Let’s be real, parking in NYC is super stressful. As if driving in the city wasn’t enough to get your blood pumping, finding affordable, safe parking that won’t result in getting your car towed can feel like navigating a minefield. That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate guide to parking in NYC, so you’ll never find your palms sweating on the steering wheel while searching for a parking spot again.
See also: The 25 Best Things To Do In New York City
Here’s the deal: 9 times of 10, your best bet for parking in NYC is going to be SpotHero. This ingenious app allows you to reserve a parking spot ahead of time for events happening in NYC. For example, if you’re headed to Madison Square Garden, navigate to SpotHero’s Madison Square Garden parking page, choose your event and reserve a spot. Admittedly, parking via SpotHero is not always the cheapest option, but it can often be the least stressful. You can also try exploring the event’s website to see parking options, including reservations that can be made in advance.
SpotHero also provides reservations for monthly parking in NYC. As does SpotAngels, is an excellent database of parking options in the city. We recommend being flexible when it comes to monthly parking, as a spot can cost over $500 on average, meaning being willing to park in Queens, Brooklyn or the Bronx can save you considerable money.
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Metered parking in the city range from $1.25 to $7.50 depending on the location and duration of how long you park. See here for a detailed list of rates. However, metered parking regulations are not in effect on Sundays, so go ham and enjoy a long brunch. If you do choose to opt for metered parking, be sure to use the ParkNYC app to make the payment process a breeze.
One of the best things about NYC is how navigable the public transportation system is. As such, one of the most cost-effective ways to park overnight is to leave your car across the river in New Jersey. Doing so will allow you to avoid paying the tolls to enter Manhattan, which can cost up to $23. We recommend searching for overnight parking in Hoboken using SpotAngels, and then taking the PATH into Manhattan for $2.75. Or park in New York state using this database of Park & Ride spots, which are usually free, with many locations having dedicated overnight parking spaces.
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First thing’s first: Read any and all parking signs. NYC has alternate side parking once or twice a week, which are times in which cars can only park on one side of the street to allow street cleaners space. During these times, sides of the street are blocked off for a few hours, and any cars in the way will get ticketed if not towed. Learn more about alternate side parking here. Additionally, be sure to never double park your car and never park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
Photography by: Philey Sanneh/BFA.com; Madison McGaw/BFA.com
