Finding a parking spot in Philadelphia can be the ultimate test of patience and sanity. The city’s streets are often congested with cars and seemingly endless rows of parking meters that drain your wallet faster than you can say “quarters.” And let’s not forget about the dreaded parking tickets that seem to appear out of thin air.
But what if I told you there’s a way to park for free in Philadelphia? Yes, you read that right – FREE parking! No more circling the block or frantically searching for spare change. In this article, we’ll uncover the best spots to park for free in Philadelphia and save you the headache (and expense) of traditional parking options.
Whether you’re a resident tired of paying exorbitant fees or a visitor trying to stretch your budget, we’ve got you covered. So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover the hidden gems of free parking in the City of Brotherly Love.
If you only got 30 seconds:
Discovering free parking in Philadelphia can be challenging, but not impossible. On the first Sunday of every month, on-street parking is free. No parking enforcement from 10 pm-6 am daily as long as it’s not a rush-hour zone. Additionally, various public parking lots or garages offer free parking during non-event hours, such as The Navy Yard and FDR Park.
Where to Find Free Parking in Philadelphia
Days and Times for Free Parking in Philadelphia
Philadelphia has specific days and times when parking is free. The following are the free parking days and hours:
- The first Sunday of every month, on-street parking is free.
- On holidays recognized by the city, there’s no charge for on-street parking except in areas that have a meter that states “parking enforced every day.”
- No parking enforcement from 10 pm-6 am daily as long as it’s not a rush-hour zone.
Parking for Free on the Streets of Philadelphia
Finding free street parking in Philadelphia can be challenging, but it’s possible. Here are some tips to help you find a spot:
- Look for residential areas where there are no meters or time restrictions.
- Park near parks or green spaces located away from the main roads.
- If you find a spot with no restrictions, be sure to read all posted signs carefully before leaving your car.
Public Parking Lots or Garages with Free Parking in Philadelphia
Free public parking lots can be found throughout Philadelphia. Here are some options:
The Navy Yard:
The Navy Yard provides free parking during non-event hours. The lot is located at Broad Street & Intrepid Avenue.
FDR Park:
FDR Park offers free parking at its southern end near Pattison Avenue and South Broad Street.
Note:
Be sure to check each facility’s website before visiting, as availability may change due to special events.
Finding Free Parking Near Popular Attractions in Philadelphia
It’s possible to find free parking near popular attractions in Philadelphia, such as the Liberty Bell or Independence Hall. Here are some tips:
- Park on residential streets away from the main attractions and walk to your destination.
- Use apps like SpotHero or ParkWhiz to find low-cost parking spots near popular locations.
- Try visiting during non-peak hours (early mornings or late evenings) when parking is easier to find.
Permits Required for Free Parking in Certain Areas of Philadelphia?
Some areas in Philadelphia may require permits for free parking. These areas are typically residential neighborhoods where parking is limited. Visitors can purchase temporary parking permits from the Philadelphia Parking Authority.
Tips for Finding Available Free Parking Spots in Busy Parts of Philadelphia
Finding available free parking spots in busy parts of Philadelphia can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Here are some tips:
- Arrive early before other drivers take up all the free spots.
- Look for side streets off busy roads where there might be less traffic and more available spaces.
- Be patient and persistent when driving around looking for a spot, but don’t block traffic while waiting for someone to leave their space.
Alternative Transportation Options to Avoid Parking Worries in Philadelphia
If you’re looking to avoid parking worries altogether, there are alternative transportation options available in Philadelphia.
Biking:
Philadelphia has an extensive bike network with over 300 miles of bike lanes and trails. Biking is an affordable and eco-friendly way to get around the city.
Public Transit:
Philadelphia has an extensive public transit system consisting of buses, subways, and trolleys. SEPTA provides regional rail service throughout the city and surrounding suburbs.
Ridesharing:
Services like Uber and Lyft are available in Philadelphia and can be a convenient way to get around without worrying about parking.
