How to Get Cheap Parking Near Austin Convention Center
Book parking spots in advance with apps like Way, SpotHero, or BestParking. You lock in rates as low as $2 per hour or $7 per day. This beats circling downtown Austin at 78701 during busy events.
Quick Cheapest Options
Use these garages and lots within 0.3 miles. Rates start low for most vehicles.
| Garage/Lot | Address | Starting Rate | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Line Hotel City Parking | Near 111 E. Cesar Chavez | $7/day | 0.3 mi |
| 707 East 7th Street Parking | 707 E 7th St | $7/day | 0.2 mi |
| Perry Brooks Garage | Nearby | $7/day | 0.2 mi |
| 131 Nueces St City Parking | 131 Nueces St | Hourly deals | 0.2 mi |
| Red River St Parking Lot | 352 Red River St | $15/day | 0.1 mi |
| 2nd Street Parking Garage | 201 E 2nd St | $10/2hrs | 0.2 mi |
Data from Way.com and BestParking shows these spots offer covered parking and contactless entry. According to Way.com's 2026 parking analysis, advance booking saves drivers 30-50% on event days (Source: Way.com Austin Guide, 2026).
Step-by-Step to Save Money
- Check event dates first. Normal rates at Convention Center garages run $5 for 2 hours, $10 for up to 9 hours, up to $48 daily. Events like SXSW push to $20-$25 flat. Book 24-48 hours ahead.
- Download apps now. Way gives instant access to $2/hour deals. SpotHero compares lots for $10 spots. PMC Pay lets you scan QR codes without apps for quick entry at Energy Lot on Red River.
- Hunt free or low-cost short stays. Park free for 0-10 minutes. Some street spots allow brief stops, but garages charge $5 after 10 minutes.
- Join city affordable programs. Austin's program offers $50 monthly passes for off-peak at Convention Center Garages (4 p.m.-5 a.m., email ACCDParkingInfo@AustinTexas.gov). Other garages like 501 Congress charge $74/month.
"Reserve ahead to snag rates under $10, even on event nights," says the Sidekick Research Team, based on analysis of 1,200 Austin parking transactions in Q1 2026.
Event Tips
For big shows, official garages at 201 E 2nd St and 601 E 5th St fill fast. Walk 2-5 minutes from cheaper lots like 415 E 7th St ($12) or 600 Sabine St ($10). Weekends now have $15 flat from Friday 4 p.m. to Sunday 11 a.m.
Avoid valet at $57-$70. Track total ownership costs with Sidekick. It factors parking into your vehicle score to spot savings across fuel, maintenance, and more.
Rates as of March 2026. Confirm via apps for real-time spots.