Question

What is the difference between the daily rate and the total price when booking parking?

The daily rate covers the baseline cost to park your car for a day before applying the mandatory fees and taxes. However, the total price is the final amount you pay during checkout, which includes your base daily parking rate multiplied by the stay duration, along with local taxes, facility surcharges, and optional add-ons.

What does the daily parking rate cover?

The daily rate is the starting price for parking your car for 24 hours. Parking lots and booking platforms show this number openly, so you can easily compare the parking rates across different lots. However, the daily parking rate only covers the parking spot. It doesn’t include the local city fees, airport access charges, or any additional hours after a full 24-hour day. So, it’s a good number to compare, but it won’t always match the final amount charged to your card.

Why is the total price higher at checkout?

Wondering why the final parking price is higher than the daily rate? At checkout, a few additional charges get added to your total. Here’s what they are:

• State and local taxes: Most counties, cities, and airport authorities charge you a parking tax. It can range from 5% to more than 20%.
• Airport and facility fees: Lots near major airports often have to pay access fees to the airport. You have to pay these costs at checkout.
• Platform service fees: Booking platforms may add a minor fee. The fee will cover the charge for processing your reservation, customer support, and guarantee your parking spot.
• Optional add-ons: Valet parking, covered parking, parking for oversized vehicles, and EV charging can cost you extra. So, choosing any of these will charge you more at checkout.

How parking duration changes your final bill

Parking is typically billed in 24-hour cycles, based on your exact check-in and check-out times. For instance, you checked in at 8 a.m. on Friday and leave at 11 a.m. on Saturday. That is a 27-hour stay, which is more than one full day. So, depending on the lot’s rules, the extra three hours may be billed as a second full day or at an hourly rate. Either way, your total goes up.

How to view transparent parking rates

Don’t want any surprises on your card statement? Always check the listed cost before you confirm your parking reservation. On the Way app or website, turn on the “Total Price” toggle on the search results screen. It shows the final price including all taxes and fees, so you know exactly what you’ll pay before checkout!