIP lots. If you do not know which list or lot you are assigned, contact the parking office ASAP.

ADA Accommodations 

Parking and Drop-Off for Guests Needing Accessible Seating

Guests who need ADA accommodations and accessible parking should park at the Howard Center Parking Lot, located at 2235 8th Street NW. Parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please ensure your vehicle displays a valid disability placard or license plates. Shuttles will be available to transport guests needing ADA accommodations to the intersection of Sixth Street, NW and Howard Place, NW. Those with Accessible Seating Tickets may proceed through Gate 1 to the accessible seating section.

Payment for parking should be done through the Run Parking company, either online or through the app. Parking lots will not accept cash. Access parking payment and reservation options and locate the Howard Center Parking Lot at 2235 8th Street, NW.

Accessible Drop-Off Only

Cars dropping off those needing ADA accommodations should drop guests at the intersection of Georgia Avenue and Fairmont Streets, NW. From there, the guest will need to make their way to Gate 1 if they have an Accessible Seating Ticket. It is recommended that a companion accompany those dropped off at Georgia and Fairmont. 

Contacting the Office of Parking and Transportation

If you require additional transportation accommodations, please contact us at parking@howard.edu.