Petco Park Parking: Key Information Parking at Petco Park costs $15–$55 for official lots, with street meters rising to $10/hr during games (as of September 2025). The MTS Trolley is the most cost-effective option at $2.50 per ride.
Heading to a Padres game means finding parking near Petco Park. The San Diego Padres, together with ACE Parking, provide a variety of options with more than 27,000 parking spaces available in the downtown area. Of these, 9,000 are specifically designated for Petco Park fans. Padres parking has been thoughtfully organized with a focus on the convenience of fans, based on the direction they’ll be taking after the game.
How Much Is Parking at Petco Park? Parking at Petco Park ranges from $15–$55 depending on lot proximity to the stadium. Padres Preferred lots such as the Padres Parkade typically run $25–$45 per game. Off-site garages and surface lots start closer to $10–$16 for fans willing to walk. Note: As of September 1, 2025, the City of San Diego implemented a Special Event Parking Zone — street meters within a half-mile of Petco Park now cost $10/hr starting two hours before games with 10,000+ attendees and lasting six hours. Where to Purchase Parking at Petco Park Pre-paid parking is available and strongly recommended. The Padres and ACE Parking offer guaranteed reserved spots purchasable online, via the Padres Ticket Office, or by phone at 619-795-5555. SpotHero is the official parking partner of the San Diego Padres, offering real-time availability and rates discounted up to 50% off. You can also find aftermarket parking passes from season ticket holders on StubHub and VividSeats.
A range of pre-paid parking options are made available by the Padres and ACE Parking. By purchasing parking passes, guests can ensure a spot in the lot of their choice. You can do this online, via the Padres Ticket Office, or over the phone at 619-795-5555. This makes your trip to the game hassle-free and more enjoyable.
Petco Park Parking Lots and Maps The San Diego Padres, in partnership with ACE Parking, manage 9,000 spaces specifically designated for Petco Park fans out of nearly 30,000 total downtown spaces. Choose your lot based on your post-game exit direction. Preferred/Premium Parking at Petco Park Padres Preferred lots offer the best proximity and open earlier than standard lots. Current official Preferred lots include: – **Lexus Premier Lot** — Entrance at 11th Ave & Imperial Ave; exit on Park Blvd. Surface lot directly adjacent to the ballpark. – **Padres Parkade** — Entrance on 10th Ave between Island and J St; exit on 11th Ave. Multi-story garage with ~1,000 game-day Padres reserved spaces. Rates: $25–$45. Includes EV charging stations. – **Tailgate Lot (Tailgate Park)** — Entrances at 13th St & K St or Imperial Ave between 12th and 14th St. The only lot where tailgating is permitted. – **Bayfront Hilton Garage** — Entrance on Park Blvd at Harbor Dr. Use the pedestrian bridge to reach the ballpark. – **Convention Center Garage** — Entrance/exit on Harbor Dr under the Convention Center. Use the pedestrian bridge. – **Park 12 Valet** — Entrance at 12th Ave between Imperial Ave and Park Blvd, adjacent to MTS Trolley line. Valet opens 2.5 hours before the game.
There are several Padres preferred parking lots to choose from. Tailgate Park, Padres Parkade, and Premier Lot offer easy access and exits at various locations. Other options include the Bayfront Hilton Garage, the Convention Center Garage, Horton Plaza Garage, and the 707 Broadway Garage. Each location offers different entrances and exits, so you can select the one that best aligns with your route and game day plans.
Garage and Lot Opening Times at Petco Park All ACE Parking garages and lots open at least 1.5–2 hours before the scheduled game start. Padres Preferred parking locations open up to 3 hours before first pitch. All parking locations stay open until 2:00 a.m. following an evening event.
To accommodate fans, all ACE Parking garages and lots open at least 2 hours before the start of the game. For Padres Preferred parking locations, doors open 3.5 hours prior to the game. All parking locations stay open until 2:00 a.m. following an evening event, providing ample time to leave without feeling rushed.
