The city-run garages around Union Square, their posted rates, and how to pay less.
Last verified: September 29, 2026
Union Square parking is expensive, but the city runs several big garages here with posted rates and flat-rate deals. Here’s where to park.
Quick answer: The city-run Union Square Garage at 333 Post Street is right under the square. To pay less, use a flat rate: the weekday Early Bird ($20) at the Union Square Garage, or the weeknight overnight rate ($22) at the Sutter-Stockton Garage. Or skip the car and take BART to Powell Street.
City-Run Garages Near Union Square
| Garage | Address | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Union Square Garage | 333 Post St | Directly under the square |
| Sutter-Stockton Garage | 444 Stockton St | North of the square, toward Chinatown |
| Ellis-O’Farrell Garage | 123 O’Farrell St | South of the square, near the theaters |
| Fifth & Mission/Yerba Buena | 833 Mission St | South of Market, near Moscone |
Posted Rates SFMTA
Hourly: $5 midnight–9am and 6pm–midnight; $6 from 9am to 6pm
Early Bird (Mon–Fri): $20 if you enter between 5am and 9:30am and leave by midnight
Maximums: $40 for 12 hours; $46 for 24 hours
Hourly: $5 midnight–9am and 6pm–midnight; $6 from 9am to 6pm
Overnight (Mon–Fri): $22 if you enter after 6pm and leave by 9am
Maximums: $40 for 12 hours; $46 for 24 hours
Rates change. SFMTA adjusts garage and meter prices based on demand, so check the garage’s page on sfmta.com before you go. Rates for the Ellis-O’Farrell and Fifth & Mission garages are listed there too.
How to Pay Less
- Use a flat rate. Arriving early on a weekday? The Union Square Garage’s $20 Early Bird beats hourly rates for a long day. Staying overnight on a weeknight? The Sutter-Stockton overnight rate is $22.
- Compare reservation prices. Parking apps sell reserved spots at many downtown garages. Check the app price against the posted rate before you go.
- Skip the car. Powell Street BART is a few blocks from the square, and Muni and the cable cars stop nearby.
Compare Parking Near Union Square
Check reservation prices before you drive.
Street Parking
Metered street parking around Union Square is limited and in high demand, and SFMTA sets meter prices by demand. Plan on a garage instead of circling. If you do find a spot, read every posted sign, and leave nothing visible in your car.
Holiday Season
November and December bring holiday shopping crowds, the Union Square tree, and the holiday ice rink, so garages fill up faster. Arrive early or take transit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best parking near Union Square?
The city-run Union Square Garage at 333 Post Street is right under the square. The Sutter-Stockton Garage (444 Stockton St) and Ellis-O’Farrell Garage (123 O’Farrell St) are also nearby and run by SFMTA.
How much is parking at the Union Square Garage?
As of September 2026, SFMTA listed $5 per hour overnight and in the evening, $6 per hour from 9am to 6pm, a $40 12-hour maximum, and a $46 24-hour maximum. A weekday Early Bird rate of $20 applies if you enter between 5am and 9:30am and leave by midnight. Rates change, so check sfmta.com.
Is there cheap parking near Union Square?
The best deals at the city garages are the flat rates: the weekday Early Bird at the Union Square Garage and the weeknight overnight rate at the Sutter-Stockton Garage. You can also compare reservation prices on a parking app before you go.
Is there street parking at Union Square?
There are metered spaces, but they’re limited and in high demand, and SFMTA adjusts meter prices by demand. Plan on a garage.
What BART station is closest to Union Square?
Powell Street station, at Powell and Market, a few blocks south of the square.
Are Union Square garages open 24 hours?
Check each garage’s current hours on sfmta.com before you go, especially for late nights and holidays.
Quick Reference: Union Square Parking
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Most central garage | Union Square Garage, 333 Post St |
| Hourly rate (Sept 2026) | $5–$6 per hour |
| Best weekday deal | $20 Early Bird, Union Square Garage |
| Best overnight deal | $22 weeknights, Sutter-Stockton Garage |
| 24-hour maximum | $46 |
| Closest BART | Powell Street |
| Reserve parking | SpotHero San Francisco |
Rate or availability changed since we wrote this? Use our contact page and we’ll update it.