Downtown Austin, Texas · 2026 Parking Guide
Austin Convention Center Parking: Find the Open Garages & Actual Rates
Need parking near the Austin Convention Center, Sixth Street, Rainey Street or downtown hotels? The convention center building is closed for redevelopment, but its two parking garages remain available. Compare normal parking rates, the $7 early-bird option, weekend flat rates, garage entrances and vehicle restrictions before driving downtown.
Is Austin Convention Center Parking Open in 2026?
Yes. Both Austin Convention Center parking garages continue to operate despite the convention center building being closed for construction.
The original convention center at 500 East Cesar Chavez Street closed in April 2025. Its redevelopment project, UnconventionalATX, involves replacing the former facility with a larger convention center scheduled for completion around the end of 2028 and reopening in 2029.
What Is Still Open?
- 2nd Street Convention Center Garage.
- 5th Street Convention Center Garage.
- Parking for eligible downtown visitors.
- Normal and special-event parking arrangements.
- Garage payment and parking support services.
What Is Closed?
- The former convention center exhibit halls.
- The former convention center meeting rooms.
- The old public event entrances.
- Regular convention activities inside the former building.
When Will the New Convention Center Open?
The redevelopment schedule targets substantial completion in December 2028 and an opening for the 2029 convention season.
The new facility is planned to provide approximately 620,000 square feet of rentable event space, compared with approximately 365,000 square feet previously.
Construction progress and street restrictions are published through the official UnconventionalATX redevelopment website.
Austin Convention Center Parking Garages: Address & Comparison
There are two official convention center department parking garages. Both are in downtown Austin, but their vehicle entrances, garage capacities and clearance heights differ.
2nd Street Parking Garage
Street address:
201 East 2nd Street
Austin, TX 78701
Vehicle entrances:
- Brazos Street.
- San Jacinto Boulevard.
Clearance: 6 feet 9 inches.
Best for: Second Street District, downtown offices, hotels, restaurants and nearby entertainment.
Important: There is no vehicle entrance directly on 2nd Street.
View Garage Map5th Street Parking Garage
Street address:
601 East 5th Street
Austin, TX 78701
Vehicle entrance: East 5th Street, near Red River Street.
Clearance: 6 feet 11 inches.
Best for: Eastern downtown, Sixth Street entertainment venues, nearby restaurants and early-bird weekday parking.
Special option: $7 weekday early-bird parking when all timing conditions are met.
View Garage MapGarage Comparison
| Feature | 2nd Street | 5th Street |
|---|---|---|
| Address | 201 E. 2nd St. | 601 E. 5th St. |
| Capacity | 1,000 spaces | 685 spaces |
| Height limit | 6 ft 9 in | 6 ft 11 in |
| Cash accepted? | No | No |
| Debit/credit cards | Accepted | Accepted |
| Accessible parking | Available | Available |
| Early bird $7 | Not published | Yes, weekdays |
| Event rates | May apply | May apply |
Austin Convention Center Parking Rates: Complete 2026 Table
The official parking schedule currently lists the same normal rate structure for both convention center garages.
| Parking Duration | Normal Rate | Practical Example |
|---|---|---|
| 0–10 minutes | Free | Very brief garage entry and exit. |
| Over 10 minutes–2 hours | $5 | Short downtown visit. |
| Over 2–9 hours | $10 | Restaurant visit, workday or extended appointment. |
| Over 9–12 hours | $15 | Long downtown stay. |
| Over 12 hours | Additional $3/hour | Subject to the 24-hour daily maximum. |
| 24-hour maximum | $48 | Maximum charge for a regular 24-hour billing period. |
| Lost parking ticket | $60 | Published lost-ticket charge. |
These are normal posted venue rates, not a guarantee for special events. The garage billing schedule resets every 24 hours. The operator may post special event rates that override normal parking charges.
Real-World Parking Cost Examples
90-Minute Visit
Normal rate for a stay longer than 10 minutes but no more than two hours.
Six-Hour Visit
Normal rate for a stay exceeding two hours and within nine hours.
10-Hour Visit
Normal rate for a stay longer than nine hours and within 12 hours.
How the 24-Hour Maximum Works
The official normal schedule lists a maximum of $48 for a 24-hour period. That maximum describes a pricing cap, not permission to store a vehicle overnight.
The published visitor parking page separately says no overnight parking. If your vehicle must remain parked overnight, get explicit approval from the parking operator or select a facility that permits overnight stays.
Weekend Parking & the $7 Early-Bird Garage Deal
Austin’s convention center garages publish two special pricing arrangements that can be particularly useful to downtown visitors.
5th Street Garage: $7 Early-Bird Parking
Available: Monday–Friday.
- Early-bird entry starts at 4:30 AM.
- Vehicle must enter before 7:00 AM.
