Parking in Downtown Atlanta: Where to Park, What It Costs, and How to Avoid Headaches

Finding parking in downtown Atlanta doesn’t have to be stressful if you know your options and a few local tricks. Whether you work downtown, are in town for a Falcons or Hawks game, or just visiting the Georgia Aquarium, understanding how parking works in the city’s core can save time, money, and frustration.

Below is a practical guide tailored specifically to downtown Atlanta, Georgia—from on-street meters and garages to event parking, payment tools, and how to avoid tickets.

The Basics: How Parking Works in Downtown Atlanta

Downtown Atlanta parking is a mix of:

• On-street metered parking
• City- and authority-operated garages
• Privately run garages and surface lots
• Event and stadium parking zones
• Short-term and loading zones

The area people usually mean by “downtown” stretches around:

• Peachtree Street
• Five Points
• Centennial Olympic Park / CNN Center
• Georgia State University area
• The stadium and arena area near Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena

Parking rules, hours, and prices vary block by block, so always check posted signs right where you park.

On-Street Parking Downtown

Where You’ll See Meters

You’ll find metered street parking along many of the major streets and side streets downtown, especially around:

• Peachtree St, Marietta St, and Luckie St
• Near Centennial Olympic Park and the tourist attractions
• Around Georgia State University buildings
• Along streets feeding into the central business district

Most downtown meters are overseen by the City of Atlanta Department of Transportation (ATLDOT) and enforced by the Atlanta Municipal Court for tickets.

Typical Meter Rules

Rules can vary by block, but common patterns downtown include:

• Paid hours: Often weekdays and Saturdays during daytime and early evening
• Time limits: Frequently 2–4 hours per space
• Rates: Vary based on block and demand; busier, more central blocks tend to be higher
• Free periods: Usually overnight and sometimes on certain holidays (always check the sign)

Always read:

• The time limit
• The days and hours of enforcement
• Any special rules, such as “No Parking During Events,” “Commercial Loading Only,” or “Resident Permit Only”

How to Pay for On-Street Parking

Most downtown meters accept:

• Coins (varies by location)
• Credit or debit card at the meter or nearby pay station
• Mobile payment via a parking app listed on the meter

Common steps:

1. Park and note your license plate and/or space number.
2. Go to the meter or pay station.
3. Follow prompts to select time and payment method.
4. If using an app, enter the zone number printed on the sign or meter.

Keep your receipt or confirmation in case of disputes.

Downtown Parking Garages and Lots

For longer visits or when street parking is tight, garages and surface lots are your main options.

Types of Garages You’ll Find

1. City-related or public-focused garages
   Often near courts, government offices, or civic buildings.

2. Private garages and lots
   Run by parking companies and property owners—common around office towers, hotels, and tourist areas.

3. Event-focused lots
   Near the stadium and arena, shifting prices and operations around big events.

While private garages change over time, some consistently important public and civic parking locations in or near downtown include:

• Atlanta City Hall / Government District
• Atlanta Municipal Court / Traffic Court parking areas
• Garages in the Centennial Olympic Park area (serving major attractions)

Look for large “Public Parking” signs and posted daily or hourly rates at the entrance.

What to Expect for Garage Parking

Patterns you’ll typically see:

• Hourly rates for short stays
• Daily maximums if you’re staying several hours
• Evening/flat rates after a certain time
• Special event pricing on game days, concerts, and conventions

💡 Tip: If you’re staying downtown for more than 3–4 hours, a garage or lot is usually more predictable and sometimes cheaper than refilling a meter—especially if you’d end up overstaying a time limit.

Event Parking: Games, Concerts, and Big Conventions

Downtown Atlanta is a major event hub. Parking rules and prices shift significantly when there’s a game, concert, or big convention.

