The thought of finding parking in the energetic metropolis of Boston can be daunting to a tourist or new transplant.
Crowds of pedestrians, congested traffic, and construction can all damper your search for the perfect affordable parking spot. And let’s not forget about dodging all the potholes in the process!
Fortunately, with a little pre-travel insight on parking options and rates, you will feel mentally and financially prepared for your parking search.
Boston Parking Options and Prices
Here are your Boston parking options and their corresponding rates!
Parking With Parking Meters in Boston
Metered parking rates in Boston, like any other city, can vary greatly depending on where you visit.
To get an idea of what you’ll be paying, here are some metered parking rates for various Boston neighborhoods:
- The Back Bay and South Boston Waterfront offer rates at $3.75 per hour. South Boston Waterfront’s D Street has rates of $2.50 per hour. Some areas of Back Bay offer rates of $0.50 for 15 minutes (30-minute maximum).
- Bulfinch Triangle and Fenway offer rates at $2.50 per hour.
- All other meters in Boston sit at a rate of $2 per hour.
- Motorcycle parking stalls are situated throughout the city, and rates are set to $0.50 per hour.
Another thing to keep in mind is that Boston parking meters are enforced from Monday to Saturday, between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., and only allow you to park for two hours.
But are there any free parking options in the area? There will be free parking available at metered spots on Sundays and specific holidays. Free metered parking holidays include the following:
- New Year’s Day
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Presidents’ Day
- Evacuation Day
- Patriots Day
- Memorial Day
- Bunker Hill Day
- Juneteenth
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Indigenous Peoples’ Day
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
Parking Garage Rates in Boston
Parking garages can offer several benefits, including security, protection from the elements, and general peace of mind.
Boston offers a variety of parking garages to choose from, with rates typically hovering at $10 for the first hour. However, most garages set a maximum rate. Generally, a full day of parking can cost anywhere from $20 to $60.
Here are some parking garages that you may want to check out for hourly/daily parking:
- Boston Common Garage is in the heart of Boston with a maximum rate of $38
- Boston Harbor Garage, which is a convenient one-minute walk from the New England Aquarium and has a maximum rate of $40. It’s also a short drive from Boston Logan International Airport and other long term airport parking.
- Copley Place Central Garage, which stands at the center of a shopping mall, offers a maximum rate of $45.
- 660 Washington Street Garage, which is right near Chinatown and has a maximum rate of $31.
Weekend and Night Rates
For those drivers who need to park during the evenings or weekends, several garages offer discounted rates that can make parking more affordable. Most garages offer night and weekend rates in the $10 to $20 range.
The Boston Common Garage provides a special night rate for vehicles entering after 4 a.m. and exiting by 6 a.m., with a maximum rate of $20. Another great option is the Garage at Post Office Square, which offers a flat rate of $9 for weekends and nights. These can be great options if you’re attending an evening event or having a late dinner in the city.
Long-Term Parking Rates
If you’ve recently moved to the Boston area or are planning to visit for a month or longer, you might need a long-term parking solution where you pay per month rather than per day.
Boston offers a range of monthly parking options. Depending on the location and facility, monthly parking costs can range from $75 to $700. The Constitution Center Lot seems to be one of the cheapest options at $75 per month.
Monthly parking can be a cost-effective option for frequent visitors or new residents renting an apartment complex without on-site parking or a home without a garage or carport. Use Neighbor–the largest, peer-to-peer parking marketplace–to find monthly parking options in Boston, MA.
Special Event Parking
Knowing where to park when attending a special event can make all the difference.
During events at venues like Symphony Hall and Fenway Park, the Westland Avenue Garage offers an event parking rate of $30.99 with fees included. You have to reserve the parking spot online, and the garage will provide you with a time slot.
Grabbing a reserved spot will also reduce event stress, allowing you to focus on the experience rather than parking concerns!
Free Parking Options
If you’re on a tight budget, Boston also has some free parking options!
Metered spots are free on Sundays and holidays. Parking is also free from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., Monday to Saturday.
You may also find free parking in residential areas. Just ensure there aren’t any parking regulations or restriction signs before you leave the car. Some neighborhoods and streets will require you to have a permit, so keep your eyes peeled!
Boston Parking Tips
Here are some tips to keep in mind when looking for parking in Boston.
Use the ParkBoston App for Convenience
Metered parking can sometimes be a pain, especially if you aren’t regularly carrying cash or coins on you. Luckily, Boston has a parking app called ParkBoston.
The app allows you to pay online for parking at meters with a designated ParkBoston sign. You’ll also get alerts when your parking time is about to expire, which gives you time to add more money if needed.
Park in MBTA and Park and Ride Lots for Easy Travel
Parking at MBTA lots may help reduce city driving anxiety. You can park here for fees ranging from $2 to $15 and the lots are located near public transportation for convenient traveling. Simply park, pay for your spot, buy a transportation ticket, and explore!
Park and rides are another option where you can park in a designated lot for free and carpool or take public transportation. Most park-and-rides are right outside Boston like the Weston Park and Ride, which has 100 spots.
Final Thoughts
Before visiting (or moving to) Boston, you’ll want to do a bit of research on parking in the area, especially if you’re planning an extended stay.
Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a long-term visitor, or just someone who wants to reduce their car dependency, you will need long-term car storage. Neighbor, a peer-to-peer car storage marketplace, offers nationwide car storage options with prices up to 50% cheaper than traditional storage choices!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does Park Per Day Cost in Boston?
For a full day of parking, your best option is a parking garage. The lowest amount you’ll pay for this space type is typically $10 for an hour, with the average maximum rate at around $40/hour.
How Do I Avoid Paying for Parking in Boston?
It’s challenging to find free parking without needing a permit. To avoid parking fees, you should park in metered spots after 8 p.m.
