How Reston Town Center's Paid Parking Stacks Up to Other NoVa Shopping Centers

RESTON, VA — Not surprisingly, the decision to switch to paid parking at Reston Town Center wasn't a popular one for locals who have enjoyed free parking in the area for as long as it's been around. But how do RTC's parking rates compare with the other malls and shopping areas in the Northern Virginia area?

For this list, we focused on shopping areas that have parking garages, and thus didn't include locations such as Dulles Town Center or Fair Oaks Mall.

Mosaic District, 2905 District Avenue, Fairfax

About: The Mosaic District shopping center is situated just off I-495 near the Dunn Loring-Merrifield Metro station on the Orange Line.

Parking rates: FREE (more information here)

Parking at Mosaic is free for up to 5 hours from 6 a.m. until 3 p.m. It has four garages with 2,000 parking spaces.

What the shopping center says: "Parking at Mosaic is effortless, free and part of the Mosaic experience. Step out of our well-lit, well-designed garages and explore an innovative urban community."

Tysons Corner Center, 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons

About: Tysons Corner Center is the largest mall in Northern Virginia with more than 300 stores. It is situated on the western end of the Beltway.

Parking rates: FREE (more information here)

Tysons features garages with exterior signs showing how many vacant parking spots are available, and a new system that helps customers find spots.

What the shopping center says: "This new and improved system will not only make parking at Tysons Corner Center easier, but it will direct you to open spots within each garage via a green/red light system. When you see a green light, the spot is open. When you see a red light, the spot is occupied. Each garage will feature a parking space counter on an exterior sign to let you know how many spaces are available in each garage or alert you if the garage is currently full."

Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, 1100 S. Hayes Street, Arlington

About: The Fashion Centre and Pentagon Row are located in Pentagon City about a block from the Pentagon in South Arlington.

Parking rates: LOW (more information here)

First two hours: $2
Maximum daily rate: $18

What the shopping center says: N/A

Ballston Common Mall, 4238 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington

About: The Ballston Common Mall, located in central Arlington, is currently in the midst of a major renovation and transformation into "Ballston Quarter."

Parking rates: LOW (more information here)

Up to 3 hours, $1
3-4 hours, $3
4-5 hours, $5
5-6 hours, $6
6-7 hours, $7
7-8 hours, $8
Maximum $10

What the shopping center says: "The Ballston Public Parking Garage is a County-owned 2,800-space public parking facility which serves the needs of office workers, visitors, commuters, and retail establishments. In addition to hourly and monthly rates, there’s also a parking convenience coupon program that provides for the advance purchase of stamps which are affixed to the parking ticket and treated as cash when exiting the garage. These stamps are sold at face value and are available to anyone on a first come-first serve basis."

Reston Town Center, 11900 Market Street, Reston

About: Reston Town Center is a rapidly growing shopping area west of the Beltway with nearly 100 stores.

Parking rates: MEDIUM (more information here)

Garage:

0-1 Hour $2.00
1-2 Hours $4.00
2-3 Hours $5.00
3-4 Hours $6.00
4-6 Hours $8.00
6-10 Hours $10.00
10-12 Hours $14.00
12-24 Hours $24.00

(Free on weekends/holidays/major events)

Some shops will validate. Check with individual stores on whether they offer it.

Street:

0-1 Hour $3.00
1-2 Hours $6.00

(Free on Sundays)

What the shopping center says: "Paid parking is in effect 24 hours a day, Monday through Friday in the Reston Town Center Garages. Garage parking on weekends (from 12:00 a.m. Saturday through 12:00 a.m. Monday) are free, as are major holidays and premier events (see below). Street parking is free on Sundays."

Market Common Clarendon, 2800 Clarendon Boulevard, Arlington

About: Market Common is located in Clarendon in North Arlington.

Parking rates: HIGH (more information here)

Up to 1 hour: $6
Up to 2 hours: $8
Over 2 hours (daily maximum): $12
Evening rate (6pm to 2am): $6 flat rate

What the shopping center says: "Some shops and restaurants offer validated/reduced parking. Please check with the store to get their specific validated parking rates."

Images via Mosaic District, Tysons Corner Center, Reston Town Center, Market Common Clarendon, Ballston Common Mall, Fashion Centre at Pentagon City