Key Event Areas

• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (NFL and MLS games, major concerts)
• State Farm Arena (NBA games, concerts)
• Georgia World Congress Center (large conventions and expos)
• Centennial Olympic Park area (festivals and special events)

On event days, expect:

• Higher flat-rate prices at many garages and lots
• Some lots operating event-only (no hourly parking)
• Heavier traffic before and after events
• Stricter enforcement in no parking and towed-away zones

If you’re attending an event:

1. Aim to arrive early.
2. Consider a pre-arranged parking option if available through the event or venue.
3. Check whether your usual weekday garage operates differently on event days.

If you’re not attending the event but need to be downtown, consider:

• Parking a bit farther away and walking
• Using MARTA to avoid event traffic and higher prices

Using MARTA and Park-and-Ride Instead of Driving All the Way In

Many Atlanta locals avoid the stress of downtown parking by combining driving with MARTA.

Common Approach

1. Park at a MARTA rail station that allows daily parking.
2. Ride the train into Five Points, Peachtree Center, GWCC/CNN Center, or other downtown stations.
3. Walk or take the street-level connector to your destination.

This approach is popular for:

• Major games and concerts
• Big convention days
• Daily commuters who want to avoid downtown traffic and parking costs

Check signs at each station for parking rules, time limits, and any fees.

Short-Term, Loading, and Special Use Parking

Downtown has several types of restricted curbside spaces:

Loading Zones

• Marked for commercial loading/unloading
• Usually have short time limits (e.g., 15 or 30 minutes)
• Often enforced during business hours

Parking in a loading zone outside of the allowed use or time can lead to tickets or towing.

Ride-Share / Passenger Zones

Some blocks are restricted for:

• Passenger pick-up and drop-off
• Taxi and ride-share loading

Follow posted signs; stopping here for long periods or parking and leaving the vehicle may be prohibited.

Accessible Parking

You’ll find designated accessible spaces:

• In most garages and lots
• Along certain streets downtown

A valid disability placard or plate is typically required. Even with a placard, always follow posted time limits and local rules displayed at the space.

Tickets, Towing, and What to Do If Something Goes Wrong

If you park downtown, it’s important to understand the basics of enforcement.

Parking Tickets

Common reasons for tickets include:

• Expired meter / no payment
• Overstaying a time limit
• Parking during restricted hours (e.g., rush-hour lanes)
• Parking in a loading zone, bus stop, or no-parking zone

Parking tickets issued by the City of Atlanta are usually handled through:

• Atlanta Municipal Court
  150 Garnett St SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main line: (404) 658‑6940 (general court information)

Ticket payment and contest instructions are printed on the citation itself.

Towed or Booted Vehicles

Downtown, vehicles may be towed or booted if:

• Parked illegally in certain restricted zones
• Blocking driveways, hydrants, or traffic
• Repeatedly ticketed without payment (depending on local policy)

If your car is gone, common steps:

1. Check nearby posted towing signs for the towing company and phone number.
2. Contact Atlanta Police Department non-emergency line to confirm whether it was towed.
3. Call the listed tow yard to confirm your vehicle’s location, fees, and required documents (often ID, proof of ownership, and proof of insurance).

Typical Parking Options by Purpose (Quick Reference)

Below is a simple overview of common downtown parking approaches by trip type. Exact locations and prices change, but this gives a feel for what Atlanta drivers often do.

Practical Tips to Make Downtown Atlanta Parking Easier

A few local habits can make a big difference:

• Scan every sign on your block. Rules can change mid-block or from one side of the street to the other.
• Watch for event day notices. Some spaces are legal most days but restricted during events.
• Set a timer on your phone. Meter time passes quickly if you’re at lunch or in a meeting.
• Keep your license plate number handy. Many pay stations and apps require it.
• Don’t assume nights are always free. Some areas have extended meter hours or night rates in lots.
• Consider walking a few extra blocks. Often, a garage a bit outside the most crowded zone is cheaper and easier to exit.

By understanding how parking in downtown Atlanta is structured—meters, garages, event patterns, and enforcement—you can choose the option that best fits your schedule and budget, whether you’re a local commuter, a game-day regular, or a first-time visitor navigating the city’s core.