When the weekend rolls around, many drivers assume parking will be just as pricey—or harder to find—than on weekdays. But in reality, weekend parking is one of the most underused cost-saving opportunities in cities across the country. From relaxed enforcement zones to hidden-rate garages, there are weekend-specific deals that can cut your parking bill significantly—if you know where to look.
Here’s how to uncover and take advantage of the weekend parking perks most people overlook.
Look for Flat-Rate Weekend Garage Pricing
Many commercial garages in business districts experience a drop in demand on Saturdays and Sundays. To fill those empty spots, they offer flat-rate weekend pricing, sometimes as low as $5–$10 for the entire day. While weekday hourly rates might exceed $4–6 per hour, weekend rates are often capped.
Apps like SpotHero and ParkWhiz let you filter by date and see weekend specials in real time. Always check if the “weekend rate” applies to both Saturday and Sunday, as some garages may offer deals for one but not the other.
Take Advantage of Free Metered Parking
Many cities suspend meter enforcement on Sundays and even late Saturdays in some areas. For instance:
- Los Angeles offers free metered parking on Sundays (except in posted active zones).
- Washington, D.C. suspends meter payments on Sundays and holidays.
- San Francisco has limited free meter periods in residential and park areas.
Before you assume, always confirm enforcement hours via the city’s official parking website or mobile meter app. You can often find neighborhood-specific rules online.
College Campuses and Municipal Lots Open to the Public
Universities and government buildings that restrict parking during weekdays often open their lots to the public on weekends. These lots tend to be centrally located and underutilized. Check nearby city or campus websites—some even publish weekend-only parking availability for visitors.
Hotel and Private Lot Sharing Apps
Apps like Neighbor and Spacer allow individuals and businesses to rent unused parking spaces, including weekend-only slots. You may find discounted weekend access to a residential or commercial lot just a few blocks from your destination.
Use Public Transit to Bridge the Gap
If you’re visiting a major city, park just outside the core area and ride transit into the center. Weekend schedules are lighter, and garages near rail stations often charge less. Pair this strategy with park-and-ride lots that have little-to-no weekend enforcement.
Use Cashback Apps for Extra Weekend Savings
Even if you’re parking for less, you can still stretch your dollars by stacking deals. Cashback platforms like Rakuten, Ibotta, and Fluz let you earn cashback when booking through participating parking services or paying with digital gift cards. For example, buying a Fluz gift card for Park ‘N Fly or other supported parking merchants can net you instant rewards—even on already discounted weekend rates.
Watch for Street Closure Loopholes
During weekend street festivals or events, nearby garages may drop rates to encourage traffic away from closed roads. Even if you’re not attending the event, this can be a great way to score cheap parking while visiting another part of the city.
