- Tips for parking in New Orleans
- Where to find parking garages and lots in New Orleans
- Where to find on-street parking in New Orleans
- Where to find free parking in New Orleans
- New Orleans Park and Ride lots
- FAQs
New Orleans, Louisiana, is unlike any other destination in the US. famous for its nightlife and music scenes as well as its mix of French, American, and African cultures. There are plenty of things to do in New Orleans: whether you’re looking to try Creole or Cajun food (NOLA is one of the best road trip destinations for foodies) or explore its unique history, you’re in for a treat.
As a popular destination for travelers from around the world, finding parking in New Orleans can be daunting—especially around special events like Mardi Gras. But that’s why we’re here—SIXT will let you in on the inside scoop for where to find the best parking garages and lots, on-street parking, and even free parking in New Orleans. Read on for our expert tips and tricks.
Tips for parking in New Orleans
When you need to find parking in New Orleans, keep in mind these NOLA-specific tips to make your life easier:
- Use apps: You can download apps like ParkMobile or SpotHero to find available parking spots in New Orleans in real time. Another perk of the ParkMobile app is that you can also pay for some on-street metered parking spaces with it.
- Read signs carefully: New Orleans is infamous for its challenging parking situation, so be sure to read signs to make sure you won’t get fined or towed. Signs can list time restrictions, street cleaning days, and more.
- Special events: This city hosts a multitude of events, including the famous Mardi Gras celebration. Do not park on a parade route within 2 hours of the beginning or end of the parade—this is a towable offense.
- Park-N-Shop lots: Some businesses and shops in the downtown area offer free or discounted parking when you buy something at their establishment. You can call the stores ahead of time to ask, and be sure to get your parking stamp before you leave.
- Residential parking: There are some resident-only parking zones, so be sure to read the signs. If you’re not a resident, you can only park there for two hours at a time.
- Reserve parking in advance: If you’re going to a high-traffic area or will be in town during an event, it’s a good idea to reserve parking in advance via Premium Parking or other apps.
With this general knowledge in mind, pick up your rental car at the SIXT branch at the New Orleans airport and get going.
Where to find parking garages and lots in New Orleans
We recommend aiming for parking garages in New Orleans, especially in high-traffic areas. Not only will they shield your car from the sun of the South during summer, but they also offer more security and convenience. Usually, parking garages will have signs at the entrance stating the cost. You’ll find several convenient parking garages in New Orleans, with many situated downtown or near popular attractions:
- Canal Place Parking Garage: This public parking garage is situated in the French Quarter near Canal Place. Daily rates start at $8 for the first hour, up to a maximum of $35 for 24 hours.*
- Clarke Garage: This garage is located downtown on Gravier Street. The first hour is free, and then rates start at $3 for 3 hours.* This garage also offers overnight parking and advance reservations.
- Rampart Garage: This is one of the most convenient parking garages near the Saenger Theatre on North Rampart Street. The first hour is free, and then rates start at $4 for 3 hours.*
- Fulton Place Parking: This garage offers covered parking as well as a rooftop lot near the cruise port in New Orleans. The first hour is free, while rates start at $8 for 2 hours and overnight parking for $17 for the covered section.*
You will also find conveniently located parking lots in New Orleans. If you don’t want to pay for covered parking, these lots will be your best bet. Popular parking lots in New Orleans include the following:
- Dixie Parking Lot: This lot is open 24/7 and is situated on St. Joseph Street, less than a mile away from the French Quarter and even closer to the convention center and Harrah’s Casino. The first hour is free, while rates go up to $18 for 10 hours or $26 for overnight parking.*
- NOLA Lot: This parking lot emphasizes its well-lit premises and regular security monitoring. Situated near the convention center, rates start at $5 for two hours.*
- Villere Lot: This parking lot is just a few minutes’ walk from Bourbon Street, situated on Canal Street. It also gives you easy access to the streetcar in case you want to leave your car and travel further. Rates start at $5 for 10 hours.*
If you’re having trouble finding empty spaces in a parking garage or lot, try using an app to find available spots in real time.
