Raise your hand if downtown parking makes your palms sweat. Now, keep them raised if you’ve ever circled to find a spot, cried a little, then just decided to leave. Well, stress no more, we’re here to take the pressure out of parking downtown.
Who’s who
One of the most common parking providers downtown is SAPark. The City of San Antonio Parking Division manages and operates city-owned garages, lots, and meters. Think: The Central Library garage.
SP Plus manages various private lots around downtown, like the Metropolis lot near Frost Tower.
LAZ Parking is another private lot company that manages hotspots like the Historic Pearl or the lots near Hemisfair.
Business or family-owned lots appear in unlikely places like a resident’s backyard or a business’s usual parking lot during big downtown celebrations like Fiesta.
Rates
SAPark applies fees that will vary based on location:
- On-street at the meter or SAPark: 2 hours = $1.80/per hr.
- City Lots + Garages: Daily rates are from $2 to $10
The same variance applies for SP Plus + LAZ Parking. If you’re a visual learner like us, take a look at this map of city-owned garages in preparation for your next downtown outing.
Pro tips
We come bearing the best insider tips when it comes to parking throughout San Antonio. Here’s what we got:
- For big events like Fiesta, voting, or UTSA football games, check the VIA Park & Ride schedule. It’s low-cost and you skip the parking lot traffic.
- If you find yourself visiting the Historic Pearl during the week, parking is free Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Downtown Tuesday offers free parking every Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. at city-operated parking garages, lots, and meters.
We have just scratched the surface of parking, take a look at our guide on parking permits and see if you can save some extra cash and avoid a headache.
Spoiler alert: Hybrid/EV placard vehicles are allowed to park for free at downtown street parking meters or street pay station.
