Parking in downtown Seattle: a visitor's guide

Do you need a car at all?

Before you rent a car, consider whether you need one:

• From the airport, Link light rail runs to downtown in about 38 minutes, per Sound Transit. See our light rail guide.
• On foot from our building: the Seattle Convention Center is 3 minutes, Westlake Center 7 minutes, Capitol Hill 10 minutes and Pike Place Market 15 minutes.
• To the stadiums and Seattle Center, light rail and the monorail run from Westlake. See game weekends.

A car is most useful for day trips outside the city, for example to Mount Rainier or the Cascades, or if you arrive with a lot of gear.

On-street parking

SDOT manages paid parking on downtown streets. On its paid parking information page, SDOT explains:

• How to pay: at a pay station on the block, or with the PayByPhone app.
• Rates and hours vary by area and time of day; SDOT adjusts them periodically, and the current rate is shown on the pay station and in the app.
• Time limits are posted on signs. Read every sign on the block: load zones, bus zones and peak-hour no-parking restrictions are common downtown.

Street parking near the Convention Center is in high demand on weekdays and during big events, so do not count on finding a space on arrival.

Garages

Downtown has many garages, run by both public and private operators. The Seattle Convention Center lists garages near the Summit and Arch buildings on its parking page. Tips:

• Check clearance height if you drive a tall vehicle.
• Event rates may apply during conventions, concerts and games.
• Reserve ahead where the operator allows it, especially for multi-day stays.
• Note in-and-out rules: some garages charge again each time you leave.

Parking at our building

Our building at 1400 Hubbell Place has garage space for compact cars, available on request. Ask when you book so we can confirm a space for your dates. SUVs do not fit the garage spaces. Full details, including the current fee, are on our parking page and the policies page.

Event days

On Seahawks, Mariners and big convention days, downtown traffic is heavier and garage rates near the venues rise. If you have a space at our building, leave the car there and take light rail or walk. For festivals outside downtown, such as Seafair 2027, check the event site for closures and transit options before you drive.

Cruise parking

If you drive to a cruise, the Port of Seattle lists approved parking operators for the Bell Street (Pier 66) and Smith Cove (Pier 91) terminals on its cruise page. Many cruisers stay downtown the night before; see our cruise pre- and post-stay guide.

Electric vehicles

Some downtown garages offer EV charging. Check with the operator before you arrive; availability is not guaranteed.

Safety tips

• Do not leave valuables or luggage visible in a parked car.
• Use a staffed or well-lit garage at night.
• Photograph the pay receipt or app confirmation.

Where to stay

Our three 2-bedroom apartments are in one downtown Seattle building, a 3-minute walk from the Convention Center:

• The Two-Bath 2BR: sleeps 6, two full bathrooms.
• The Top-Floor 2BR: sleeps 5, garage parking for a compact car on request.
• The Lumière 2BR: sleeps 6.

Each has a full kitchen and an in-unit washer & dryer. Check dates on our booking search or our secure booking site. You get 10% off when you book direct. Moving to Seattle or here for work? See corporate and relocation stays.