How To Get Free Parking in Boston
It’s no secret that parking in the Boston area is tough. Whether you’re commuting downtown, trying to get to an event, or even trying to get a spot in front of your own home - parking does not come easy.
However, if you’re willing to put in a little bit of effort - and have a little bit of luck - here are some ways you can get free parking in Boston.
Street Parking in Boston is Free on Sundays
Here’s an easy life hack - park on a Sunday. All meters are turned off and free on Sundays; so you can park anywhere in the metro area without worrying about getting a ticket. Just move your car before Monday morning!
This goes for federal major holidays as well - New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Metered Parking in Boston is Free after 8 p.m and before 8 a.m.
Metered parking is only enforced during the day, so you should be able to park for free in a metered spot overnight. Make sure your spot is metered, not residential, before parking at 8 p.m.
This isn’t a big secret, so spots can be hard to find. Try sneaking in there right when someone else’s 2-hour meter expires after 6 p.m.
Haymarket Center Garage — just $1
Okay, so this one technically isn’t free. But, if you park at the Haymarket Center Garage and get your parking validated, you can park for up to 3 hours for just $1.
South Boston - 12 Channel St Parking
This lot is walking-distance to most of South Boston’s hot spots, like the Lawn on D and Harpoon Brewery. It’s free for the first two hours, but the prices jump after that.
South End - Tremont + Washington Street
There’s a handful of free parking spaces for 2-hour parking on Tremont and Washington streets in Boston’s South End.
Camberville Typically Offers Free Parking Lots for Shoppers
If you’re outside the metro area and make your way over to Cambridge and Somerville, you may have more luck. There’s free parking for shoppers at Whole Foods, Assembly Square and Station Landing. Many of the MBTA stops in this area also offer free parking.
More Boston Free Parking Resources
Like I mentioned above, free parking in Boston requires some planning. Utilize these great resources to find free or cheap parking in Boston, Cambridge and beyond.