Parking in DFW downtowns doesn't have to be $30+. Here's the cheat sheet.
Downtown Dallas:
Cheap/free options:
- Deep Ellum side streets — free after 6pm and weekends. Elm, Commerce, Canton streets east of Good-Latimer.
- ParkMobile app — meter parking via phone. No coins needed. Most downtown meters. Source: parkmobile.io
- DART stations — park at a suburban station (free), ride in. Mockingbird, Lovers Lane, Forest Lane all have lots.
Garages (pre-book for events):
- SpotHero app — pre-book garage spots from $5-15. Source: spothero.com
- City Hall garage — $8 flat rate evenings/weekends. 1500 Marilla St.
- West End garages — $10-15 for events. Walk to AAC, Perot, Reunion.
Downtown Fort Worth:
Free:
- Street parking — free after 6pm and all day Sunday in most areas.
- Sundance Square garages — first 2 hours free with validation from participating restaurants/shops. Source: sundancesquare.com
Cheap:
- ParkFW meters — $1.50/hour. App available. Source: parkfw.org
- Surface lots south of I-30 — $5-10, short walk to Sundance Square.
Event parking (Cowboys, Rangers, Mavs, Stars):
- Book on SpotHero 24+ hours before. Saves 30-50% vs driving up.
- For AT&T Stadium: park at the lots on Road to Six Flags (south). $20-30 vs $75+ near the stadium.
- For AAC (Mavs/Stars): DART Green/Orange line. $2.50 each way. No parking stress.
Sources:
- SpotHero and ParkMobile apps
- City of Dallas and Fort Worth parking websites
- DART.org for transit + park & ride
What's your parking hack?