Guide to Parking in Boulder

Whether you live, work, or play in Boulder, we’ve got a spot for you. This page will help you get up to speed on parking options.

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Car parked in parking space

Upcoming Changes

After 46 years of service, it's time to retire the downtown garage gates and take a leap forward in technology and innovation.

On Oct. 1, 2023, the City of Boulder downtown garages rolled out a fully gateless system that allows seamless access without waiting in long lines. Once you've registered the first time you'll never need to stop to pay, simply drive in and drive out to start and end your parking session.

Pay parking citations or purchase parking permits

Overview of Parking in Boulder's Commercial Districts

City Owned Garages

Best parking for sessions longer than an hour.

  1. Monday - Friday
    • 1st Hour: $1.75
    • 2nd- 6th Hour: $1.25/hr
    • 6-12 Hours: $15.99
    • 3 p.m.- 3a.m.*: $3

    Rates valid as of Oct. 1, 2023 and are inclusive of fees

    *$3 flat rate only applies if you enter and exit between 3 p.m. and 3 a.m.
    If you park longer than 12 hours the rate structure starts over.

    More information about City of Boulder Parking Garages.

  2. Weekends & Holidays
    • FREE
    • Many downtown businesses validate parking. Be sure to ask.

On-Street Paid Parking

  1. Monday - Saturday
    • 15 Minutes or Less: FREE
      To park up to 15 minutes for free, you must initiate a parking session using a parking app or pay station.
    • 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.: $1.50-$2.00 per hour. Please see posted time limits.
    • 7 p.m. – 9 a.m.: FREE
    • **In the summer months on weekends and holidays, pay parking on-street is in effect in and around popular Chautauqua Park from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. while the free Park to Park shuttle runs. Visit the Park to Park Shuttle webpage for more details.**
  2. Sundays & Holidays
    • FREE**
    • **In the summer months on weekends and holidays, pay parking on-street is in effect in and around popular Chautauqua Park from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. while the free Park to Park shuttle runs. Visit the Park to Park Shuttle webpage for more details.**

Other Options

Are you tired of searching for parking? Boulder offers some great multi-modal travel options, including walking, biking, and bus transit.

Contact Community Vitality Parking and Access Services