Salt Lake City Parking Tips

Navigating the bustling streets of any major city can be a challenge, and Salt Lake City is no exception. While the capital of Utah offers a vibrant downtown, stunning natural beauty, and a growing events scene, finding the perfect parking spot can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt. Are you tired of circling blocks, deciphering confusing signs, or racking up unexpected parking fees?

You're in the right place! This comprehensive guide to Salt Lake City parking tips will equip you with the knowledge and strategies you need to park like a local, save time, and avoid unnecessary stress. We'll cover everything from understanding meter rules to finding the best garages and utilizing smart parking apps.

Understanding Salt Lake City's Parking Landscape

Salt Lake City's parking environment has evolved, especially in the downtown core, which boasts over 32,000 parking spots across various options. Recent changes, implemented on July 1, 2025, have adjusted rates and enforcement hours for metered street parking to better manage demand and support city infrastructure. These adjustments reflect Salt Lake City's transition from primarily a "commuter city" to a dynamic "event city," with more people staying downtown after work and on weekends.

Whether you're visiting for a Utah Jazz game, exploring Temple Square, or enjoying the diverse culinary scene, knowing your parking options is key to a smooth experience.

Street Parking Savvy: Meters & Rules

Street parking can be convenient, but it comes with specific rules you'll want to master.

Metered Parking Hours and Rates

As of July 1, 2025, paid metered parking in Salt Lake City is enforced from Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.. The hourly rate for city meters is now $3.50. Previously, Saturdays offered free parking, but this is no longer the case.

• Two-Hour Limit: Most metered street parking spots have a two-hour maximum limit. You cannot stay in the same spot for more than two hours.
• Free Parking: Sundays and City holidays remain free at meters. This is a fantastic Salt Lake City parking tip for weekend explorers!

How to Pay for Street Parking

Salt Lake City has embraced modern solutions for parking payments:

• Pay Stations: Look for the bright blue, solar-powered pay stations. You'll need to enter your space number and payment option. No need to return to your car to display a receipt – the system is digital. These stations accept Visa/MasterCard credit and debit cards, as well as coins and tokens.
• ParkSLC App: The official ParkSLC app (available on iOS and Android) allows you to pay for, extend, and manage your parking session directly from your phone. It can even send you alerts when your session is about to end, helping you avoid tickets. You can pre-pay for parking starting at 7 a.m..
• Pay by Text: For a quick payment without setting up an account, you can text "PARKSLC" to 30844 and follow the prompts.

Essential Street Parking Rules to Avoid Tickets

Beyond meters, general parking ordinances are enforced:

• Fire Hydrants: Do not park within five feet of a fire hydrant.
• Driveways: Maintain at least five feet of distance from any driveway. If a mailbox is within five feet of a driveway, you must park at least 10 feet away.
• Fire Stations: Stay at least 20 feet away from a fire station driveway, and do not park directly across from an entrance if signs are posted.
• Curbside Parking: Your vehicle must be within 12 inches of the curb.
• 48-Hour Rule: Vehicles, boats, or trailers should not be parked on a public street for more than 48 hours. Moving and re-parking within 24 hours on the same side of the street still counts as continuous parking.
• Expired Registration: Driving or parking with expired registration can lead to tickets or even towing.

Garage & Lot Solutions: Your Downtown Destinations

Sometimes, a parking garage or lot is your best bet for security, longer stays, or when street parking is scarce. Downtown Salt Lake City offers numerous options.

• City Creek Center (50 South Main Street): A popular choice, offering the first two hours free, then $2 for each additional hour. It's centrally located near shopping, restaurants, and attractions.
• Regent Street Garage (119 South Regent Street): Priced at $2 per hour.
• One Utah Center Parking (201 South Main Street): Rates are $4 for the first hour and $2 for each additional hour.
• Salt Palace Convention Center: Offers 600 stalls in the South Lot and 400 in the West Lot. It's open Monday through Sunday from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., with a daily maximum rate of $12, dropping to $5 if you arrive after 5 p.m..
• The Gateway Mall (75 South 400 West): Features parking structures with reasonable rates and is conveniently located near a TRAX station.
• Triad Center (50 North 400 West): Another option frequently mentioned for event parking.

