Parking in Boulder

If you're looking for a spot to park and explore, we've got you covered! Boulder has intentionally protected its open spaces and sought to avoid urban sprawl, so while we tend to have narrower roadways and smaller parking lots, many areas of Boulder have ample parking and you will find a spot — even in our popular downtown core. Here's how to come prepared.

Where to Park in Boulder

The best resource for specific parking areas, pricing, hours and more is the City of Boulder's interactive parking map. On their webpage, zoom in to see a variety of parking options and click on an area to get all the details.

City of Boulder Parking Map

Click to open interactive map in new tab

Parking in Downtown Boulder

City Garages

Garages are your best bet for a spot if you're headed downtown. And they are free on weekends and holidays!

• Free on Saturdays, Sundays and city holidays
• Mon-Fri: First hour $1.75; hours 2-6 $1.25 per hour; hours 6-12 $15.99 flat rate; $3 flat rate if you enter and exit between 3pm and 3am
• Garages use gateless entry and payment. That means you don't need to take a ticket or pay at a window. Instead, look for the QR code on the wall of the parking garage to set up your payment or register online via Metropolis before parking. Once you register you will not need to do so again — and the next time you enter any of the city garages, the system will automatically recognize your vehicle and charge you for time parked.

Please note: Three parking garages will closed at different periods throughout the summer and fall of 2024:

• 14th and Walnut, June 9-28
• 10th and Walnut, July 7-Aug. 15
• 11th and Walnut, Sept. 3-19

Drivers can find additional parking at the 15th Street, Pearl Street and Spruce Street garages.

On-Street Parking

You'll find on-street parking throughout Boulder, and many spots are free. In the downtown and business districts, it's pay to park:

• Free on Sundays and city holidays
• Use the on-street meter kiosks, ParkMobile app or ParkMobile website (mobile friendly) 
• $1.50-$2.50 per hour, enforced Mon-Sat, 9am-7pm
• Most pay stations have a three-hour parking maximum.
• Saturdays: No maximum

City Surface Lots

These are similar to the city garages, but are above ground and uncovered.

• Free on Sundays and city holidays (a few lots around the Boulder Public Library are free on Saturdays, too)
• Use the on-lot meter kiosks, ParkMobile app or ParkMobile website (mobile-friendly)

Accessible Parking

CU Game-Day Parking

If you're in town for a Buffs' game, parking is available on CU's campus but is very limited. You’ll need to get there at least an hour before kickoff. CU's parking pages are the best source of info on where to park. Read our Game-Day Guide for more info on what to expect.

Parking on the Hill

On-street pay stations are available throughout "the Hill," or University Hill, which sits directly to the west—across Broadway—from campus. Most pay stations have a three-hour parking maximum here, and the city offers 15 minutes free (once per day/per license plate) at on-street stations. Pay stations charge a standard hourly rate of $1.50-$2.50 and can be paid via phone or card.

Parking Lots Parking Lot 065 is conveniently located on 13th and Pennsylvania in the heart of the Hill and is paid hourly (at the kiosk or via ParkMobile app) seven days a week. Another sizable lot is at 1038 14th and offers meter parking for $1.50 per hour, Monday through Saturday, 9am to 7pm. Sundays and Holidays are free at this lot.

Parking at Chautauqua