$5 or cheaper! And no, that’s not just for on-street parking in downtown Austin, TX. Secure and affordable off-street garage spaces are only a click away. But how? Here’s all you need to know about downtown Austin parking costs and how to save more at the best spots.
Austin will have you breathing a sigh of relief when it comes to driving and parking around the city. It is one of the few capitals with fairly accessible and affordable parking spaces. The flexible street parking system also got a Pay-by-Plate upgrade and a tiered pricing structure recently. There are plenty of off-street parking options too. With Austin parking apps at the tip of your finger, finding the best spot is no longer a challenge. However, when looking for parking in downtown Austin, you could still use a few tips and tricks to save more time and money.
Street Parking in Downtown Austin
Home to Austin’s most popular attractions, downtown has a big job to do when it comes to making sure everyone gets a parking space. From the shores of Lady Bird Lake to 10th Street, between IH-35 and Lamar Boulevard, the City of Austin maintains ample parking spots across the bustling downtown neighborhoods. But sometimes, you might still need to take a few laps around the block to find an empty spot.
Metered parking in downtown Austin, TX, is enforced from 8 am on weekdays. On Monday and Tuesday, meters are suspended at 6 pm. But from Wednesday to Friday, metered parking is in effect till midnight. On Saturdays, metered parking hours are from 11 am to midnight, while on Sundays, you can park free of charge anywhere in downtown Austin.
Metered Parking Rates
Since August 2020, Austin city street parking meters have adopted the Pay-by-Plate technology and a tiered pricing structure to improve parking space turnover. You no longer need to display a sticker on your car when parked at a metered spot. The new system also introduced a uniform maximum parking time limit of 10 hours. As for the tiered pricing, the base rate remains the same at $2, while for every hour after the first two hours, the rate increases to encourage turnover. That is for the third hour, you’ll have to pay $3 – which brings the total cost of parking for three hours at the same spot to $7.
You can pay for metered parking in downtown Austin via mobile payment options or a Pay Station. Enter your license plate number and pay with credit cards/coins to start your parking session. A $0.25 processing fee is applicable on all card transactions.
Free Parking in Downtown Austin
Parking at designated spots on the streets in Austin is free on Sundays and a few national holidays, such as the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. You could also park free of charge at metered parking spots after the meter enforcement times. However, it is better to leave your car overnight at a secure parking garage in downtown Austin. If you park overnight on the street, make sure to move your car before the meters start charging in the morning.
Free parking is great for a quick stop; don’t rely on free street parking if you are unsure how long you’ll be away from the car. A monthly parking spot at a downtown garage or the city’s affordable parking program for downtown commuters can help you save more on daily parking.
Off-Street Garages and Surface Lots
Downtown Austin has plenty of off-street parking facilities, including a few like the I-35 parking lot managed by Austin Transportation. However, driving up to the first garage near your destination won’t get you a good deal. Due to high demand in downtown neighborhoods, especially near the big attractions and event venues, parking lot rates can rise during peak hours.
To avoid the extra expense, pre-book your parking garage space and get a guaranteed spot when you arrive. All you need to do is log on to websites like Way.com or download a parking app. You’ll find the best offers on the same page – compare and pick an affordable parking deal that best suits your car’s needs.
Why Book a Parking Garage Space in Downtown Austin?
While on-street parking in downtown Austin seems like the cheapest option, keep in mind that it is not immune to security risks and parking violations. A tiny mistake could cost you as much as $20 – $300! A monthly parking space at a premium downtown Austin parking garage would cost you less.
If you are new to the city or just visiting, make sure to review basic Austin parking rules, such as back-in angle parking, curb colors, restricted zones, and permits.
When you pre-book a parking spot online, in addition to the lowest rates offered, you will also find exclusive discounts offered on online reservations. Enjoy stress-free parking at parking garages in downtown Austin for almost the same rate as metered street parking.
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.