Event Parking: Navigating Big Crowds

Attending a concert, game, or large event in Salt Lake City? Parking can be competitive. Planning ahead is crucial.

Vivint Arena (Delta Center) Parking

Home to the Utah Jazz, Vivint Arena (now Delta Center) in downtown Salt Lake City offers several nearby parking facilities.

• Nearby Garages/Lots: Options include Park Place, The Triad Center, Salt Palace Convention Center, The Gateway Mall, City Creek Mall, and Hyatt House. Many are within easy walking distance.
• Pre-Booking: Reserving parking ahead of time through services like SpotHero or ParkWhiz is often recommended and can be more affordable than drive-up rates.
• Alternative Tips:
  • Crown Burger: Some visitors have found that purchasing $20 or more in food at Crown Burger (North Temple, a few blocks north of the arena) can get you a parking pass for their lot during events.
  • Lexus Lot: Anecdotal evidence suggests free parking for Lexus owners at a specific lot near the arena (200 S Temple UNIT 240). Always verify this information.
  • Public Transit: Consider taking TRAX (Salt Lake City's light rail system) to avoid traffic and parking fees. Many garages are close to TRAX stations, allowing you to park and ride.

Temple Square Parking

Millions visit Temple Square annually, making parking a key consideration.

• Conference Center Parking Facility: The official parking for Temple Square is at the Conference Center, with the entrance on West Temple. It's open from 4:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m..
  • Validation: If you take a tour of Temple Square, your parking can be validated, making it free. Otherwise, the standard rate is $10 (or $25 as per a more recent source).
  • Limited Availability: This lot fills up quickly, especially during peak times.
• Other Nearby Options: Paid lots like The Parking Place, West Temple Lot, and City Creek are also options.
• Public Transit: To avoid the hassle, taking the TRAX Blue Line or Green Line to the Temple Square Station is highly recommended. It's just a minute away.

Embrace Technology: Parking Apps for SLC

Modern problems require modern solutions, and parking is no different. Several apps can make your Salt Lake City parking experience much smoother:

• ParkSLC: The official app for Salt Lake City's metered street parking. It allows you to find your zone, pay, extend sessions, and receive alerts.
• SpotHero & ParkWhiz: These popular apps allow you to find, compare, and reserve parking spots in garages and lots across the city, often at discounted rates. They are especially useful for event parking or longer stays.

Long-Term & Monthly Parking Options

If you're a resident, regularly commute to downtown, or have an extended stay, monthly parking can be a cost-effective solution.

• Rates: Monthly parking in Salt Lake City can range from $55 to $200, depending on the location and amenities.
• Providers: Websites and apps like SpotAngels, CityCreekParking.com, and AirGarage offer options for monthly parking permits. City Creek Parking specifically caters to downtown office workers and retail employees.

Beyond the Car: Public Transit & Park & Ride

Sometimes, the best Salt Lake City parking tip is to avoid parking altogether! Salt Lake City has a robust public transportation system, UTA (Utah Transit Authority), which includes TRAX (light rail) and bus services.

• Downtown Free Fare Zone: Downtown Salt Lake City operates a free fare zone, making it easy to hop on and off buses and TRAX within the core area.
• Park & Ride: Consider parking your car at a TRAX or FrontRunner station outside the busy downtown area and taking public transit in. This can save you money and stress, especially during major events. For those heading to Park City from Salt Lake, there's even a PC-SLC Connect bus service from downtown Salt Lake City.

Conclusion

Finding parking in Salt Lake City doesn't have to be a headache. By understanding the latest meter rules, exploring diverse garage options, leveraging helpful parking apps, and considering public transit, you can navigate the city with ease. Remember that planning ahead, especially for events, will always be your best strategy for a stress-free experience.

What are your go-to Salt Lake City parking tips? Share your insights and favorite spots in the comments below!