Buffalo City Parking - Find the Best Garages to Plan Your Visit
Whether you're new in town, you're visiting for a couple of weeks, or are a local in need of a good parking spot for the next Bills' game, it's a good idea to know about parking regulations and safe options in the city of Buffalo. Read on if you don't want to find a wheel lock attached to your car at the end of the day.
Being the second-largest city in the state of New York, it is full of tourist attractions, nature reserves, and historical landmarks. With so much to do in the city, it's no doubt the parking situation can get tricky and become a headache very quickly. Here's what you need to know before you head out to your event, sightseeing, or business meeting.
Metered Street Parking
You will find metered street parking all around the city of Buffalo. Meters are enforced from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and parking on Sundays or Legal Holidays is free. The Holidays are Memorial Day, New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Christmas Day only. The hourly rate for most metered parking spaces is $2, however, always check the time limit and rates.
Parking Violations
Depending on the parking violation and how long it takes you to pay for it, parking tickets can cost you between $40 to $85. These can be paid online, via mail, or in person at the parking violations bureau.
Free Parking
Free parking in the city of Buffalo is super difficult to find, especially in the downtown area. Other than using the metered spaces after their operating hours, there are very few options for free parking, and they are mostly located in residential areas. For this reason, you must be very respectful of the resident's space and make sure your car is locked as this is not the safest option, especially if you'll be away for a long period of time.
Plan For Parking Ahead of Time
Unless you like driving around and wasting time trying to find an available spot to park, your best bet is to plan ahead of time and go straight to your preferred nearby parking lot or garage. Let's go over a short list of safe and convenient parking options in some of the main areas of Buffalo NY.
Parking in Downtown Buffalo
The bustling downtown area of Buffalo NY is full of new hotels, shops, eateries, and family-friendly attractions, not to mention the many entertainment and nightlife options. Here, you'll find Shea's Performing Arts Center hosting events that are sure to please any audience, as well as the Buffalo City Hall with its beautiful Art Deco architecture overlooking the Niagara Square. Need a place to park nearby? Here are a couple of great options.
Best Parking Lots For Highmark events
If you want to save time and money, head to one of the parking lots, conveniently located just steps away from the Highmark Stadium and the SUNY Erie Community College (South Campus). With our SmartPass you can reserve and pay online for your parking spot in any of our two nearby lots with some of the best rates in the area;
Big Tree Lot: Located on 4297 Abbott Rd Orchard Park, NY 14127
SUNY Erie Community College: Located on 4041 Southwestern Blvd Orchard Park, NY 14127
Access to our lots is allowed only for pass holders with a QR code, so you can be sure you're leaving your vehicle safely parked, with easy in/out access before and after the game or event. This is the smart way of parking!
Turner Ramp
The Turner Ramp is located right off Niagara Square with convenient access to City Hall and very reasonable parking rates. It's located at 1 Perkins Dr. in the Central Business District and the rates go from $2 an hour up to $9 for 24 hrs. during weekdays. On Saturday and Sunday, the flat rate is $4.
Main Place Garage
This 1000-space underground garage is located on 221 Pearl St below the Main Place Tower. The rates for parking here go from $5 for the first 2 hours up to $9 for 4 hours. Their evening and weekend flat rate are $5.
Mohawk Parking Ramp
This parking garage has a bit over 600 spaces and it's just one block away from the iconic Electric Tower. It is located at 477 Washington St. and their rates go from $2 for 1 hour up to $9 for 24 hours with an evening flat rate of $4 if you arrive after 5 p.m. During weekends, the first two hours are free, and then a flat rate of $4. Make sure to double-check the prices because they may go up if there is an event around the area.
95 Main St Garage
This is a great option if you are attending a Sabers game or an event at the KeyBank Center. It is also very convenient if you are visiting the Buffalo Naval Park or exploring the beautiful Buffalo waterfront. The garage is located on 95 Main Street (Buffalo Marriott), and the rate for the first hour is $5 going up to a daily maximum of $12. They are open Monday - Sunday all day.
Parking Near The Highmark Stadium
If you are attending a Buffalo Bills game, or any other event around the Highmark Stadium, finding a convenient parking option ahead of time can save you a headache. The Stadium has its own parking lots available, however, the rates are pretty high even if you reserve your spot in advance. Here are your options.
The Bills Parking Lots
Parking at any of the Stadium's lots will cost you $40 unless you reserve your spot when you purchase your ticket online, which drops the price down to $35. Keep in mind they only take cards for event day payments and the lots open four hours before kickoff. All spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis so plans extra time if you don't have a reservation.