Driving into New York City is a bold move, but parking in New York City is the real test. Say you are lucky enough to find a safe NYC parking garage close to your destination. Now, get ready to shell out $15 an hour on average. It might seem impossible, but with a few smart tips, you can pay less for parking in New York City.
The Big Apple is one of the most congested cities in the US. Space is a luxury here, and paying for it certainly makes your wallet lighter. Studies have shown that car owners lose hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars every year due to New York’s notorious traffic problems. Bumper-to-bumper traffic during rush hour is an everyday sight in the megacity. Even with most New Yorkers not owning cars, the volume of vehicles moving through the city streets is overwhelming. Finding parking in New York City is a bigger challenge, one that even free on-street parking can’t solve.
Parking rates in New York City rarely come cheap, especially if you wait till the last minute. Visitors and tourists in the city often end up paying more due to a lack of planning. NYC parking isn’t something you should gamble with. Whether you are a seasoned New Yorker or new to the city, here’s what you must know before you drive around.
Know Before You Go
If you are not a frequent visitor, get to know your destination before you drive into NYC. A bit of research can save you from many hassles while looking for cheap parking in New York. Onsite parking in the most popular neighborhoods is expensive; the trick is to find a cheap parking garage in NYC that is close to your destination. Walking a few blocks is always better than paying exorbitant parking rates.
If you stay at a hotel, check their parking rates for guests and leave your car at the hotel’s parking lot. Choosing self-parking over valet parking can also save a couple of dollars. Do not forget to check for in-and-out privileges and avoid the hassle of looking for different parking spots in the same neighborhood throughout the day.
Book In Advance for Cheaper Parking in New York City
Reserved parking is always cheaper than drive-up parking. Go online and search for cheap parking garages in NYC with the amenities you need. Pre-booking your parking in New York City will also guarantee instant parking without the stress of looking for parking signs on streets or parking spaces at in-demand NYC parking lots.
Find Cheap Parking with NYC Parking Apps
The quickest way to find cheap parking in New York City is to download an NYC parking app and search for options in the neighborhood you are heading to. You can compare parking rates in NYC and see which of the cheapest parking garages are closest to your destination. Do not miss out on discounted rates and exclusive parking vouchers offered by NYC parking apps like Way.
Try to Find Street Parking in New York City
It certainly sounds like a challenge, and it is! Even after you manage to find a spot not too far from your destination and ace parallel parking, there remains the threat of permits, parking regulations, and time limits. Metered street parking in New York City can cost you $6–$8 on average for just a couple of hours. If it’s not worth risking safety and parking violations, the best alternative is to find a cheap parking lot and book your space in advance.
Be Aware of NYC Parking Rules
Parking rates in New York City are already a strain on your pocket; you don’t want to add hefty parking tickets to the expense. Even when you are a frequent visitor to the city, it is possible to miss parking signs or be unaware of parking permits and regulations on certain streets.
ASP (Alternate Side Parking) is one of these regulations you need to keep an eye on, especially during the holiday season. Double parking is also an absolute no. New York City parking enforcement is pretty efficient, and you can expect a parking ticket waiting on your windshield if you risk breaking even a tiny rule.
Renée Martin is a travel and car expert who focuses on road and air travel in the U.S. For the past 6 years, she’s been helping make driving and trip planning easier and budget-friendly for everyday travelers.