- Vehicle must exit before 7:00 PM.
- Available at the 5th Street Garage.
- Not a universal offer for both garages.
Is the Early-Bird Rate Worth It?
For a normal eight-hour parking session, the regular published charge is $10. Under the applicable early-bird conditions, the 5th Street Garage charges $7 instead.
This represents a $3 saving for that example.
Friday & Saturday Evening Flat Rate
The official convention center parking page lists a weekend parking arrangement effective February 21, 2025.
| Condition | Published Weekend Rule |
|---|---|
| Applicable days | Friday and Saturday |
| Entry window | 4:00 PM–1:00 AM |
| Flat charge | $15 |
| Payment | Collected on entry |
| Flat-rate validity | From entry until 11:00 AM the following morning |
| After 11:00 AM | Regular rates apply |
Note: The published window crosses midnight. The $15 arrangement is a pricing rule, not a general guarantee that leaving your vehicle overnight is permitted.
Special event pricing or operational notices may supersede the standard evening arrangement.
Which Austin Convention Center Garage Should You Choose?
The best garage depends on your downtown destination, arrival time, vehicle height and whether you want to walk toward Second Street or Sixth Street.
| Your Situation | Recommended Starting Point | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday before 7 AM | 5th Street Garage | Published $7 early-bird opportunity. |
| Second Street District | 2nd Street Garage | Convenient general downtown location. |
| East Sixth Street | 5th Street Garage | Useful east-downtown access near Red River. |
| Taller permitted vehicle | 5th Street Garage | Published 6-ft-11-in clearance versus 6-ft-9-in at 2nd Street. |
| Electric vehicle | 2nd Street Garage | Published Austin Energy charging facilities. |
| Longer downtown visit | Compare both | Normal pricing is similar; destination and availability matter. |
| Oversized vehicle or RV | Alternative suitable facility | Both official garages have low clearance limits. |
Austin Convention Center Parking Maps & Garage Entrances
There are two separate parking destinations. Save the correct map before driving downtown.
2nd Street Garage Map
201 East 2nd Street, Austin, TX 78701
Vehicle entrances are on Brazos Street and San Jacinto Boulevard.
Do not look for a driveway directly on East 2nd Street.
5th Street Garage Map
601 East 5th Street, Austin, TX 78701
Vehicle access is on East 5th Street near Red River Street.
Check road access and any special-event traffic controls before arrival.
What to Enter in Your GPS
| Destination | Use This Address |
|---|---|
| 2nd Street parking | 201 E. 2nd St., Austin, TX 78701 |
| 5th Street parking | 601 E. 5th St., Austin, TX 78701 |
| Former convention center | 500 E. Cesar Chavez St. — construction site, not parking entrance |
| Palmer Events Center | 900 Barton Springs Road — separate venue and garage |
For the venue operator’s current entrance diagrams, use the official Austin Convention Center parking and garage entrance maps.
How to Park at Austin Convention Center Garages
Both garages use cashless payment. You should have a working credit or debit card rather than relying on cash.
- Choose your garage. Select 2nd Street or 5th Street based on your destination and arrival time.
- Check vehicle clearance. The limits are 6 ft 9 in at 2nd Street and 6 ft 11 in at 5th Street.
- Navigate to the vehicle entrance. Use Brazos/San Jacinto for the 2nd Street Garage or East 5th Street for the other.
- Read the posted rates. Special-event pricing may apply, even when online regular rates are lower.
- Enter according to garage instructions. Follow the posted ticket, payment and entry-gate procedures.
- Park in an authorized space. Avoid reserved areas and keep access lanes clear.
- Save your parking details. Record the garage name, parking level and location.
- Pay and exit. Use an accepted payment card and follow the operator’s exit instructions.
What If You Lose Your Parking Ticket?
The published lost-ticket fee is $60. Contact the parking operator for the current recovery and payment procedure.
Parking office: 512-404-4260.
Email: ACCDParkingInfo@AustinTexas.gov.
Accessible Parking, Disabled Veteran Plates & EV Charging
The garages provide designated accessible parking near elevator facilities. The official visitor page also publishes parking privileges for certain qualified Texas specialty plates.
Accessible Parking
- Accessible spaces are provided on garage levels.
- Designated spaces are located near elevators.
- Drivers must follow applicable disability parking and identification requirements.
- Garage clearance limits still apply to accessible vehicles.
- Confirm temporary construction impacts if elevator access is important.
Disabled Veteran & Qualifying Military Plates
The official parking information states that vehicles displaying qualifying Disabled Veteran or other specified Meritorious Military Honors specialty plates can receive complimentary parking.
Eligibility depends on the particular plate and the applicable operator rules. Confirm the qualifying plate categories and the exit process before relying on a free-parking benefit.