Petco Park EV Charging Stations The Padres Parkade and several other nearby lots offer electric vehicle charging stations. The Parkade’s EV chargers are located on the first floor of the garage. — ## Free Parking Near Petco Park There is no free parking at Petco Park itself. However, fans on a budget have a few options: – **Street parking** is available but now costs $10/hr during games within a half-mile radius (Special Event Zone, effective Sept. 1, 2025). Meters outside that zone or beyond game hours may be cheaper. – **Park-and-ride + Trolley**: Drive to a free park-and-ride lot (e.g., Old Town Transit Center) and take the MTS Trolley downtown for $2.50 each way. – **Off-site garages**: Lots further from the stadium (e.g., 1655 Pacific Hwy, ~$10/day) offer a budget-friendly walk-in option. – **Sunday meters** are no longer free — the City of San Diego ended free Sunday parking citywide. — ## Can You Tailgate at Petco Park? Tailgating at Petco Park is only permitted in the Tailgate Lot — it is prohibited in all other lots and garages. Tailgate rules include: – Tailgaters may occupy only one space and must tailgate directly behind their vehicle. – All alcohol consumption must stop 30 minutes after the scheduled game start time. – No glass bottles or kegs are permitted. – Only gas-powered grills are allowed — no charcoal. – No amplified sound systems. – Group reservations (minimum 10 spaces, maximum 50) can be made by calling 619-795-5010. — ## ADA and Handicap Parking at Petco Park ADA parking spaces are available in all ACE Parking lots and garages at Petco Park. A complimentary ADA shuttle service runs between the Padres Parkade, Tailgate Lot, the MTS Garage, and Petco Park, beginning two hours before game time and ending approximately 30 minutes after the game concludes. The primary ADA drop-off/pick-up location is at 10th Avenue between K Street and Park Boulevard. Guests may also text SD (space) and their shuttle request to 69050. Guests with a state-issued Disabled Person parking placard may park for free at metered spaces, including during special events. — ## Uber and Lyft Drop-Off at Petco Park Rideshare drop-off and pick-up at Petco Park is available on both sides of the stadium. The designated rideshare loading zone is on Park Boulevard & Harbor Drive, across from the Bayfront Hilton Hotel near the Convention Center. Additional drop-off zones are on the west side (6th Ave & K St) and east side (10th Ave & Park Blvd). For post-game pickup, walking a few blocks away from the stadium before requesting a ride typically reduces wait times significantly. — ## Public Transit to Petco Park Public transit is the most cost-effective and congestion-free way to reach Petco Park. The MTS Trolley fare is $2.50 — the same as a single hour of pre-event street parking. **MTS Trolley:** All three lines serve Petco Park. – Blue Line & Orange Line → 12th & Imperial Transit Center (short walk to ballpark) – Green Line → Gaslamp Quarter Station (5th Ave & Harbor Dr) – Green Line → Park & Market Station (12th & Market St) **MTS Bus:** Routes 3, 4, 5, 11, 12, and 901 all stop within walking distance. **COASTER Train:** North County commuters can ride from Oceanside to Santa Fe Depot, then transfer to the Trolley. Regional roundtrip day passes ($15 adults / $7.50 kids) include free Trolley connections. **Amtrak Pacific Surfliner:** Stops at Santa Fe Depot downtown; connect via a short Trolley ride or 25-minute walk. **FRED:** San Diego’s free electric downtown shuttle is another option for getting around the Gaslamp area. **Park-and-Ride:** Free park-and-ride lots (e.g., Old Town Transit Center) allow fans to drive partway and take the Trolley the rest of the way. — ## Petco Park Parking Tips – **Prepay your spot.** Use the Padres website, SpotHero, or call 619-795-5555 to guarantee your space before game day. – **Avoid street meters on game day.** Since September 2025, meters within a half-mile of Petco Park cost $10/hr during games — far more expensive than most lots. – **Pick your lot by exit route, not entrance walk.** Choosing a lot that faces your direction home can save 30+ minutes post-game. – **Arrive 60–90 minutes early.** Preferred lots open up to 3 hours before first pitch; standard lots open 1.5–2 hours before. – **Take the Trolley.** At $2.50 per ride with all three lines serving the park, it’s the easiest and cheapest option, especially for sellouts. – **Season ticket holders** receive discounted parking as a benefit — check your account for details.
As part of their Green Initiative, the Padres have teamed up with ECOtality to install five electric vehicle charging stations at the Padres Parkade garage. These stations are located on the first floor of the garage and are connected to the blink network. This facility makes parking at Petco Park convenient for electric vehicle owners while promoting environmental sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there free parking at Petco Park?
There is no free parking at Petco Park. As of September 1, 2025, street meters within the Special Event Parking Zone cost $10/hr during qualifying games. Your best free option is to drive to a park-and-ride lot u2014 such as the one in Old Town u2014 and take the MTS Trolley downtown for $2.50.
What time do Petco Park parking lots open?
All ACE Parking garages and lots open at least 2 hours before the scheduled game start. The Padres Parkade, Tailgate Park, and the Lexus Premier Lot open 4 hours before the event. All garages and lots remain open until 2:00 a.m.
Can you tailgate at Petco Park?
Yes, but only in the designated Tailgate Park lot at 200 Park Blvd (bordered by Park Boulevard, 14th Street, K Street, and Imperial Avenue). Tailgating is prohibited in all other lots and garages. Tailgaters must park in a single space and tailgate directly behind their vehicle. Alcohol consumption must stop 30 minutes after the scheduled game start, and no glass bottles, kegs, charcoal grills, or amplified sound systems are permitted u2014 only gas grills are allowed.
How much does Tailgate Park cost at Petco Park?
Tailgate Park parking is priced at $21u2013$25 per vehicle, though prices are subject to change. Group reservations (minimum 10 vehicles, up to 100 available) can be booked by calling (619) 795-5010. Note that tailgating is not permitted at all events u2014 always confirm for your specific game or concert.
Where is accessible/handicapped parking at Petco Park?
Accessible parking for guests with disabilities is available at the 6th and K Parkade, accessed via 6th Avenue. Spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and vehicles must display appropriate state-issued tags or decals. The Padres Parkade also has five electric vehicle charging stations at 10th Ave and J Street.
What is the cheapest way to park near Petco Park?
Off-site garages and surface lots are the most affordable drive-in option, with some starting around $10u2013$16 for fans willing to walk a few blocks. For the lowest overall cost, take the MTS Trolley for $2.50 per ride u2014 the closest stops are Gaslamp Quarter, 12th & Imperial, and Park & Market Station. You can also drive to a free park-and-ride lot and ride the trolley in.
Where are the drop-off and pick-up zones at Petco Park?
Drop-off and pick-up zones are located on both the west and east sides of Petco Park. On the west side, use 6th Avenue and K Street; on the east side, use 10th Avenue and Park Boulevard. Private charter buses drop off on 10th Ave between K Street and Park Blvd u2014 no reservation is required for standard drop-offs.
Do Petco Park parking lots accept credit cards?
Yes. ACE Parking lots accept major credit and debit cards, and Petco Park itself is a fully cashless venue u2014 all credit/debit cards and contactless payment options such as Apple Pay are accepted throughout the stadium and parking facilities.
