Guide to Downtown Parking in Raleigh: Where To Find The Best Spaces

Navigating parking in downtown Raleigh doesn’t have to be difficult if you know your options. To help you figure out where to park your car, this guide covers everything you need to know about street parking, parking lots, parking garages, and where to find accessible spaces and EV charging points.

Street Parking

Street parking is available throughout downtown Raleigh, with most spaces located near popular attractions, restaurants, and businesses. Street parking is best for those who are only visiting downtown for a short period of time or visit in the evening to go to an event or downtown restaurant. However, finding a space during peak hours and special events can be challenging.

The city has implemented a mix of metered parking and time-limited spots to manage the competitive demand, but it’s still a gamble if you will find a space. Metered parking is typically found along major streets such as Fayetteville Street, Hargett Street, and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Parking meters usually operate during the day with rates varying depending on the location. 

We are frequently coming into the city for work, various events, leisure on all days of the week and times and rarely do we struggle to find parking. Unless there is a big event on. We have to add in extra time to find parking or park in a garage instead. We’re also fine to park a little further away and walk. That may not be doable for all people though.

We often park in the Boylan Heights neighborhood, Glenwood Ave neighborhood, or the neighborhood behind Hillsborough St, the South West End neighborhood where street parking is free and then walk into the city. If parking in neighborhoods, pay attention to residential parking zones and permits. For a capital city, I find parking in Raleigh cheap and accessible.

Costs

Street parking in downtown Raleigh generally operates on a pay-by-the-hour basis. The typical rate is $1.25 -1.50 per hour. All downtown areas, including Glenwood South, require payment from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday thru Friday. The Hillsborough Street District (NC State University area) require payment from 8am-8pm, Monday-Friday.

Parking is free on Saturdays and Sundays and city-recognized holidays, as well as in the evenings. Signage is very prevalent so you can’t go wrong if you forget the times. Pay Stations and Passport Parking app are clear with parking times, and they REFUSE to let you pay if you try during those free parking hours.

Payment Methods

You can pay for street parking using coins, credit/debit cards, or the Passport Parking app – this allows you to pay via your smartphone and even extend your time remotely which we find handy. NOTE: If you pay for the full 2-hour time limit up front, you cannot extend your time in the same spot, you have to move to a different zone!

How to use the Passport Parking App:

I’ve heard of the Passport parking app stressing residents out, especially if you’re dealing with challenging internet connection. I love it and find it so useful, especially if you need to add on time (within that allowed minutes) and you can add time on from wherever you are. No more sprinting back to the car to avoid getting a fine. Using the app is so easy.

1. Download it onto your phone and set up your account before leaving your home.
2. Add the details of all your vehicles into the app.
3. Set up your payment cards.
4. When you park in a spot, find the Passport Parking App sign which will have a 4-digit location identity number (you may need to walk a bit to the nearest one). The app does a terrible job of using it’s Big Brother capabilities of recognizing this for you.
5. Go into the app and select New Session.
6. Select the appropriate vehicle
7. Choose your timeframe. The app will not let you choose time beyond the allowed limits.
8. Select your payment method and submit.
9. Allow notifications from the app as it will tell you when your time is nearly up. You can then either add more time (if allowed) or get back to your car to move it.

Time Limits

Most street parking spots have a two-hour limit, meaning you can only park for a maximum of 2 hours before you have to leave. Some locations may have different restrictions or time limits, so do check the signage in the area you park before leaving. On weekends there are no time limits as it’s all free!

Overnight Parking

We regularly park our car overnight on the street in Downtown Raleigh, as driving under the influence is never a good idea. We’ve never had a problem, and it’s unlikely someone would break into your vehicle, but since it’s on the street, the opportunity is there. However, be cautious with overnight parking on the street in metered street parking spots on weekdays as restrictions start early in the morning at 8am. If this is the case for you, note down the Passport Parking app zone so you can pay for two hours and give you until 10am to pick up your car! I told you the app was great!

Also pay attention in case there are other restrictions to be aware of. It may turn into a no parking zone due to festivals or commuter hour traffic lanes, or loading zones etc. There may also be an event happening the next day which will close off street parking. Usually there are paper signs nearby warning of this, but it can be easy to miss. We’ve been towed before because of this. The one and only time twenty years ago! Downtown Raleigh has several parking garages that provide convenient and secure options for longer stays and overnight parking.

City-Owned Parking Garages

Raleigh’s city-owned parking garages are spread across downtown, and they typically charge $1.50 per hour, with a daily maximum of $14. But with rising costs in Raleigh, make sure you always check as it could be more, and they do vary between parking garages.

• Three parking decks, the Performing Arts deck and the Convention Center/ Charter Square underground decks are $3 per hour, up to a daily maximum of $15.
• For special events (large downtown activity which generates 10,000 or more attendees.), the parking rate is flat $10.
• Parking in some locations of City Owned Parking Decks may be restricted to a 3-hour time limit. These spaces are typically located in the lower levels and are for those customers with shorter stays
• Most of the city-owned garages are managed by The Car Park and can be paid for using the Passport App.
• Some of the prominent city-owned garages are as follows:

Wilmington Street Station

Accessible from S Blount Street and Wilmington Street, close to the State Capitol and museums. The first two hours are $1 per hours, and $2 for each additional hour. The max rate is $14 and has a flat rate of $5 on Friday and Saturday nights after 5 PM. Click here for the official location.

Moore Square Parking Deck

Situated near Moore Square and City Market, perfect for access to these cultural hubs and for events. The first 15 minutes are free, and then it’s $1 per hour for the first 2 hours, and $2 per hour for every hour after. There’s a daily maximum of $14 and a $10 charge for special event parking.