Electric & Alternative Fuel Vehicle Parking
The 2nd Street Garage lists 30 preferred spaces for hybrid, electric, biodiesel and flex-fuel vehicles.
Among these are three Austin Energy charging stations.
Check connector compatibility, network requirements, charging fees and whether a station is available before planning to recharge during your downtown visit.
Overnight Parking, Vehicle Height & Garage Restrictions
Several restrictions can affect your parking plan, particularly if you are visiting Austin overnight or driving a larger vehicle.
| Restriction | Official Guidance |
|---|---|
| 2nd Street height | 6 feet 9 inches |
| 5th Street height | 6 feet 11 inches |
| Overnight parking | Current public parking page says no overnight parking. |
| Payment | Debit or credit cards; cashless. |
| Lost ticket | $60 published fee. |
| Special-event pricing | May override normal rates. |
| Garage availability | Spaces not guaranteed; operations can change for events. |
Can You Leave a Car Overnight?
The current public parking page states no overnight parking. Some older operational documents describe overnight arrangements at prevailing rates, and the current Friday/Saturday evening price extends into the next morning.
Because those statements differ, do not interpret the 24-hour maximum or weekend pricing as automatic overnight permission. Ask the parking office for the rule applicable to your vehicle, date and garage.
What If Your Vehicle Is Too Tall?
A vehicle with roof-mounted storage, equipment racks or an unusually tall body may exceed one or both garages’ clearance limits.
Measure the total height of your vehicle including anything mounted to the roof. Use an outdoor lot with suitable vehicle clearance if necessary.
Cheap Downtown Austin Parking & Monthly Parking Options
If you visit downtown Austin frequently, the normal hourly garage pricing may not be the most economical arrangement.
City of Austin Affordable Parking Program
The City of Austin publishes an affordable parking program that includes passes for eligible downtown workers and evening users.
Convention Center Garage Evening Pass
Published access period: 4:00 PM–5:00 AM, Monday–Sunday, excluding holidays.
Participating garages:
- Austin Convention Center 2nd Street Garage.
- Austin Convention Center 5th Street Garage.
This is a program pass, not an unrestricted 24-hour monthly parking contract.
Who Might Benefit?
- Eligible downtown evening-shift workers.
- People regularly parking during program hours.
- Visitors who meet the City’s pass eligibility rules.
- Drivers who can comply with the permitted entry and exit periods.
How to Apply for Affordable Parking
- Confirm you qualify for the City program.
- Check the permitted parking hours.
- Choose the 2nd Street or 5th Street Garage.
- Review any required employer or eligibility documentation.
- Contact the parking operator at 512-404-4260 or ACCDParkingInfo@AustinTexas.gov.
- Complete the process through the official Austin Affordable Parking Program.
What About Free Downtown Parking Validation?
The Downtown Austin Alliance operated a downtown patron parking pilot from February 23 through August 30, 2026.
Participating businesses offered eligible customers parking vouchers worth up to two hours of parking.
Other Downtown Parking Choices
Nearby independent garages and lots may offer lower evening prices, hotel parking, reserved spaces or longer-stay arrangements.
When comparing them, evaluate the final price, walk to your destination, permitted exit time, vehicle clearance and security arrangements.
A slightly cheaper space several blocks away may not be the better choice when carrying luggage, visiting with children or attending an event late at night.
Public Transportation, MetroRail & Rideshare Alternatives
Parking is not the only way to reach downtown Austin. Capital Metro operates bus and rail services, and several central locations are accessible on foot.
Capital MetroRail
The downtown MetroRail station is near East Fourth Street and Neches Street, serving destinations in the eastern portion of downtown.
Rail availability and scheduled service depend on the day and time. Confirm the current schedule, especially when returning from evening events.
Capital Metro Buses
Several CapMetro bus routes serve central Austin. Route availability depends on your starting neighborhood, current service plan and local construction diversions.
Rideshare & Taxi
Rideshare may be useful if you are attending a downtown event without needing a car for the rest of the day.
- Check for official event pickup zones.
- Confirm the pickup location before requesting a vehicle.
- Avoid standing in blocked or construction-restricted roadways.
- Allow extra time after large concerts or festivals.
- Compare rideshare prices against garage charges for longer stays.
Traveling From Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is southeast of downtown Austin. Visitors can use taxis, rideshare, rental cars or appropriate transit services to reach central Austin.
For travelers staying downtown, avoiding a rental car may reduce hotel parking charges and the need to find parking for each activity.
