Overview of Parking Near Busch Stadium
The Cardinals offer two official parking options for home games: the Starr Lot and the One Cardinal Way Garage at Ballpark Village. Both can be purchased individually for each game through the Cardinals directly. All passes are delivered digitally via the MLB Ballpark app – no paper ticket required.
How Much Does It Cost to Park at a Cardinals Game?
Official parking at the Starr Lot and One Cardinal Way Garage is generally $25 per game, though prices can vary by day and game demand. The Stadium East Parking Garage at 200 S. Broadway offers a discounted rate of $11 if you pre-purchase online by 11:59 PM the night before your visit. Walk-up rates at that garage jump to the full event rate on game days and cannot be discounted. Third-party lots in the surrounding area vary in price – platforms like SpotHero or ParkWhiz let you compare rates across nearby garages before game day.
Busch Stadium Parking Map
Preferred/Premium Parking at Busch Stadium
The two official Cardinals parking options are the All-Star Lot and the One Cardinal Way Garage.
The All-Star Lot sits directly across the street from Gate 2 on the southwest side of the stadium – one of the most convenient spots on game day. Passes can be purchased with your game tickets or separately through the Cardinals’ official channels. Transactions are capped at 4 passes per game, and Opening Day is limited to 2 passes per transaction.
The One Cardinal Way Garage, added in 2023, is located at 269 S. Broadway and opens 3 hours before scheduled game time. Passes are purchased the same way – bundled with your ticket or separately. Both lots are cashless, so cash will not be accepted at the gate. Purchase your pass in advance through the MLB Ballpark app to speed up entry.
Free Parking Near Busch Stadium
Truly free parking close to the stadium is hard to find on game days, but a few options exist.
Street parking in downtown St. Louis is free on Sundays and city holidays. On other days, meters run Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. – for evening weekday games, meters may expire before the game ends, but check posted signs carefully to avoid fines or towing.
The best free parking option is a MetroLink Park-Ride lot. There are 21 free Park-Ride lots along the MetroLink line where you can leave your car at no cost, then buy a $5 day pass for unlimited trips and ride directly to Stadium Station, located right across the street from the ballpark.
For cheaper private lots, check the area just south of I-64 along 7th Street. These lots tend to be less visible and less trafficked than those directly north of the highway, and often offer lower rates at a comparable walking distance from the stadium.
Can You Tailgate at Busch Stadium?
Tailgating is not permitted at Busch Stadium or in its official parking lots. The Cardinals’ parking terms explicitly prohibit barbecues and other tailgating activities.
Ballpark Village, located directly next to the stadium, is the natural pregame gathering spot. It offers food, drinks, and entertainment and fills up well before first pitch. Gates open 90 minutes before game time Monday through Thursday, and two hours before game time on weekends, so plan to arrive early if you want time to explore the area.
ADA and Handicap Parking at Busch Stadium
Accessible seating is available on all levels and in all price categories at Busch Stadium. Tickets can be purchased at cardinals.com, by calling (314) 345-9000, or at the ticket windows on 8th Street near Gate 3. Tickets can also be exchanged before or on the day of the game at those same windows. For full accessibility information, visit cardinals.com/accessible.
Fans with specific mobility or accessibility needs should contact the Cardinals ahead of time to confirm parking arrangements. All stadium transactions are cashless, so bring a credit or debit card. Guest Relations staff are available throughout the stadium on game day if you have questions.
Uber and Lyft Drop-Off at Busch Stadium
Rideshare drop-off and pickup for Busch Stadium is on the east side of the stadium on Broadway, just south of Spruce Street. A second zone is on the west side on Spruce Street between 8th and 9th Streets.
Request your ride before you leave the stadium after the game – rideshare demand spikes quickly downtown after popular games, and getting your request in early saves time. Rideshare is a strong option for night games or high-demand matchups when parking prices are elevated, since it sidesteps postgame traffic entirely.
Public Transit to Busch Stadium
MetroLink is the most direct transit option. Both MetroLink lines run through downtown and stop at Stadium Station, located right across 8th Street from the third-base gate. The station is below street level – look for the Metro block-M logo signs. A $5 day pass covers unlimited trips, and you can park free at any of the 21 Park-Ride lots along the line before boarding.
MetroBus is another option, with more than a dozen routes serving Civic Center Station, a short walk from the ballpark. The Redbird Express also provides bus service with stops downtown. Reduced fares are available for children ages 5-12, seniors 65 and up, riders with disabilities, and Medicare cardholders. Kids 4 and under ride free.
Stadium Station gets crowded immediately after the final out. If you’re taking MetroLink home, expect a wait to board. The train is especially useful for fans staying in hotels outside the downtown core, since it avoids premium downtown parking and traffic.
Busch Stadium Parking Tips
Buy your parking pass in advance. Official lots sell out for popular games, and pre-purchasing through the MLB Ballpark app guarantees your spot. Have your digital pass ready before you arrive to speed up entry.
All official lots are cashless – don’t plan on paying with cash at the gate. Transactions are capped at 4 passes per game, so larger groups should plan purchases accordingly.
To save money, look at lots south of I-64 along 7th Street – they’re less crowded and often cheaper than the high-profile options to the north, at a similar walking distance. SpotHero and ParkWhiz let you compare rates across nearby garages before game day.
For the most stress-free experience, take MetroLink to Stadium Station or use rideshare. Both drop you off within steps of the ballpark and eliminate postgame traffic. If you drive and plan to use street parking, meters are free on Sundays and city holidays but monitored Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. – check posted signs carefully.
Planning on attending an event at Busch Stadium? Check out our other guides: Busch Stadium Bag Policy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to park at Busch Stadium?
Official Cardinals parking at the Starr Lot and One Cardinal Way Garage is generally $25 per game, though prices may vary by day and game demand. Third-party lots in the surrounding downtown area can start lower, with some options available from around $11 and up depending on proximity to the stadium.
Where can I buy a Busch Stadium parking pass?
You can purchase official parking passes directly from the Cardinals via the MLB website or when buying your game ticket. All passes are delivered digitally through the MLB Ballpark app u2014 no paper ticket required.
Is there a parking pass limit per game at Busch Stadium?
Yes. Transactions are limited to 4 passes per game for most games. Opening Day is limited to just 2 passes per transaction. Single-game parking passes are not eligible for resale.
Can you tailgate at Busch Stadium?
Tailgating is not permitted in the official Cardinals parking lots at Busch Stadium. The team's parking terms explicitly prohibit barbecues and other tailgating activities. Fans looking for a pregame atmosphere are encouraged to head to Ballpark Village or nearby bars and restaurants.
Is there a MetroLink stop near Busch Stadium?
Yes. The Stadium MetroLink station is located right across 8th Street from the ballpark's third-base gate. MetroLink riders can also park free at any of the 20 Park-Ride lots at MetroLink stations in Missouri and Illinois and purchase a round-trip fare to reach the stadium.
Is cash accepted for parking at Busch Stadium?
No. Cash is not accepted as payment for parking on game day at the official Cardinals lots. Be sure to have a credit or debit card available, or pre-purchase your pass digitally through the Ballpark app.
Is overnight parking allowed at Busch Stadium?
No. Overnight parking is not permitted in the official Busch Stadium parking lots without separate written permission from the Cardinals. Your parking pass is valid for the duration of the event and up to one hour after it ends.
Are there rideshare pickup and drop-off areas near Busch Stadium?
Yes. Uber and Lyft pickup and drop-off spots are located on the east side of the stadium on Broadway, just south of Spruce Street, and on the west side on Spruce Street between 8th and 9th Streets.
