Finding convenient and affordable parking in downtown Boston can often feel like navigating a maze. However, the Boston Common Garage, located right on Charles Street, offers a surprisingly easy and cost-effective solution for parking near some of Boston’s most popular destinations. Whether you’re heading to a show in the Theater District, exploring historic Beacon Hill, shopping at Faneuil Marketplace, or catching an event at TD Garden, this centrally located garage provides a hassle-free parking experience.
What sets the Boston Common Garage apart? Beyond its prime location beneath the iconic Boston Common, it’s known for its ease of access, spacious layout, and competitive rates, especially during evenings and weekends. In a city known for its challenging streets, the garage’s straightforward entrance and exit on Charles Street are a welcome relief. Forget circling narrow streets and struggling with tight parking spots – the Boston Common Garage prioritizes convenience.
If you’re accustomed to navigating cramped and confusing downtown parking garages, you’ll immediately appreciate the user-friendly design of this underground facility. And with various rate specials, including a particularly attractive Weekday Super Late Night option, you can potentially save significantly on parking costs, especially compared to expensive hotel parking.
Find out more about navigating parking in Boston and get essential driving tips for Boston before you arrive.
Entrance to Boston Common Garage on Charles Street
Boston Common Garage Parking Rates: Affordable Downtown Boston Parking
One of the biggest draws of the Boston Common Garage is its competitive pricing. Here’s a breakdown of the standard parking rates, but remember to always check the official Boston Common Garage website for the most up-to-date information and potential changes.
Weekday Parking Rates (Enter between 6am and 4pm):
- Up to 1 hour: $12
- Up to 2 hours: $18
- Up to 3 hours: $24
- Up to 10 hours: $28
- 24-hour maximum: $32
Evening Parking Rates (Enter between 4pm and 6am AND exit before 8am):
- Up to 1 hour: $10
- 1-3 hours: $14
- 3+ hours (exit by 8am): $18
Weekend and Week Night Rates (Enter after 6am Saturday or Sunday, exit by 8am next morning; OR enter Mon-Fri 4pm-6pm, exit by 8am):
- Up to 1 hour: $10
- 1-3 hours: $14
- 3+ hours (up to 8am): $18 (or $16 if you reserve online!)
Unlock Super Savings with the Weekday Super Late Night Special:
For visitors staying overnight in Downtown, Beacon Hill, or Back Bay hotels seeking to avoid hefty hotel parking fees, the Boston Common Garage offers an incredible deal. If you can enter the garage after 9pm (Monday-Friday) and depart before 8am the next day (without needing to take your car out during this period), you can take advantage of the $5 Super Late Night Rate. This is arguably the best parking bargain in Boston! Important: You must reserve this special rate online at bostoncommongarage.com to redeem it.
Even if the Super Late Night special doesn’t fit your schedule, the standard 24-hour self-parking rate of $26 remains a very competitive option compared to other garages in the area. Students, faculty, and medical personnel may also be eligible for this $26 rate, so it’s worth checking the Boston Common Garage website for eligibility details.
Additional Money-Saving Parking Deals:
- All-Weekend Rate: Park from Friday (enter between 4pm and midnight) to Monday (exit before 8am) for just $48 (no in/out privileges).
- Evening Restaurant Parking: Enjoy dinner out with $14 parking when you enter between 6pm-9pm and leave before 1:30am (no in/out privileges).
Always Verify Rates: Parking rates and conditions can change, so always double-check the official garage website before your visit to confirm the most current details.
Payment Options for Quick Exits:
For the fastest exit, utilize the payment kiosks located within the garage on your way back to your vehicle. These machines accept both cash and credit cards. While you can pay with a credit card at the exit, this method will take longer and may cause delays for other drivers.
Important Note for Snow Emergencies: During declared snow emergencies in Boston, on-street parking bans are implemented. Boston residents in nearby neighborhoods can park at the Boston Common Garage at discounted rates during these times, so expect the garage to be busier than usual during snow events.
Garage Size and Security: The Boston Common Garage is a large facility with 1,350 parking spaces. The underground garage is well-lit and experiences consistent traffic throughout the day and night. Security personnel are typically present within the garage, providing an added layer of safety and peace of mind.
Saving Money on Overnight Parking in Boston: The Boston Common Garage Advantage
If you’re planning an overnight trip to Boston and your hotel is quoting upwards of $50 per night for parking (a common rate in many Boston hotels), utilizing overnight and weekend parking at the Boston Common Garage can result in significant savings.