Local Parking Tips: Sixth Street, Rainey Street & Downtown Hotels
The convention center parking garages remain useful for nearby downtown destinations even though the former convention building is closed.
| Destination | Suggested Parking Approach |
|---|---|
| Second Street District | Compare 2nd Street Garage. |
| Sixth Street bars and music venues | Compare 5th Street Garage and posted evening charges. |
| Rainey Street area | Compare walking distance from official garages against other nearby lots. |
| Downtown restaurants | Choose the nearest legal entrance and compare short-stay fees. |
| Downtown hotels | Ask about hotel parking first, particularly for overnight stays. |
| Palmer Events Center | Use the separate facility at 900 Barton Springs Road. |
Parking for Downtown Events
Event pricing may be higher or operate differently from normal parking rates. If a concert, sports event or festival is expected to create unusually high demand, arrive earlier and be prepared to compare backup locations.
Do Not Confuse Austin Convention Center With Other Texas Venues
For convention trips in other Texas cities, our Henry B. González Convention Center San Antonio guide explains downtown garage options and visitor entrances.
Visitors traveling to Houston can compare the parking garages and construction restrictions in our George R. Brown Convention Center parking guide.
For Dallas meetings, the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas guide covers the active portions of that venue during redevelopment, including garage and surface-lot rates.
And if your plans include the Dallas–Fort Worth area, the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas guide compares an attached parking garage with rail access and nearby hotels.
Parking Mistakes to Avoid
- Following the old venue entrance: The former convention center is closed for construction.
- Looking for the 2nd Street garage entrance on 2nd Street: Vehicle entrances are actually on Brazos and San Jacinto.
- Missing early-bird conditions: The $7 deal requires arrival before 7 AM and exit before 7 PM.
- Assuming normal weekend pricing: A flat evening or special-event rate may apply.
- Ignoring vehicle height: Both garages have clearance limits under seven feet.
- Expecting to pay with cash: The facilities are cashless.
- Assuming overnight parking is permitted: The current visitor page says no overnight parking.
- Depending on expired discounts: The 2026 downtown patron validation pilot has ended.
Austin Convention Center Parking: 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Austin Convention Center parking open in 2026?
Yes. The convention center building is closed for redevelopment, but its two parking garages at 201 East 2nd Street and 601 East 5th Street remain operational during construction. Temporary restrictions may affect access.
2. How much does Austin Convention Center parking cost?
Normal published rates are free for 0–10 minutes, $5 for over 10 minutes up to 2 hours, $10 for over 2–9 hours and $15 for over 9–12 hours. After 12 hours, additional charges apply up to the $48 daily maximum. Special-event rates may override these prices.
3. Where is the 2nd Street parking garage entrance?
The garage address is 201 East 2nd Street, Austin, TX 78701. Vehicle entrances are on Brazos Street and San Jacinto Boulevard. There is no garage entrance directly on East 2nd Street.
4. Where is the Austin Convention Center 5th Street Garage?
The 5th Street Garage is at 601 East 5th Street, Austin, TX 78701. Its vehicle entrance is on East 5th Street near Red River Street.
5. Does Austin Convention Center have a $7 early-bird parking rate?
Yes. The 5th Street Garage publishes a $7 weekday early-bird rate. Drivers must arrive before 7 AM and exit before 7 PM. The early-bird parking period begins at 4:30 AM.
6. How much is Austin Convention Center weekend parking?
The official garage parking page lists a $15 flat rate for qualifying Friday and Saturday entries between 4 PM and 1 AM. The flat rate lasts until 11 AM the following morning, after which regular charges apply. Special-event prices can differ.
7. Can I park overnight at Austin Convention Center garages?
The current public parking page says no overnight parking. Although a published weekend parking rate extends into the following morning, visitors should obtain clarification from the parking office rather than assuming overnight storage is permitted.
8. What are the height limits at the convention center garages?
The 2nd Street Garage has a published clearance of 6 feet 9 inches. The 5th Street Garage has a clearance of 6 feet 11 inches. Drivers must also follow the clearance sign at the actual entrance.
9. Is accessible or electric vehicle parking available?
Accessible parking is provided near elevators in the convention center garages. The 2nd Street Garage also identifies 30 preferred alternative-fuel vehicle spaces, including three Austin Energy charging stations.
10. When will Austin Convention Center reopen?
The former convention center closed in April 2025 for redevelopment. The replacement facility is scheduled for substantial completion around the end of 2028, with reopening planned for the 2029 convention season. Its parking garages remain operational during construction.
Final Parking Recommendation
For most downtown Austin visitors, start by comparing the official 2nd Street and 5th Street garages.
Choose 2nd Street for convenient access to the Second Street District and its published EV charging facilities. Choose 5th Street when visiting eastern downtown or when you qualify for the $7 weekday early-bird price.
Before leaving home, check the posted event price, construction-related access changes and your vehicle’s height. The $48 regular daily maximum does not replace the venue’s stated overnight parking restrictions.
Parking office: 512-404-4260
Email: ACCDParkingInfo@AustinTexas.gov