Some say I-35 is a parking lot...
...and depending on the time of the day, we can't argue. But this guide is about ACTUAL parking in Austin, which is a whole other headache for locals, especially if you're short on cash. If you've ever gone somewhere (especially around downtown) and realized a little too late how expensive it's going to be just to park your car, we've been there.
But it doesn't have to be this way, if you know where to look! We searched high and low for the best free and cheap parking options around the city. Bookmark this page so you'll know where to go before you buckle up. Pro Tip: Always remember to drive safely, be courteous, and show up EARLY. Affordable parking spots go quick!
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First Up: Use the Park ATX app
We know you're probably tired of so many apps on your phone, but this one is worth it, trust us. The Park ATX app can actually save you money compared to paying at the meter. You'll have the ability to extend your session remotely without returning to your car, and you can receive alerts before your time expires. And if you stop your session early, you'll receive credit back for the unused time.
PLUS: Use promo codes FREE15ATX1 and FREE15ATX2 for a total of 30 free minutes of parking. For quick errands downtown, those codes can completely cover your parking session, or you can use each of them separately for different sessions.
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photo via spb
One of Downtown's Best Deals - The Capitol Visitors Parking Garage
If you're visiting downtown during the day, the Capitol Visitors Parking Garage is arguably the best garage bargain in Austin.
- The first two hours are completely FREE.
- After that, parking costs just $1 every 30 minutes.
- Daily maximum is $12.
Weekend pricing can vary for special events, but during a normal weekday it's one of the cheapest covered parking options anywhere downtown.
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UT Parking Garages: Cheaper Than Downtown Garages??
Many Austinites overlook UT garages when heading to campus, the Capitol or the northern edge of downtown.
Most UT garages charge:
- $3 for the first 30 minutes
- $6 for up to two hours
- $9 for up to three hours
- $17 for up to eight hours
- $18 for a full day
The hidden gem is the East Campus Garage:
- $5 for up to five hours
- $7 for up to twelve hours
- $14 for an entire day
If you're spending an afternoon near the Capitol, Moody Center, Dell Medical School or the east side of downtown (like the Red River Cultural District), East Campus Garage can be substantially cheaper than nearby private garages.
**Keep in mind that special event pricing may apply during football games, concerts and major campus events.
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Get 2 Hours of Free Parking Downtown Just by Shopping or Dining
The Downtown Patron Parking Program offers free two-hour validated parking when you support participating downtown businesses.
The program was created to help businesses impacted by the Austin Convention Center redevelopment project and runs from February 23 thru August 30, 2026. Customers who make purchases at participating businesses can receive validation for two free hours of parking while supplies last. Note that vouchers are NOT valid on the 4th of July holiday.
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Affordable Downtown Parking for Service Industry Workers
The Affordable Parking Program is a partnership between the City of Austin and the Downtown Austin Alliance designed to make downtown more accessible for hospitality and service industry workers.
Eligible downtown service and entertainment employees can purchase monthly parking at reduced rates in participating garages. Depending on the garage, parking may be available as early as 3 p.m. and as late as 7 a.m. during weekdays, with up to 24 hours of parking available on weekends. For a list of garages, go here.
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photo via expedia
East Austin's Free Parking Window
Parking between IH-35 and Chicon Street from East 4th Street to East 7th Street follows one of Austin's most lax enforcement schedules.
Meters are only enforced:
- Tuesday through Saturday
- 6 p.m. to midnight
That means parking is FREE:
- All day Sunday
- All day Monday
- During daytime hours Tuesday through Saturday
There are a handful of exceptions nearby, so always check posted signs before leaving your vehicle.
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Rainey's Best Parking Deal
After three years, the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center parking lot has reopened. The lot offers more than 100 parking spaces along with EV charging stations and is one of the better options for Rainey Street visitors. You can pay thru the Park ATX app, but if you're just coming specifically to visit the MACC, your parking is FREE.
Parking rates:
- Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.: $2 per hour with a five-hour limit
- Monday through Saturday after 6 p.m.: $5 flat rate
- Sundays: Free parking
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Free Street Parking Every Sunday Near Barton Springs
Street parking around Barton Springs Road and South Lamar is free on Sundays.
That includes many spaces along:
- Barton Springs Road
- Toomey Road
- Lee Barton Drive
- Surrounding side streets
Meters in this area are generally enforced Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. until midnight, making Sunday one of the best times to visit Zilker Park, the trail or nearby restaurants without paying for parking.
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photo via city of austin
If you purchased a Barton Springs Pool or Deep Eddy Pool summer swim pass, you're eligible for a free season parking pass.
To get it:
- Search your email for your Parks and Recreation purchase confirmation.
- Take a screenshot of the receipt or confirmation email.
- Email the screenshot to the Aquatics Division office.They'll help you obtain your seasonal parking permit.
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- New Year's Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas Day
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Know of any other parking hacks around the city?
Clue us in.
