Parking in Seattle

Paid Parking: Rates and General Info

Last Updated March 16, 2009

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is committed to ensuring that on-street parking is managed to make the best use of limited curb space.  One way of achieving this is by using paid parking devices such as pay stations in areas where parking demand is especially high.  Currently, the City has more than 12,000 paid parking spaces, located primarily in downtown Seattle and nearby neighborhood business districts.  Paid parking helps encourage consistent turnover of spaces, especially where time-limit signs alone do not provide sufficient turnover.

Parking Rates

The 2009-10 budget adopted by the Seattle City Council in November 2008 included an increase in hourly on-street parking rates.  In January 2009, SDOT began implementing a citywide three-tiered rate system along with a rate increase in most neighborhoods.  The tiered rate system, first introduced in the South Lake Union neighborhood in 2007, recognizes that parking needs and demands vary by neighborhood.  The three-tiered system helps ensure that the parking rate is set appropriately with respect to demand, land use, and other transportation conditions in specific areas.

The new rates, along with new pay station graphics, will be rolled out neighborhood by neighborhood into April 2009.

The three tiered rates will be:

Unexpired time on a 2-hour receipt may be used at any other 2-hour metered or pay station space.  Unexpired time on a 10-hour receipt may be used only in another 10-hour space in the same neighborhood.  A 10-hour receipt is not valid for any 2-hour space. 

Pay station patrons may purchase time with credit card, debit card or cash.  The pay stations accept Visa and Master Card. Accepted coin denominations are $0.05, $0.10, $0.25 and $1.00.  There is a $0.25 minimum purchase for both credit/debit cards and coins at two-hour spaces.  At ten-hour spaces, the minimum purchase amount and increment for credit/debit cards and coins is one hour.

If a pay station patron paying by credit/debit card does not receive a receipt, the card will not be charged.  Please try again, following the instructions carefully, or try another pay station.  If still unable to obtain a receipt, please use coins.  Do not leave a vehicle parked without a valid receipt. 

Hours of Operation

Paid parking hours of operation are generally 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Saturday.  Parking may be pre-purchased as early as 4:00 am and will be in effect starting at 8:00 am.  Pay stations will not accept payment between 6:00 pm and 4:00 am.

Drivers should be aware that in some locations there are restricted parking hours to accommodate morning or evening rush hours.   Restricted hours are clearly noted on the face graphic on the pay stations, and on signs along the curb.  Please observe restricted hours - a vehicle parked during restricted hours could be towed.

Free Parking Days

All Sundays
January: January 1st* and the 3rd Monday
February:  The 3rd Monday
May:  The last Monday
July:  July 4th*
September:  The 1st Monday
November:  November 11th* and the 4th Thursday
December:  December 25th*

*If a date above falls on a Sunday, the Monday that follows is a free parking day.