Parking Costs in Durham, NC: Hourly, Daily & Monthly Rates

For weekday trips into central Durham, budget around $2.25 per hour at City of Durham garages and selected surface lots, with an all-day maximum of $24.75 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. That applies at Corcoran Street, Church Street, Durham Centre and Chapel Hill Street garages, as well as Lot 8 near East Parrish Street and Church Street, Lot 14 at Morgan and Magnum, Lot 10 on 9th Street, and Lot 32 at West Chapel Hill Street and Ramseur Street. The first hour is currently free, which can help when visiting Major the Bull, only 21 metres away, or Visionary Leadership in the New South, 38 metres away. Evening parking is a useful cost-saving option near Durham Bulls Athletic Park, about 516 metres from the local downtown parking area, and Durham Athletic Park, roughly 597 metres away. City garages, surface lots and on-street metered spaces are free from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. on weekdays, provided vehicles leave by 7:59 a.m.; daytime on-street spaces are generally limited to two hours. For longer stays, monthly parking permits vary by facility, while Durham County lists $25 per month for eligible in-state government employees and $65 per month for general public parkers at applicable county garages. The county’s hourly rate is $2, with a $10 daily maximum and a $5 special-event rate, as outlined in the Durham County parking information. Monthly costs make most sense for commuters travelling toward the NS Danville District H Line, approximately 198 metres away, or for workers visiting downtown offices repeatedly. Before committing, compare permit availability with daily spending, since a $65 county permit may be worthwhile for frequent weekday use but not for occasional visits. Businesses assessing parking income can also review parking revenue strategies when planning visitor and staff bays.

How Durham meters and pay stations charge visitors

Downtown Durham pay stations use license-plate-based payment, so note the vehicle’s plate before leaving the car. The standard weekday tariff is $2.25 per hour between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m., with a $24.75 maximum for the day at listed City facilities and surface lots. That structure suits a short visit near Major the Bull, while the free evening window can reduce costs after events at Durham Bulls Athletic Park or Durham Athletic Park. Payment is accepted at designated pay stations, and Durham Centre Garage is identified as credit-card only in the City rate table; Durham County facilities accept cash and credit or debit cards at designated kiosks. Contactless capability can depend on the terminal, so carry a card or alternative payment method rather than assuming every machine works identically. On-street bays are generally capped at two hours during daytime enforcement, and disability permit holders may remain all day in time-limited spaces, although the applicable hourly charge still applies. Visitors comparing local rules can consult parking rate rules before heading toward the downtown garages and the NS Danville District H Line.

You can also explore our guide on parking tips to make the most of your options.