SIXT pro tip: Some commercial lots, like the one at Canal Place, will offer early bird specials, meaning you get a discounted rate if you arrive before 9am. This lot also has EV charging.
Where to find on-street parking in New Orleans
It’s also possible to find on-street metered parking in New Orleans, as the city has over 4000 metered parking spots, but always read the signs carefully to avoid a parking ticket. Time restrictions, street cleaning days, event schedules, and no-park zones are plentiful in this city.
Most of the meters run Monday through Saturday from 8am until 7pm. Meters don’t operate on Sundays, meaning you can park on the street for free (but make sure there are no time restrictions, especially in rush hour zones)*. Metered parking in New Orleans in popular areas like the French Quarter and the Central Business District (CBD) starts at around $3 per hour.* Elsewhere in the city, you might find metered parking spots starting around $2 per hour, depending on the area.* Most of the city’s meters accept both cash and cards, or you can pay via the ParkMobile app—the only mobile app you can use to pay for parking in NOLA.
You can find metered street parking in New Orleans in these areas:
- French Quarter: You can find metered parking on Chartres Street, starting at $3 per hour.*
- Marigny: You’ll find metered parking near the Esplanade, usually on Kerlerec Street. Metered rates here start at $3 per hour.*
- CBD and Warehouse District: There are limited metered parking spaces in these neighborhoods, starting at $3 per hour.* To find open parking spots, utilize mobile apps.
SIXT pro tip: Metered on-street parking can become precarious during events and parades due to extra restrictions and added no-parking zones. If you’re planning to visit during an event, opt for garages and lots instead of street parking.
Where to find free parking in New Orleans
If you don’t want to pay for parking in New Orleans, you’re in luck. While there aren’t that many free parking options in this city, there are plenty of days when parking meters aren’t working and a few parking spots that are always free of charge. As we mentioned in the previous section, on-street parking in metered spots in the French Quarter, Marigny, the CBD, and the Warehouse District is free after 7 pm and is always free on Sundays.
You can also find free parking along North Rampart Street, Elysian Fields Avenue, and Independence Street. Just be aware of street cleaning schedules so as not to get fined or towed. If you’re looking for more free parking in New Orleans, you can also check mobile apps for the most up-to-date spot availability.
SIXT pro tip: You can also find some parking lots and garages that offer the first hour or two of parking for free, or you can also park in certain residential zones without a permit for free for up to 2 hours.
New Orleans Park and Ride lots
Another convenient option for parking in New Orleans are the Park and Ride lots. Whether you’re heading into the downtown area for an event or to the port for a cruise, there are places where you can park your car and take shuttles to your destination. Some of the best Park and Ride options are:
- Fulton Place Parking: This garage at 901 Convention Center Boulevard has covered and uncovered rooftop parking, as well as an oversized uncovered lot. Rates start at $8 per two hours.* You can then take a complimentary shuttle to the cruise port.
- Howard Garage Parking: This Park and Ride garage is situated at 932 Howard Avenue in the Warehouse District. There is a shuttle that can take you into the city about every 6 to 10 minutes. Hourly rates start at $5.*
FAQs
Is parking in New Orleans difficult?
Parking in New Orleans can sometimes be challenging because of strict time restrictions and a constant stream of events going on. If you can plan ahead, use a parking app, and reserve parking in advance, though, you will be able to find available parking spots easily.
Is parking free in New Orleans?
Most parking in New Orleans comes with an hourly rate, but there are places where you can find free parking. For free street parking, you can park on Sundays or after 7pm. You can also try North Rampart Street, Elysian Fields Avenue, and Independence Street, but check for time restrictions. You can also get free or discounted parking at Park-N-Shop lots, and some garages and lots offer the first hour or two of parking for free.
Where is the safest place to park in New Orleans?
The safest places to park in New Orleans are usually parking garages, as they’re covered, off the street, and usually are well lit and have security monitors. You can also benefit from added security by using a commercial lot. Lastly, always lock your car and don’t leave valuables in plain sight.
*Disclaimer: These parking tips, pricing, and locations are valid as of June 2025.
