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Philadelphia Parking Guide – Parking Tips and Info

  • Travel Guides
  • Renee Martin
  • 8 minutes

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Philadelphia is one of the best walkable cities and it also features an efficient public transport infrastructure. However, the well-maintained street parking system, enforced and operated by the Philadelphia Parking Authority, is the best of all. You can always find cheap garages in Philly too.

philadelphia parking savings with Way.com

There are plenty of metered street parking spots in Philly, so much that you will be spoilt for choices. And if you are worried about ticketing and towing, there are convenient and affordable off-street facilities too. Here’s everything you need to know for hassle-free Philadelphia parking.

Street Parking in Philadelphia 

Philadelphia has one of the best on-street parking systems in the country. If you don’t want to be on the receiving end of expensive parking tickets, it’s always best to be extra careful about time limits, parking regulations, and restrictions. Parking in Philly also features exclusive systems like loading zones and special parking rules for Philadelphia residents, which can help you avoid parking violations.

As a general rule of thumb, Philadelphia has custom parking regulations in effect across different city residential and business areas. Keep an eye out for the city-specific parking regulations, which are displayed on the signboards nearby. You can also find one parking space, exclusively reserved for people with disabilities. Do not park at reserved spaces unless you are eligible to do so.  

Best Parking Spots in Philadelphia 

philadelphia City Parking

There is no shortage of popular spots for parking in Philadelphia, and thanks to the well-managed parking system in place, you can always find vacant spots for parking in Philly at one place or the other. However, if we are to shortlist a few of the absolute best locations for parking in Philadelphia, the list would need to have the likes of places like the City Center, Chinatown, Logan Square, Baldwin Park, Rittenhouse Square, and Washington Square.

All of these Philadelphia parking spots offer easy access to each other and have plenty of parking spots, improving the chances of finding a spot for parking. If you still have trouble finding parking, it would be a good idea to reserve your parking in advance through websites like Way.com or through the Way App.  

Free Parking Spots in Philadelphia 

Yes, you read it right. You can park for free in Philadelphia on all national holidays. There is also free parking on all Saturdays after 11 AM between Thanksgiving and Christmas. However, that’s not all. Philadelphia residents get to enjoy even more freebies. If you are a Philadelphia resident, you can get extra parking perks by applying for a parking permit.

If your car is registered to your address, and you don’t mind spending $35 on parking in Philly, you are eligible for parking in your street neighborhood for unlimited hours. However, please note that you will still need to clear your vehicle from the parking spot for street cleaning.

There is also free overnight parking at the metered parking spots in residential neighborhoods after the restricted times. Just make sure not to get carried away and be ready to move your vehicle before the parking meters start! Loading zones, across Philadelphia, also offer free parking for 20 minutes.  

Rates for Street Parking in Philadelphia 

Rates for street parking in Philadelphia vary from one location to the other. Street parking in Philadelphia is enforced by the Philadelphia Parking Authority. Typical rates for parking in Philadelphia range from $1-$2 per hour across most regions. However, it should be noted that parking rates tend to vary from one place to the other based on demand and parking availability.

It’s also best to be careful about Philly’s parking violations as they can stack up quite quickly if you are not careful enough. The Philadelphia Parking Authority, parking officials on duty, and the Philadelphia police are quick to notice street parking violations, and you can expect a hefty fine if found guilty. 

Philadelphia Parking Guide for Parking Near Popular Philadelphia Attractions 

Parking in Philadelphia Near the City Center 

The heart of Philadelphia can be a tricky place to find parking, especially during peak hours. Home to some of the most popular attractions like the Old City and Society Hill neighborhoods, to tourist destinations like Chinatown, and Rittenhouse Square, there is no shortage of popular places in the City Center.

You need to have fortune on your side and also need to be at the right place at the right time to get access to vacant parking spots in the area. The only alternative to get instant access to some of the parking lots in the area is to consider pre-booking your parking in advance through websites like Way.com. 

