Chinatown San Francisco Parking Guide (2026)

SF Unscripted · Parking

The closest garages to Chinatown, their posted rates, and the evening and weekend deals most visitors miss.

Last verified: September 29, 2026

Chinatown San Francisco parking is tight, with narrow streets and little street parking. But three garages sit right at its edge, and two of them have cheap flat rates.

Quick answer: Park at the Portsmouth Square Garage (733 Kearny St): $4 an hour, or an $8 flat rate if you arrive after 5pm. On weekends, St. Mary’s Square Garage (433 Kearny St) caps at $8 for the day. Portsmouth Square closes at midnight most nights, so don’t leave your car overnight.

Garages Near Chinatown

GarageAddressBest Deal
Portsmouth Square Garage733 Kearny St (Clay & Washington)$8 evening flat after 5pm
St. Mary’s Square Garage433 Kearny St$8 weekend maximum
Sutter-Stockton Garage444 Stockton St$22 weeknight overnight

Portsmouth Square Garage Closest

733 Kearny Street (as of September 2026)

Hourly: $4 per hour

Evening flat: $8 if you enter after 5pm and leave by closing

Maximums: $32 for 12 hours; $38 per day

Hours: 5am to midnight Sunday–Thursday; 5am to 1am Friday and Saturday

Validation: Chinatown merchant validation available

This community-run garage sits beside Portsmouth Square, a short walk from Grant Avenue and the heart of Chinatown. The evening flat rate makes it a great deal for dinner.

It’s not open 24 hours. The garage closes at midnight Sunday through Thursday and 1am on Friday and Saturday. Make sure you’re back before closing.

St. Mary’s Square Garage Weekend Deal

433 Kearny Street (as of September 2026)

Weekends: $4 for the first hour, $8 maximum on Saturdays and Sundays. Enter after 5am and leave the same day before midnight; good for up to 12 hours.

Weekdays: $4 per hour midnight–9am and 6pm–midnight; $7–$8 per hour during the day

Early Bird (Mon–Fri): $26 if you enter between 4:30am and 9am and leave by 10pm

Maximums: $40 for 12 hours; $46 per day

Sutter-Stockton Garage

The big city garage at 444 Stockton Street sits near Chinatown’s southern entrance, between Chinatown and Union Square. As of September 2026, it charges $5–$6 per hour, with a $22 weeknight overnight rate if you enter after 6pm and leave by 9am. See our Union Square parking guide for details.

Rates change. Check each garage’s page on sfmta.com before you go.

Street Parking

Chinatown’s streets are narrow and busy with delivery trucks and pedestrians, so open street spots are rare. Plan on a garage. If you do find a meter, read every sign carefully, and leave nothing visible in your car. See our street parking guide for the rules.

Compare Parking Near Chinatown

Check reservation prices at nearby garages before you drive.

Skip the Car

Chinatown is a short walk from Union Square and North Beach, and several Muni lines run through the area. See our guide to getting around SF without a car.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best parking in Chinatown San Francisco?

The Portsmouth Square Garage at 733 Kearny Street, between Clay and Washington, is right beside Portsmouth Square at the edge of Chinatown. St. Mary’s Square Garage at 433 Kearny Street and the Sutter-Stockton Garage at 444 Stockton Street are nearby alternatives.

How much is the Portsmouth Square Garage?

As of September 2026, the garage charges $4 per hour, with an $8 evening flat rate if you enter after 5pm and leave by closing. The 12-hour maximum is $32 and the daily maximum is $38.

Is the Portsmouth Square Garage open 24 hours?

No. It opens at 5am daily and closes at midnight Sunday through Thursday and 1am on Friday and Saturday. It’s closed at all other times, so don’t leave your car there overnight.

Is there cheap weekend parking near Chinatown?

Yes. As of September 2026, St. Mary’s Square Garage at 433 Kearny Street charges $4 for the first hour and an $8 maximum on Saturdays and Sundays, if you enter after 5am and leave the same day before midnight.

Is there street parking in Chinatown?

Very little. Chinatown’s streets are narrow and busy with deliveries and pedestrians, so plan on a garage. If you find a meter, read every posted sign.

Do Chinatown businesses validate parking?

The Portsmouth Square Garage offers Chinatown merchant validation. Ask the business you’re visiting whether it validates.

Quick Reference: Chinatown Parking

QuestionAnswer
Closest garagePortsmouth Square, 733 Kearny St
Hourly rate$4 per hour (Sept 2026)
Best evening deal$8 flat after 5pm, Portsmouth Square
Best weekend deal$8 max, St. Mary’s Square Garage
Portsmouth Square closesMidnight Sun–Thu; 1am Fri–Sat
Street parking?Rare; plan on a garage
Reserve parkingSpotHero San Francisco

This guide is based on posted rates from SFMTA and the Portsmouth Square Garage rather than firsthand parking. Rates and hours change, so check before you go.

Rate or availability changed since we wrote this? Use our contact page and we’ll update it.

Parking rates and availability change. Always confirm current pricing before parking. Affiliate links help support SF Unscripted at no additional cost to you.

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