Visitors and residents of Portland looking to park on city streets need to be aware of where and how much they’ll have to pay, according to the latest from the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT). For those heading Downtown, parking rates range from $1.40 to $2.40 per hour, with special event pricing around Providence Park during Timbers and Thorns games, as noted on the PBOT's official website.
The city doesn’t give its parking away for free, except on ten public holidays throughout the year. During these days, including Juneteenth and Veterans Day, parking meters will let users know there's no need to pay. This doesn't apply to city park locations, where fees remain in place, holiday or not. For those wondering where not to park, steer clear of locations with no parking signs, yellow curbs, and within 10 feet of fire hydrants, among other restrictions. Complying with these rules could save you from the hassle of a ticket, or even a tow.
Paying for parking has also been modernized with smartphone technology. PBOT's Parking Kitty app allows for remote payment, though it also tacks on a $0.10 processing fee for convenience. Additional fees per transaction include a $0.10 technology fee for officer equipment, a $0.20 climate and equitable mobility transaction fee, and a new $0.20 fee passed by the Portland City Council in 2024.
With over 20,000 on-street parking stalls and several SmartPark garages available, finding a spot shouldn’t be too difficult if you know the rules. Whether it’s for work or leisure, remember to check the on-street signs to ensure your car is parked legally, and if you’re parking in any of the city’s meter districts, have your payment ready because cash-free, seamless transactions are the present and future in Portland’s parking ecosystem.
