Best Parking Apps for San Francisco Meters
ParkMobile stands out as the best app for San Francisco meters. It works directly with SFMTA to pay meters by phone. You enter the zone number and license plate. No need to feed coins or cards.
San Francisco meters run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. most days. Many charge on Saturdays too. Use apps to avoid tickets from enforcement officers who check plates electronically.
Top Apps Compared
Here is a quick look at the best apps for SF meters and parking:
| App | Best For | Key Features | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| ParkMobile | Paying meters | Official SFMTA app, pay by zone, extend time remotely | Free app, pay per use |
| SpotAngels | Finding rules & free spots | Street cleaning alerts, meter rates, sign photos from users | Free, premium trial $9.99/week |
| Parknav | Spot availability | Real-time maps show open meters, high/low availability colors | Free |
| SpotHero | Garages & lots | Book ahead, lowest prices on 100s of spots | Free app, pay per booking |
| Ticketless | Rules & alerts | Location-based rules, tow-away notifications | Free |
ParkMobile handles 24,000 metered spaces. Meters take coins, cards, or apps. Always check signs for time limits. You can't pay past the max stay.
How to Use ParkMobile for Meters
- Download from app store.
- Find the zone number on the meter decal.
- Enter zone, plate, and time.
- Pay with card. Officers see your session even if meter looks expired.
SpotAngels helps most drivers avoid tickets. It shows meter hours, rates, and cleaning times per block. Set reminders via car Bluetooth.
Parknav uses maps with colors: green for high availability, red for low. Users love it for quick street spots near meters.
For garages in busy 94103, SpotHero offers the best deals. Prices beat on-site rates by up to 50%. Book 8-hour spots for $10-20 less than walk-up.
Ticketless pulls rules by GPS. It alerts for street cleaning so you move on time. Join the waitlist if needed; it's free forever.
Tips to Save Time and Money
- Check apps before circling blocks. Parknav shows real-time open spots.
- Read signs: Color curbs block EVs and all cars.
- Extend sessions remotely with ParkMobile to skip trips back.
- In 94103, meters fill fast. Reserve garages via SpotHero.
Sidekick tracks your parking costs across cities like SF. It shows how apps cut your ownership expenses. Most drivers save $200+ yearly on tickets and hunts.[context]
Stay safe. Double-check plates and zones. These apps work for typical cars in SF.