Raise your hand if downtown parking makes your palms sweat. Now, keep them raised if you've ever circled to find a spot, cried a little, then just decided to leave. Well, stress no more, we're here to take the pressure out of parking downtown.

Who's who

One of the most common parking providers downtown is LexPark. Formally known as the Lexington & Fayette County Parking Authority, the quasi-governmental entity that manages and operates street parking (1,208 metered spaces) + four garages downtown (2,000+ spaces).

Parking.com manages 12 lots around downtown, such as the First Presbyterian lot on Mill, the Government lot on North Limestone, and the valet at City Center.

First things first, RIP to the city-wide secret of free parking we all enjoyed in the Traditional Bank parking lot. The lot is now managed by Premium Parking, which also enforces parking in the Chevy Chase Plaza garage.

Rates

Parking + its prices is a topic everyone in LEX loves to talk about. So let's get into it.

Street meters: From $0.75-$2 per hour — flat rate no matter the time
Garages: From $2 per hour-$6 per hour — rates vary depending on day + time
Lots: Varies based on location, time, day, and events

Keep an eye out for signs with specific times like this — August 31-May 16 there is no parking in these spots outside of Sayre from 2 to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday. | Photo by LEXtoday

Pro tips

Does the left hand parallel parking make you panic? Same. But, they are all over Lexington, so we just have to take a deep breath + learn.

Street parking is free after 7 p.m. on weekdays + all day on the weekends.
Take your time and read the signs. If there's red, it likely means there are some restrictions or specific hours for public parking.
While lots + meters accept cash or card, you can also re-up your meters and track your remaining time via your phone by downloading these apps: PaybyPhone, Parking.com, and Premium Parking.