This strategy is particularly effective for weekend visitors. For weekday stays, you’ll need to be mindful of the morning weekday rate start times and plan to move your car accordingly to avoid higher hourly charges.
5 Essential Tips for Parking at Boston Common Garage
To ensure a smooth and stress-free parking experience at the Boston Common Garage, keep these helpful tips in mind:
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Charles Street Entrance is Key: The entrance to the Boston Common Garage is located on Charles Street. Charles Street is a one-way street heading northbound between Boston Common and the Public Garden. The garage is easily accessible from major routes like Storrow Drive, I-93, and the Mass Pike (I-90). Plan your route to approach Charles Street from the south for the most direct access to the entrance.
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Remember Your Location! Aisle and Level are Crucial: Once you’ve parked and locked your car, immediately note your aisle letter (A, B, C, etc.) and the garage level (Upper, Middle, Lower). Forgetting the level is a common mistake for first-time parkers and can lead to confusion when returning to your vehicle. Take a photo with your phone or jot it down.
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Kiosk Awareness: Upon exiting the garage to ground level, you’ll emerge from one of four identical kiosks situated around the western edge of Boston Common. Take a moment to mentally note the location of your exit kiosk in relation to landmarks on the Common. While all kiosks provide access to the same garage, returning to your exit kiosk can minimize any potential disorientation inside the garage.
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Ticket Smart: Always take your parking ticket with you. You may need to swipe it at the kiosk door to re-enter the garage, particularly during evenings or late hours. (Boston Insider Tip: Sometimes, only one kiosk remains unlocked late at night – be prepared for this possibility).
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Pay Before You Return to Your Car: Utilize the payment machines located in each kiosk to pay for your parking before you head back to your car. This will streamline your exit process, assuming the machines are functioning properly.
Boston Transportation Options – Quick Links to More Info
Attractions Near Boston Common Garage: Explore Downtown Boston with Ease
The Boston Common Garage’s central location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring numerous Boston attractions. Thanks to Boston’s compact layout, you’ll find yourself within walking distance of:
- The Theater District: Catch a Broadway show or performance.
- Historic Downtown Boston: Discover iconic landmarks and historical sites.
- Chinatown: Experience Boston’s vibrant Chinatown.
- Beacon Hill: Stroll through charming streets and admire Federal-style architecture.
- Back Bay: Explore upscale shops and restaurants, especially near the Public Garden end.
- The Greenway: Enjoy a linear park built on the former elevated highway route.
- Faneuil Hall Marketplace/Quincy Market: Browse shops, enjoy street performers, and sample Boston treats.
- TD Garden: Attend a Bruins or Celtics game, or a major concert.
- Downtown Waterfront: Explore the harbor and waterfront activities (approximately a 12-15 minute walk).
- The Freedom Trail: Begin your historical walking tour of Boston (the Boston Visitor Information Center for maps is just across the Common).
- Boston Common itself: Relax, people-watch, or enjoy events in America’s oldest park.
Directions to Boston Common Garage
Address: 0 Charles Street, Boston, MA
Entrance: Charles Street, between Boston Common and the Public Garden.
Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Cost: See rate details above; confirm on the Boston Common Garage website.
Public Transportation: Nearest “T” (subway) stations: Park Street (Green and Red Lines) or Boylston (Green Line). State Station (Blue and Orange Lines) is also within walking distance.
“Garage Full” Sign? Alternative Parking Options Near Boston Common
While the Boston Common Garage offers ample parking with 1,350 spaces, the “Garage Full” sign can appear, especially during events or peak times. It’s always wise to have backup parking options in mind.
Consider these alternatives:
- Post Office Square Garage: Located in the Financial District, this garage is well-maintained, clean, and easily accessible, particularly convenient if your destination is east of Boston Common. Post Office Square Garage
- Dartmouth Street Garage: Situated in Back Bay, west of the Common, the Dartmouth Street Garage (operated by LAZ Parking) is a good alternative for Back Bay destinations. Dartmouth Street Garage
While these alternative garages may have slightly higher rates than Boston Common Garage, they are still often more economical (and less stressful) than risking parking tickets or endlessly searching for street parking in this busy area of Boston.
Explore More Boston Parking and Activities
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