The real flat-rate garage deals, free meter hours, and where free street parking still exists.
Last verified: September 29, 2026
Cheapest parking in San Francisco comes down to knowing a few flat-rate garage deals and when meters are free. Here’s where to find them.
Quick answer: Use a city garage’s flat rate: $8 evenings in Chinatown, $8 weekends at St. Mary’s Square, or a $20 weekday Early Bird at Union Square. Most meters are free on Sundays and after 6pm. And watch for street cleaning, since that ticket is about $105.
Best Flat-Rate Garage Deals Verified
| Deal | Garage | Rules |
|---|---|---|
| $8 evenings | Portsmouth Square, 733 Kearny St | Enter after 5pm, leave by closing |
| $8 weekend max | St. Mary’s Square, 433 Kearny St | Sat–Sun; enter after 5am, leave by midnight |
| $20 Early Bird | Union Square Garage, 333 Post St | Mon–Fri; enter 5–9:30am, leave by midnight |
| $22 overnight | Sutter-Stockton, 444 Stockton St | Mon–Fri; enter after 6pm, leave by 9am |
Portsmouth Square closes at night: midnight Sunday through Thursday and 1am Friday and Saturday. Don’t leave your car there overnight.
These rates were posted as of September 2026 and can change, so check before you go. For more detail, see our Chinatown parking guide and Union Square parking guide.
When Meters Are Free
Most meters: 9am to 6pm, Monday through Saturday
Usually free: Sundays and after 6pm at most meters
Exceptions: Fisherman’s Wharf, the Embarcadero, some city lots, and event areas also run meters on Sundays
Always check the meter itself for its hours. See our Fisherman’s Wharf parking guide for one of the Sunday-meter areas.
Free Street Parking
Free, unmetered street parking still exists in many residential neighborhoods away from downtown. But “free” doesn’t mean rule-free:
- Street cleaning applies everywhere. The ticket is about $105, so read the whole sign.
- Permit zones limit non-residents to posted time limits.
- The 72-hour limit applies even on unrestricted streets.
- Keep 20 feet clear of crosswalks on the approach side.
Golden Gate Park is free, for now. Street parking inside the park is free through 2026, but paid parking is expected to start January 1, 2027. See our Golden Gate Park parking guide.
Compare Before You Book
Parking apps sell reserved spots at many garages, and for all-day or event parking the app price is often lower than the drive-up rate. Compare the app price with the garage’s posted rate before you commit.
Compare San Francisco Parking
Check reservation prices near your destination before you drive.
What to Avoid
- Event days near Chase Center or Oracle Park, when nearby garages charge event rates
- Assuming no meter means no rules, since street cleaning and permit limits still apply
- Leaving anything visible in your car, since break-ins are common
The Cheapest Option: No Car
For most downtown trips, BART and Muni cost less than any garage. See our guide to getting around SF without a car.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest parking in San Francisco?
The best deals are the flat rates at city-run garages. As of September 2026: $8 evenings after 5pm at the Portsmouth Square Garage in Chinatown, an $8 weekend maximum at St. Mary’s Square Garage, a $20 weekday Early Bird at the Union Square Garage, and a $22 weeknight overnight rate at the Sutter-Stockton Garage.
Is street parking free on Sundays in San Francisco?
At most meters, yes. Most San Francisco meters run 9am to 6pm, Monday through Saturday. The exceptions include Fisherman’s Wharf, the Embarcadero, some city lots, and event areas, where meters also run on Sundays. Always check the meter.
Are parking meters free after 6pm in San Francisco?
Most meters stop at 6pm, but not all. Check the hours posted on the meter before you leave your car.
Is there free parking in Golden Gate Park?
Street parking inside the park is free through the end of 2026, but paid parking is expected to start January 1, 2027.
How much is a street cleaning ticket in San Francisco?
About $105 as of 2026. Street cleaning applies on free, unmetered streets too, so read every posted sign.
Is it cheaper to book parking in advance?
Often, especially for all-day and event parking. Compare the reservation price in a parking app with the garage’s posted rate before you go.
Quick Reference: Cheap Parking in San Francisco
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Cheapest evening deal | $8 after 5pm, Portsmouth Square Garage |
| Cheapest weekend deal | $8 max, St. Mary’s Square Garage |
| Cheapest weekday all-day | $20 Early Bird, Union Square Garage |
| Cheapest overnight | $22 weeknights, Sutter-Stockton Garage |
| Free meters | Most on Sundays and after 6pm |
| Street cleaning ticket | About $105 |
| Compare parking | SpotHero San Francisco |
Rate or rule changed since we wrote this? Use our contact page and we’ll update it.