Finding a safe and affordable place to leave your car for a week can be stressful. You can park at long-term airport lots to keep your car secure while you’re away. There’s also the option of renting someone’s garage for added safety.
Worried about costs? Offsite airport parking is often cheaper than the airport’s own lots. You might be surprised at how many convenient and budget-friendly solutions exist. Keep reading to discover the best spots and tips to ensure your car stays secure and your trip remains worry-free.
Long-Term Parking Solutions
When you need to park your car for a week or more, you have a few options to ensure the safety and convenience of your vehicle. Consider paid parking facilities, subscription-based parking, and airport parking options.
Paid Parking Facilities
Paid parking facilities can be a practical choice for extended stays. Many cities have parking garages that offer daily or weekly rates. These facilities often provide security features like cameras and sometimes even personnel on-site. You can also find lots that permit monthly parking plans.
Using a reservation system can make this process smoother. With a reservation, you’ll know exactly where you’re parking and won’t waste time looking for a spot. Pricing varies widely, but it’s usually more cost-effective than street parking.
Subscription-Based Parking
Subscription-based parking services offer a convenient and often more affordable option. Platforms like Neighbor provide a way to rent a parking space from a private individual. This could be in someone’s garage, driveway, or a commercial lot.
These services are especially useful if you need monthly parking or longer-term options. You generally secure a spot through a digital reservation system. This is typically safer than leaving your car on the street, as many spaces are monitored.
Airport Parking Options
Airports offer a variety of long-term parking solutions. At places like Columbus John Glenn Airport, you can choose between short-term and long-term garages. Long-term parking is usually cheaper and sometimes involves a shuttle ride to the terminal.
Some airports provide additional services such as car washes and maintenance through companies like Vohnt Car Care. These options can give you peace of mind, knowing your car is in a secure and managed environment.
Each option has its pros and cons, so select the one that meets your needs and budget most effectively.
Strategies for Affordable Parking
Finding affordable parking for a week can save you a lot of money and hassle. You can find the best deals and use specialized parking platforms to make your experience smooth and cost-effective.
Finding the Best Deals
Plan Ahead: Booking your parking spot in advance can save you quite a bit. Many airports and parking services offer discounted rates for advance bookings.
Compare Options: Use various websites and apps like Way.com and SpotHero to compare prices and services. These platforms often have promotions and deals you might not find elsewhere.
Look for Coupons and Discounts: Always check for discounts and promotional codes. Websites like Best Parking often have special offers. Also, subscribe to newsletters or alerts from different parking services to receive exclusive deals.
Off-Site Parking: Consider parking facilities that are not directly at the airport but offer shuttle services. These tend to be cheaper and just as secure. Park and Fly options often come with complimentary shuttle services.
Utilizing Parking Platforms
Choose Reliable Platforms: Platforms like Way.com and SpotHero help you find and book parking spots conveniently. They offer a range of options from economy to premium parking and give you a detailed description of each lot.
Read Reviews: These platforms often include customer reviews and ratings. It helps you choose a trustworthy facility based on other people’s experiences.
Use Mobile Apps: Mobile apps for these platforms allow you to book, modify, or cancel your reservations easily. They also provide real-time updates on availability and pricing.
Utilize Monthly Parking: If you need long-term parking regularly, consider monthly parking options found on platforms like Neighbor. These options can offer a more economical solution than paying for weekly parking repeatedly.
Navigating Parking in New York City
Parking in New York City can be challenging due to dense traffic and limited spaces, especially in busy areas like Manhattan. Understanding parking rules and options in different boroughs can make your experience smoother. We’ve provided key tips and information to help you find the best parking solutions.
Manhattan Parking Challenges
Manhattan is known for its crowded streets and limited parking spots. You might find that the average daily parking rates range from about $45 to $50. For hourly parking, metered street parking typically costs between $1.25 and $4.50 per hour.
Parking garages are another option, though they can be pricey, reaching up to $125 per day for high-end valet services. Some hotels, like the Hilton Garden Inn on W 35th Street, offer self-parking nearby at garages like ICON Parking, often with additional fees for larger vehicles.
Boroughs Parking Guide
Outside of Manhattan, you can find more reasonably priced and available parking options. Brooklyn and Queens offer various parking facilities that are more affordable than their Manhattan counterparts. For example, daily rates in these boroughs often range from $20 to $30.
Street parking can be easier to find in less busy areas, such as the East Village or in residential zones. Always check local parking signs for restrictions and time limits. In some cases, you might find free parking, particularly in quieter neighborhoods.
Street Parking Tips
Metered street parking in New York City is divided into zones. Knowing the zone you’re in will help you understand the metered rates. In Zone M1, which includes Midtown and Lower Manhattan, rates are $5.50 for one hour and $9.00 for two hours. In Zone M2, which covers areas south of 96th Street, the rates are $5.00 for one hour and $8.25 for two hours.
Always ensure you pay for metered parking and watch for street cleaning signs. Failure to comply with these can result in hefty fines. Using parking apps can help you find available spots and pay meters quickly, making your New York City parking experience less stressful.
Special Considerations for Vehicle Parking
When parking your car for an extended period, it’s important to avoid violations and ensure the safety and security of your vehicle. Use these tips to follow the rules and keep your car secure.
Avoiding Parking Violations
To avoid getting ticketed or towed, be aware of local laws. In California, a car can be parked on a residential street for a maximum of 72 hours. After that, it must be moved. Some areas have restrictions against blocking driveways or being too close to a fire hydrant. Always look for signs that outline parking rules.
Avoid double parking as it can lead to fines and may upset your neighbors. Park in a designated parking space whenever possible. In busier areas, you might need a permit for long-term parking. Check with local authorities for specific regulations.
Safety and Security Measures
Securing your car is vital, especially when leaving it for a week or more. Choose a well-lit area if street parking is your only option. If you have access to a driveway, use it for added safety.
Lock your doors and remove valuable items to deter theft. Parking near a security camera or within view of your home can also be beneficial. Consider using steering wheel locks or other anti-theft devices. It’s also a good idea to have a friend or neighbor check on your car periodically.
By taking these steps, you ensure that your vehicle stays safe and that you avoid costly parking tickets or towing fees.
Regional Parking Insights
In this section, you’ll find regional recommendations for where you can park your car for a week, including local details, costs, and convenient locations.
New Jersey and Surrounding Areas
Parking options in New Jersey are plentiful, but costs and convenience vary. If you need to park for a week, consider airport parking. Many airports offer long-term parking lots, which are secure and easy to access. However, prices can be steep.
For cheaper alternatives, look at train station parking lots. Stations like those in Newark or Trenton often have long-term parking options with lower daily rates. These locations also have good security and are close to public transportation.
Additionally, private lots and garages around popular areas might offer weekly parking rates. Always check for availability and any special requirements before leaving your car.
Long Island City and Union Station Proximity
Long Island City offers a range of parking options, ideal for anyone traveling to or from the city. Street parking can sometimes be limited and challenging, but certain garages might offer weekly rates. These garages provide a secure place for your car, though expect higher costs compared to some other areas.
Parking near Union Station in New York City is convenient for travelers using the Amtrak or other public transportation. Hourly and daily parking is usually available in nearby garages, though weekly rates can be high. Still, the convenience and proximity to Union Station make it a worthwhile consideration.
For those seeking more affordable options, look into nearby areas like Long Island City where parking may be cheaper but still accessible via public transit like the subway.
