If you live in a city, you’re going to use parking lots. Eh? Get it? Ok, we may be bad at parking puns, but we are good at parking in Columbia. Here’s a quick go-to parking guide to help you avoid tickets within city limits.

First things first

Parking rates in Columbia have recently changed, marking the first rate increase in almost two decades. In December 2024, the City Council approved major updates to parking rates and policies that took effect at the beginning of March. The changes aim to generate $11 million over five years.

Some changes include:

Hourly rates: On-street parking is $1.50 per hour.
Extended hours: Enforcement runs 9 a.m.–7 p.m., Monday through Friday, with Saturdays enforced in Five Points + BullStreet District only.
First-hour free: City-owned parking decks are free for the first hour, followed by $3 for the second hour.
Residential permits: Owner-occupant permits are $30 for 24 months.

Metered parking

Different colored meters correspond with different amounts of time allotted for parking.

Red meters, 30 minutes
Silver meters, one hour
Green meters, two hours
Blue meters, five-ten hours

Pro tip: Go ahead and download the Passport Parking app. When you’re running behind, the last thing you need is to reach for a sticky quarter in your cup holder.

Garage parking

Click here to see 10+ parking options in Columbia that are operated by the City of Columbia + mostly align with metered rules or have visitor parking on lower levels. If all else fails, check this interactive parking map before you drive to your destination.

5 quick tips

Don’t forget about side street parking, especially when you’re trying to find parking in busy districts. If you are trying to park downtown on Main Street or in the Vista, you may find better luck parking on Sumter, Assembly, Lincoln, or Lady Streets rather than Gervais or Main Streets.
If paying with cash, remember to use exact change. Pay stations do not give change + any overpayments will not be refunded.
Forego parking altogether and use public transportation. Catch The COMET, which recently unveiled its first zero-emission buses.
If you're looking for more parking in the Five Points District, you can park for free at the Pavillion Street Surface Lot (812 Pavillion St.) any day of the week + at the Devine Street Lot (2126 Devine St.) It's free after 6 p.m. on weekdays + all day on weekends.
When in doubt, you can alwayscontact the parking department.