Cheap garages near City Center

Lot/Garage Name Distance from City Center(in miles) Rates(per hour) Find Parking
1 E Penn Square Parking 0.3 $20 Book Now!
1305 WALNUT STREET GARAGE HOLIDAY INN Parking 0.3 $35 Book Now!
101 Market Street Parking 0.8 $20 Book Now!
210 W Rittenhouse Square Garage 0.9 $19 Book Now!

Parking in Philadelphia Near the Rittenhouse Square 

Parking Spots

Rittenhouse is another popular attraction in Philadelphia, where it is difficult to get city parking spots vacant. Parking spots near Rittenhouse Square sell out like hotcakes as it is a popular attraction in Philly. Hoping to get a parking space without reserving a spot in advance can be a terrible idea when going for parking in Rittenhouse Square. Parking rates also vary across the location and range anywhere between $7 – $40 per lot.  

Cheap Lots near Rittenhouse Square

Lot/Garage Name Distance from City Center(in miles) Rates(per hour) Find Parking
25 E Penn Square Parking 0.6 $20 Book Now!
1305 WALNUT STREET GARAGE HOLIDAY INN Parking 0.5 $35 Book Now!
2102 Sansom Street Parking 0.2 $17 Book Now!
210 W Rittenhouse Square Garage 0.1 $19 Book Now!

Philadelphia City Parking Tips 

All You Need to Know About Parking in Philadelphia 

Philadelphia Parking Authority along with Philadelphia Police Department enforces and maintains parking in Philly. While there are plenty of parking spaces in Philadelphia, they sell out quite fast during peak hours. To make sure that you don’t end up without a parking spot in Philadelphia, it is always best to book a parking spot well in advance.

The good thing about Philadelphia is that most of the city’s main destinations are all within walking distance of each other. This makes the task of finding parking, a bit easier (provided you are ok with walking an extra few meters). Be aware of where the Loading Zones are before parking in Philly.

Street parking in Philadelphia features loading zones, which offer limited free parking for 20 minutes. As long as it’s’ not a ‘passenger loading zone,’ you can to park for a maximum of 20 minutes at this parking spot. However, you cannot leave your vehicle. The loading zones are ideal for people waiting to pick someone up without having to park. 

Philadelphia Parking Holidays 

  • January 1 – New Year’s Day  
  • January 20 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day  
  • April 12 – Easter Sunday  
  • May 25 – Memorial Day  
  • September 7 – Labor Day  
  • November 26 – Thanksgiving Day  
  • December 25 – Christmas Day 
  • Holiday Parking – Saturdays after 11 AM from Thanksgiving to the New Year 

Things to Look Out for While Parking in Philadelphia 

  • Keep an eye out for parking signs, and make sure that there are no temporary signs like construction restrictions or temporary changes in cleaning schedules.    
  • Do not wait until the metered parking timer runs out, and move your vehicle at least 5 – 10 minutes before the parking expires.    
  • Do not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or park in a way that the fire hydrant becomes inaccessible.   
  • Do not park in restricted zones or special parking zones that are designated for people with special needs. 

FAQ

Is There Free Parking in Philadelphia on Holidays?

Yes. You can park for free in Philadelphia on all national holidays. If the federal holiday falls on a Sunday, you can get free parking throughout the next day (Monday). If you are ok with spending a small amount on off-street parking, you can choose secure parking lots. Websites like Way.com offers safe parking lots with modern features live valet, covered parking. Camera surveillance and security personnel are also available at these facilities.   

Is parking free in Philadelphia on Saturdays?

No. Usually, street parking in Philly is not free on Saturdays. Some neighborhoods have free parking after 11 am on Saturdays between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Is parking free on Sundays in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia street parking is not free on Sundays unless it is a major holiday.

What time are parking meters free in Philadelphia?

Parking meter operational times vary from location to location. In some areas, you can park for free after 8 pm.

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