Tips for Finding Available Free Parking Spots in Busy Parts of Philadelphia
1. Plan ahead
Before heading out, research the area you will be visiting and look for available free parking spots. Check online maps or apps that show parking garages, lots, and street parking options. If possible, arrive early to increase your chances of finding a spot.
2. Avoid peak hours
Try to avoid peak hours when businesses are open or events are happening in the area. These times tend to be the busiest and finding an available free parking spot can be difficult.
3. Look for hidden gems
Explore side streets and residential areas near your destination. You may find hidden gems where parking is allowed without time limits or permit requirements.
4. Use technology to your advantage
There are several apps available that help drivers find available free parking spots in busy parts of the city. Examples include ParkMe, SpotHero, and BestParking.
5. Utilize public transportation
If finding a free parking spot is proving difficult, consider utilizing public transportation instead. Philadelphia has an extensive network of buses, trains, and trolleys that can get you where you need to go quickly and easily.
Alternative Transportation Options to Avoid Parking Worries in Philadelphia
1. Bike Share Program
Philadelphia has a bike share program called “Indego” with over 1400 bikes available at more than 130 stations throughout the city. This is a great option for short trips around town without worrying about finding parking.
2. Ride-Sharing Services
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Philadelphia and offer convenient transportation options without the hassle of driving or finding a place to park.
3. Walking
Philadelphia is a very walkable city, and many of the popular neighborhoods and attractions are within walking distance of each other. Take advantage of the city’s pedestrian-friendly streets and explore on foot.
4. Public Transportation
Philadelphia has an extensive public transportation system with buses, trains, trolleys, and subways that cover most areas of the city. The SEPTA Key card makes it easy to pay for fares and transfer between modes of transportation.
5. Car Rental
If you need a car for a longer period of time or for trips outside of the city, consider renting a car instead of driving your own vehicle into the busy parts of Philadelphia. Several rental car companies have locations throughout the city.
In conclusion, Philadelphia offers numerous free parking options for visitors and residents to ensure easy access to its many attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions – Where to Park for Free in Philadelphia
Is there a free parking app in Philly?
You can find ParkWhiz, SpotHero, and SpotAngels mobile apps on both the App Store and Google Play. These apps help users find parking spots and navigate parking regulations. The information is accurate as of October 12th, 2021.
Where is the cheapest place to park at PHL?
The most affordable options for long-term parking at the PHL airport are the economy lot and off-site parking lots nearby. By using the ParkON service to reserve a parking spot, customers can save up to 60%, such as paying only $70 for a full week of parking at an off-airport lot.
Where can I park in Center City for free?
In Center City, free parking is available on select streets, such as Locust Street and Spruce Street near Rittenhouse Square. Although there are fewer spots near Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, drivers can still find free parking on Chestnut Street. However, the availability of free parking is limited overall.
How much does it cost to park in downtown Philadelphia?
To park on the streets of Philadelphia, you will need to pay $2 per hour for metered parking. You can use coins or SmartCards as payment. The Philadelphia Parking Authority has been adding meter kiosks throughout the city for convenience.
Is it hard to find parking in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia ranks as one of the most pedestrian-friendly cities in the United States with easy access to public transportation. The only challenge is finding a place to park your car. Fortunately, Philadelphia has many metered parking spots available throughout the city, making them ideal for short stays of an hour or two.
How much is street parking in Center City Philadelphia?
In Philadelphia, parking on the street with meters costs $2 per hour and payments can be made with coins or SmartCards. To improve convenience, the Philadelphia Parking Authority has been adding meter kiosks around the city that accept coins, bills, credit cards, and SmartCards.
Nick Renford is a seasoned traveler and parking expert who is passionate about helping people find the best parking spots and save money on parking fees. With his insider knowledge and commitment to providing trustworthy information, Nick is dedicated to empowering readers to make informed parking decisions.