This is a good parking garage for those looking for overnight parking because it’s free from 7 PM to 7 AM Monday – Thursday, except for during nights of special events. We have parked our car here overnight on several occasions. Note that your vehicle must be under 6′ 6″ for this parking garage. Click here for the official location.

Convention Center

The parking lot for the Raleigh Convention Center is right across the road from the Convention Center and is managed by The Car Park, formerly known as McLaurin Parking, making it convenient for event attendees. The downside to the Convention Center is that it’s a bit more expensive. It’s free for the first 15 minutes, and then $3 per hour thereafter with a maximum of $15. However, it’s a 24/7 space and has security on the ground floor.

There is also another parking lot right next door, which is an outdoor lot that’s ideal for those who have vans or high clearance vehicles. Click here for the official location.

Private Garages and Parking Lots

In addition to city-owned options, there are privately operated garages and private parking lots throughout downtown. These may have varying rates, often starting around $2 per hour, with daily maximums ranging from $10 to $20, depending on the location. We parked near the Sheraton Raleigh hotel for an event recently and were shocked to be charged $26 for about three hours. I’s definitely getting more expensive so pay attention to costs before parking there. Some popular private parking garages are:

• Pullen Park Parking Deck: While primarily for Pullen Park visitors, it’s also a good option if you’re near that area or if you plan to explore Hillsborough Street.
• The Dillon: This mixed-use development has a parking garage that serves both residents and visitors, good location near CAM Raleigh.
• One City Plaza Garage: Conveniently located near Fayetteville Street.
• Lane Lot: A convenient private garage near the NC State Capitol, a great spot for museum hopping.

Parking Validation for Nearby Businesses

Some parking lots or garages (both city-owned and private) may allow free parking if you visit an establishment in the district the parking is serving. The private parking deck near the Depot in the Warehouse District also allows you to do this. But BE WARNED, they have a TERRIBLE system, you have to pay first via their not-so-user-friendly app. Then you have to keep the app open and get it validated as soon as you e.g. buy a coffee at Black and White.

If you get distracted by conversations with the person you are meeting for coffee and haven’t seen in a year, and don’t do this immediately, the validation part to the app will disappear. There is NO WAY to get it back, even if you realize five minutes later. And then you’re paying for very expensive parking. That is my least favorite parking lot in Raleigh, and I never park there anymore.

Evening and Weekend Rates

Many garages offer discounted evening and weekend rates, often charging a flat fee of around $5 for parking after 5 PM or on weekends. They may also have flat parking rates (in particular parking lots) for special events. Private parking lots can charge anywhere from $5 – $20+.

Where to Find Accessible Parking

The City of Raleigh has accessible parking spaces placed strategically on the first floor of most parking garages to ensure convenience for those with disabilities and mobility issues Some of the most popular parking decks with accessible spaces are:

• Wilmington Street Station Parking Deck: This deck offers accessible parking spaces on multiple levels.
• Convention Center: Has 22 accessible parking available on its first floor.
• Moore Square: Has 16 accessible spaces.
• City Center/ Red Hat Amphitheatre: Has 19 accessible spaces.

Many metered street parking spaces throughout downtown are designated as accessible. Look for the blue signage indicating accessible parking. These spaces are typically located near entrances to buildings, restaurants, and shops. Pay stations have been programmed to enable those with valid handicap placards or license plates to purchase as much time as they may need over the designated time limit in one payment to avoid making return visits.  

Monthly Parking Options

For those who work or spend extended periods downtown, monthly parking permits are available in many garages. Prices vary but typically range from $100 to $150 per month. Some of the most popular monthly parking options are:

• City Market Deck: This parking lot connects to the historic City Market shopping area and offers easy access to restaurants and shops, with monthly fees of around $80, it’s one of the most affordable monthly parking lots in downtown.
• Wilmington Street Station: This garage is centrally located and is popular among commuters. If you are looking for monthly parking whilst traveling in to work, the price for monthly parking is around $125.
• Moore Square Lot: Another popular option in the heart of downtown, offering monthly parking. Prices vary depending on how many months you plan to rent for. 
• The Dillon: Since it connects to a residential building, monthly parking prices for The Dillon are reasonable. The typical monthly charge for this parking garage is $135

Parking with Electric Vehicle Charging

Several downtown garages offer EV charging stations for electric vehicles. The Convention Center and Wilmington Street Station garages are the most popular ones to use with charging facilities because they are affordable, safe, and have wider spaces to drive in and out of. Before you head off, be sure to check whether there are issues with EV charging stations beforehand by looking on SeeClickFix.

Tips for Parking in Downtown Raleigh

• Plan Ahead: Use apps like Parkopedia or SpotHero to check availability and reserve a spot in advance, especially during events.
• Look for Free Parking: On Evenings, weekends and holidays, take advantage of free street parking.
• Watch for Time Limits: Pay attention to the time limits for street parking to avoid fines.
• Consider Park and Ride: If you are coming from other towns in the Triangle region, consider a park and ride option, which allows you to save on gas and catch a bus into downtown Raleigh instead of driving.
• Consider Walking: If you’re open to a short walk, parking in a less busy area can save you time and money.
• Know your fines: The current fine for city owned parking is $20.00 plus a late fee of $20.00 if not paid within 21 days of issuance.

Final Thoughts

Parking in downtown doesn’t have to be a chore, but with the number of options, a bit of foreplanning helps to make finding a space a little less stressful. We hope this guide helped you feel well-prepared to navigate downtown Raleigh’s parking options efficiently. We have more tips on getting around Raleigh