Finding Parking Garages in New York City

Finding an available parking space on the streets of Manhattan can often be a frustrating and time-consuming endeavor. Even if you are lucky enough to discover a parking space, confusing signs and expired meters can lead to costly tickets. Consequently, it can be quite challenging to determine just where to park in New York City.

It’s no surprise that many New York drivers choose to rely on parking garages. While parking in a garage may be more expensive than street parking, it significantly reduces both time and stress, especially during urgent situations.

According to Park It! Guides, a directory of Manhattan parking garages, there are approximately 1,100 off-street parking garages and around 100,000 spaces in outdoor parking lots in Manhattan. Parking garages in New York range from the compact (for example, the one at 324 West 11th Street has only seven spaces) to the massive (the garage at Pier 40 and West Street boasts 3,500 spaces).

However, finding a convenient parking garage near your destination when you need one most can be a daunting task. Fortunately, numerous New Yorkers have compiled lists and directories of the best-rated parking garages in the city. It’s essential to select a garage with fair rates to avoid any unexpected charges during your parking experience.

Parking Challenges in Manhattan

Despite the vast number of parking options available, New Yorkers often face challenges when searching for available garages, especially during peak hours. This issue emphasizes the need for careful planning and research before heading out.

Choosing a Garage with Fair Rates

Margot Tohn, an author of a past edition of Park It! NYC, suggests looking for parking garages operated by larger companies with multiple locations. These companies typically have standardized employee training, promoting better service. Additionally, many larger garage companies offer discounts and coupons that can help save money.

Edison ParkFast, for instance, runs more than 15 parking locations in Manhattan and promotes various offers on their website. On the other hand, Icon Parking manages over 200 facilities in the city, frequently providing online specials and discount options.

The average monthly parking rate in Manhattan exceeds $500, according to Tohn. However, some garages might offer discounts for those willing to commit to a six or twelve-month contract, making negotiation a viable option when securing a parking spot.

Conversely, hourly rates can fluctuate significantly depending on the neighborhood. Therefore, it is advisable to look for larger parking garage companies in particularly busy areas like Times Square and the East Village to avoid excessive charges.

Avoiding Extra Charges and Tipping

Before leaving your vehicle, always read the posted rate signs and confirm the garage’s rates. Additionally, ensure that the time stamped on your claim check is accurate and that you are aware of your required exit time to avoid potential extra charges.

It’s worth noting that many garages apply additional fees for oversized vehicles, and some have “event” rates during major holidays and festivals. Therefore, it is prudent to inquire with a parking attendant about applicable rates for the day you will be using the garage; this way, you can avoid unexpected charges.

When budgeting for parking in NYC, keep in mind that tipping for the valet service is customary. According to Margot Tohn’s research, typical tips are a few dollars; however, many monthly parkers opt to give a larger tip during the holiday season. Tipping upon drop-off can foster goodwill towards the valet responsible for your vehicle.

Updated by Elissa Garay