In Boston, parking can be challenging, especially in the city center, but several parking options are available. Visitors can find metered street parking, metered lots, and parking garages throughout the city. There are also private parking lots scattered throughout the city. Apps such as ParkingPass in Boston are also particularly valuable as they highlight parking options near iconic landmarks, which can help you save time and explore the city more efficiently. Our guide can help you find the answers you need to park with ease in Boston.
- Finding on-street parking in Boston
- Where to find parking garages in Boston?
- Free parking in Boston: How and where
- Discovering Park & Ride in Boston
- Other FAQs
Finding On-street Parking in Boston
On-street parking in Boston is available in various locations throughout the city, but it can be limited and competitive, especially in popular areas. Some areas with on-street parking in Boston include:
- Back Bay
- Beacon Hill
- North End
- South End
- Fenway-Kenmore
- Charlestown
- Roxbury
- Jamaica Plain
- Waterfront
Keep in mind that parking regulations and enforcement vary by location and time of day, so check the signs and meters carefully to avoid tickets or towing.
Where to find parking garages in Boston?
There are plenty of parking garages in Boston that can help ease your parking woes and provide a convenient place to park.
- The Government Center Garage located right in the heart of the city is one such option. It has over 2,000 parking spaces.
- Another popular parking garage is the Boston Common Garage. This location offers more than 1,300 parking spaces and has plenty of security measures in place to ensure the safety of your vehicle.
- If you want to park near Fenway Park, the Yawkey Center Garage is a good choice. It’s located just a short walk from the ballpark and has more than 1,300 parking spaces available.
Free parking in Boston: How and where
There are several free parking spots scattered throughout Boston. Of course, these spots can be hard to come by, but with a little persistence and some help from a parking app like SpotHero or ParkWhiz, you should be able to find free parking in Boston.
- You can find parking spots along the edges of residential neighborhoods. Many of these areas have free on-street parking, although you may need to check for permits or time restrictions.
- Another option is to park in parking lots associated with parks or community centers. These lots are usually open to the public, and while they may be a bit farther from your destination than you’d like, they can be a great option for those who don’t mind walking a bit.
- Consider taking advantage of the Boston Public Library’s free parking program. All you need is a library card, and you’ll be able to park for free in select parking garages throughout the city. This is especially helpful if you decide to rent a car based on SIXT’s long-term car rental options.
Discover Park & Ride in Boston
Park & Ride is a great way to avoid Boston’s heavy traffic and simplify your commute. Boston has several different Park & Ride options, so the first step is to find one that’s convenient for you. Here’s how to get started:
- Visit the Massachusetts Department of Transportation website or use a navigation app to locate Park & Ride lots, many of which are located near major highways.
- Once you arrive at the Park & Ride location, park your car in a designated spot. Some lots require you to pay a fee, so make sure you have cash or a credit card on hand.
- Once you’ve parked your car, walk to the nearby transit station, where you’ll need to purchase a ticket to take the train or bus into the city.
Other FAQs
Are there further options for free parking in Boston?
Yes, there are several places where you can find free parking in Boston, but you have to know where to look. One place where to find free parking is in the residential areas of the city. Some neighborhoods, especially those further from downtown Boston, offer free street parking without any time restrictions. Another option for free parking in Boston is at certain MBTA stations, such as:
- Alewife Station
- Riverside Station
- Braintree Station
These stations have parking lots, and some of them offer free parking on weekends and holidays.
How much does it cost to park in Boston?
The cost of parking in Boston varies by location and time of day.
- In the downtown and waterfront areas, rates can range from $4 to $10 per hour
- Daytime rates in garages and lots can be as high as $40 for 8 hours, and overnight rates can reach up to $50
- Street parking is also available, but rates can be as high as $3.75 per hour and are enforced from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- In some residential areas, residents can apply for a street parking permit for a fee of $25 per year
What are the rules for metered parking in Boston?
In Boston, the meter parking rules vary by location:
- In most areas, meter parking hours are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
- Sundays and holidays are usually exempt from meter parking restrictions. The cost of metered parking varies by location but typically ranges from $0.50 to $3.00 per hour.
- Many areas have time limits of 1-2 hours for meter parking. After the maximum time limit is reached, drivers must move their vehicles to another spot to avoid receiving a parking ticket.
What is the cost of parking garages in Boston?
The cost of parking in Boston can vary considerably depending on the location and type of garage.
- On average, hourly rates for parking garages in Boston range from about $10 to $20 per hour.
- Most garages also offer daily and monthly rates, with prices starting at $25 per day for uncovered garages and $35 per day for covered garages.
- Monthly rates for parking garages in Boston vary based on the location, ranging from around $200 to $500 a month. This is a great option if you are choosing to rent a car with our SIXT+ car subscription in Boston, if you will be staying in Boston for an extended period of time.
