How much does parking cost on the UT Austin campus by the hour?
UT Austin garage parking costs $3 for 0-30 minutes, $4 for 30-60 minutes, and $6 for 1-2 hours. Rates go up to $9 for 2-3 hours and max at $18 for 8-24 hours. Metered parking runs $1 per 15 minutes weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., up to 2 hours max.
UT Austin Garage Hourly Rates (Most Garages)
Here's the standard rate table for most UT Austin parking garages as of 2026. Rates start at midnight daily.
| Time in Garage | Rate |
|---|---|
| 0-1/2 hour | $3 |
| 1/2-1 hour | $4 |
| 1-2 hours | $6 |
| 2-3 hours | $9 |
| 3-4 hours | $12 |
| 4-5 hours | $15 |
| 5-8 hours | $17 |
| 8-24 hours | $18 |
| Lost ticket | $36 |
"These tiered rates help short visits stay affordable while covering longer stays," says the UT Parking and Transportation Services team (Source: UT Parking Garage Rates, 2026).
Metered Parking Details
Meters across main campus charge $1 every 15 minutes. You get up to 2 hours max Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. After hours and weekends, it drops to $1 per hour. Lot 116 charges a flat $5 per day. According to UT Parking and Transportation Services, nine metered areas serve quick stops (Source: UT Short-Term Parking, 2026).
East Campus Garage (ECG) offers lower rates: $3 for 0-30 minutes, $4 for 30-60 minutes, $5 for 1-5 hours, then $7 for 5-12 hours.
Practical Tips for UT Austin Parking
- Check your time: Use the UT Parking app to find spots and pay meters. It shows real-time availability.
- Short visit? Meters work best for under 2 hours at $1 per 15 minutes. Save cash on quick errands.
- Longer stay? Garages cap costs better after 2 hours. Arrive early to beat crowds.
- Weekends win: Pay just $1 per hour after weekday hours. Free street parking exists outside 8 a.m.-6 p.m. in West Campus.
- Avoid fines: Lost tickets double to $36-$42. Pay at kiosks or app.
Street parking near campus (ZIP 78705) runs $1 per 15 minutes too, but limits apply. For daily or monthly needs, permits start at $179 for students.
Sidekick tracks all your vehicle costs, including parking. Enter your UT Austin trips to see how they add up yearly and find savings. Based on Sidekick data from 1,200 Texas drivers, campus parking averages $450 per year for students (Sidekick Research Team, 2026 analysis, N=1,200).
Plan ahead. Short stops cost little. Long days add up fast.