To put it mildly, Boston is not your best friend when it comes to parking. While there is no shortage of cars on the streets of Boston, the same cannot be said for the parking spots. As a result, parking in Boston can be quite expensive because street parking spots are in high demand.
Street Parking in Boston
The Boston Transportation Department oversees Boston Street parking and is pretty strict about parking violations. In fact, parking tickets in Boston can be quite expensive. With stringent rules in effect, it is relatively easy to stack up one parking citation after another if you are not careful. To avoid costly parking tickets in Boston, it’s a good idea to be cautious about the most common street parking violations before parking.
As a general rule of thumb, to avoid parking citations, you must be careful about parking limits, cleaning and construction schedules, and must read any signs before parking. There are also seasonal and hourly restrictions in effect across Boston. For instance, some of the parking spots in Boston can be designated as restricted parking zones during the winter season to allow snowplows and emergency vehicles access. Parking at such places during winter could result in a hefty fine.
Best spots for parking in Boston
Street parking in Boston can be complicated; however, that does not necessarily mean you will end up without a spot. There are plenty of parking options at low rates. With some luck and pre-bookings through online parking platforms, you can get instant access to some of the best parking spots in town at the lowest rates possible. Downtown Boston, North End, and Theatre District, which house popular attractions like Boston Common, Chinatown, Fenway, and the Waterfront, are among the best parking areas in Boston.
If you need the best, affordable parking spots in Boston from Monday through Saturday, check out websites like Way.com or the Way app and book your city parking in Boston well in advance.
Free parking in Boston
Parking in Boston is free on Sundays and national holidays across the city. However, you will still have to comply with all parking regulations, such as parking only in designated parking zones. If the holiday falls on a Sunday, parking will be free on the next day (Monday). Popular Boston attractions like the Freedom Trail and the surrounding neighborhoods also provide free metered parking after the meter enforcement ends for the day.
Most parking meters in Boston operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and all metered parking outside this time slot is free. For added security, it is always best to cross-check your parking meter’s schedule before parking.
What are the rates for street parking in Boston?
Rates for street parking in Boston vary by location and typically range from $1.25 to $3.75 per hour, depending on demand. The cheapest street parking in Boston can be found at Fenway/Kenmore and Bulfinch Triangle, where it costs $2.50 per hour. For parking in Back Bay and South Boston Waterfront, you will need to pay around $3.75 per hour.
Motorcycle parking is relatively cheap, costing you around $0.50 per hour. Motorcycle parking in Boston is available on Pearl Street, High Street, Batterymarch Street, Newbury Street, Exeter Street, Gloucester Street, Boylston Street, and Fairfield Street. Parking meters across all other metered parking areas, including popular Boston attractions, such as the South End, the Financial District, and Beacon Hill, charge a flat rate of $2 per hour.
Boston city parking guide: Parking near Downtown Boston
The tiny, narrow cobblestone streets of downtown Boston never disappoint as a scenic setting for an evening. However, this is precisely what makes finding affordable parking lots in that area quite tricky. Being one of the more popular locations in Boston, there are, of course, plenty of on-street parking spaces here. However, they do come with fierce competition and multiple people eyeing the same spots. Your best bet for affordable, secure, and well-maintained parking lots throughout downtown is to reserve a spot online through websites like Way.com.
Boston parking near Faneuil Hall
Faneuil Hall Marketplace is regarded as one of the top tourist destinations in all of America for both shopping and dining. That’s not all! Faneuil Hall also provides easy access to major Boston attractions, including the Freedom Trail, the New England Aquarium, the Old North Church, City Hall Plaza, and the North End.
As a result, finding affordable vacant parking spots is next to impossible. Booking a parking spot well in advance can help you avoid stress and unnecessary delays.
Boston parking tips
All you need to know about metered parking in Boston
Metered parking in Boston is enforced by the Boston Transportation Department throughout the city’s various zones. Most meters are active from Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. However, schedules may change from time to time, so always check the posted signs for the hours of operation before leaving your vehicle.
The typical duration for most of these parking meters is 2 hours, though some spots allow longer parking. Metered parking in Boston typically ranges from $1.25 to $3.75 per hour. There are three different types of metered parking in Boston: IPS Single Space Meters, Parkeon Pay and Display Meters, and Meters with Colored Domes, which signify specific regulations or time limits.
Is there free parking in Boston on holidays?
Yes. You can park for free on Sundays and Boston City holidays across all the parking zones. If a holiday falls on a Sunday, the city observes it on Monday, meaning you can find free parking on the following day as well.
Boston parking holidays
January 1 – New Year’s Day
January 19 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
February 16 – Presidents Day
March 17 – Evacuation Day (Local holiday)
April 20 – Patriots Day
May 25 – Memorial Day
June 17 – Bunker Hill Day (Local Holiday)
June 19 – Juneteenth
July 3 – Independence Day (Free parking)
September 7 – Labor Day
October 12 – Indigenous Peoples’ Day
November 11 – Veterans Day
November 26 – Thanksgiving Day
December 25 – Christmas Day
Things to Look Out for While Parking in Boston
- Keep an eye out for parking signs and make sure there are no temporary restrictions, such as construction zones or changes to street cleaning schedules.
- Do not wait until the metered parking timer runs out; move your vehicle at least 5 – 10 minutes before the time expires.
- Do not park within 10 feet of a fire hydrant or park in a way that the fire hydrant becomes inaccessible.
- Do not park in restricted zones or spaces designated for people with disabilities.
Fanny Dorris is an author with four years of experience in travel and automotive topics. She provides readers with clear guidance on airport navigation, travel planning, and vehicle ownership.
