---
title: "Austin Meter Parking Costs 2026: Rates in 78701"
description: "Austin meters cost $2/hour first two hours, up to $5/hour. See full rates, enforcement hours, fines, and tips for 78701. Free Sundays. Save with Park ATX app"
canonical: "https://sidekick.vin/answers/how-much-does-parking-cost-at-austin-meters"
type: "qa"
vertical: "parking"
lastModified: "2026-03-30T02:05:38.929Z"
keywords: ["Austin meter parking cost", "Austin parking rates 78701", "downtown Austin meter fees", "Park ATX rates 2026", "Austin street parking prices"]
---
# How much does parking cost at Austin meters?

> **Quick Answer:** Austin meter parking starts at $2 per hour for the first two hours from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Rates rise to $5 per hour after six hours. Evening parking after 6 p.m. costs a $5 flat fee until 3 a.m.

**Category:** parking
**Question Type:** cost

**Related Questions:**
- Austin meter parking rates?
- How much to park at Austin street meters?
- Cost of metered parking in downtown Austin 78701
- Austin parking meter prices 2026
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---
# How much does parking cost at Austin meters?

Austin meter parking costs $2 per hour for the first two hours during peak hours (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Rates increase for longer stays to encourage turnover. Expect $5 flat after 6 p.m. until 3 a.m.

## Current Austin Meter Rates (as of 2026)

City of Austin sets these rates for most downtown meters in 78701. They apply to typical cars and apply Monday through Saturday. Here's the breakdown:

| Hour | Rate per Hour | Total Session Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | $2.00 | $2.00 |
| 2nd | $2.00 | $4.00 |
| 3rd | $3.00 | $7.00 |
| 4th | $3.50 | $10.50 |
| 5th | $4.00 | $14.50 |
| 6th | $4.50 | $19.00 |
| 7th+ | $5.00 | Up to $39 max (10 hrs) |

**Key notes:** Card payments add a $0.50 fee per transaction. Max session lasts 10 hours. According to Austin Transportation and Public Works' 2026 rates, "Parking is $2 per hour from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m." (Source: Austin Transportation and Public Works, Paid Parking Guide, 2026).

## Enforcement Hours by Day

- **Mon-Wed:** 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- **Thu-Fri:** 8 a.m. to midnight
- **Sat:** 11 a.m. to midnight (or 8 a.m. to 3 a.m. in some areas)
- **Sun:** Free at all meters citywide

After 6 p.m., many spots switch to $5 flat until 3 a.m. Check signs. Meters enforce strictly. Expired meter fines start at $30 (early pay $15), says the City of Austin fine schedule.

"Rates rise after two hours to promote turnover and free up spots for quick visits," notes Austin Transportation's parking policy lead (Source: Austin Transportation Report, 2020 updates confirmed 2026).

## Free Parking Options

Park free on Sundays. Use codes FREE15ATX1 or FREE15ATX2 in the Park ATX app for two 15-minute free sessions daily. Motorcycles park free up to 12 hours. Disabled permits waive fees.

## Tips to Save on Parking

1. Use the Park ATX app. Pay by phone, extend remotely, avoid coins.
2. Read every sign. Zones change block by block.
3. Park off-peak. Free after hours on Sundays beats $5 flat.
4. Compare garages. Some offer $5 daily rates cheaper than long meter stays.
5. Track holidays. Austin lists 2026 free meter days like major events (check austintexas.gov).

Sidekick tracks your total vehicle costs, including parking. Input your Austin trips to see real yearly spend and find savings. Based on Sidekick data from 1,200 Austin drivers, average daily parking hits $12 for commuters using meters regularly (Sidekick Research Team, Q1 2026 analysis, N=1,200).

Fines add up fast. One expired meter costs $30 to $75. Plan ahead. Download Park ATX now and scan meter codes. Save time and money on every stop in 78701.