Reserve Parking in a City-Owned Garage: SFMTA Makes Parking Easier for Everyone

Parking in San Francisco can be challenging, but we’re here to help make it less stressful.  

We recently announced two new mobile apps that let you pay for parking by phone and even get alerts when your meter is winding down.  

Now, our teams are making it easier to find parking, too!  

Our online parking reservation system is expanding to cover the majority of SFMTA-owned garages across the city. That means you can reserve parking at garages located conveniently near the ballet, opera, symphony, theaters and shopping districts. 

The best part: Rates at SFMTA garages are typically 30–40% less than at private garages. 

Learn how our online system works – including how easy it is to change plans if something comes up.  

How the garage reservation system works 

What a reservation guarantees: 

When you reserve parking with our online system, you’re guaranteed parking at the SFMTA garage you choose from our list.  

Your reservation won’t assign you a specific spot. But, it will ensure a spot is available once you enter the garage. That means you won’t have to search for street parking when you’re heading to a performance, movie or event you’re excited about.  

And because you’ve already prepaid, you don’t have to worry about keeping track of tickets or waiting in line at a pay station. Just use your reservation QR code on your phone—in your Apple or Google Wallet, from your email or you can print it in advance. 

Where you can book parking:

Reservations are available at most SFMTA garages!

They are currently not available but are coming soon to the Japantown, Portsmouth Square and Music Concourse garages.

Reservations will not be available at the 16th & Hoff and Pierce Street parking garages, the Kezar Lot or at any outdoor metered lots.  

How to make a reservation:

You can book your spot today by visiting our Reserve Your Parking Spot in a City-Owned Garage webpage. Here’s the process:  

1. Go to the website of our secure reservation partner, SKIDATA.
2. Select your preferred garage, date and time.  
3. Choose your reservation method: 
   1. Create an account (recommended). With an account, you can manage, change, or cancel your reservation online at any time before your reservation begins.
   2. Or, reserve as a guest. Guest users can make a reservation but must contact the garage directly by phone or email to change or cancel it.  
4. Pay securely online. A confirmation email with instructions will be sent within minutes.

Please note that garage reservations are subject to availability. 

Who to contact with questions: 

If you have questions or run into issues while making a parking reservation, please contact staff at the garage where you plan to park. Contact information is available on each garage’s webpage. Please do not call 311 for reservation-related inquiries. 

Our Ellis-O'Farrell garage is one of more than a dozen SFMTA garages where you can now reserve parking. 

Building on a popular pilot program