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Parking in Providence: Meter Rates, Free Sundays and Where to Park for Shows

Providence meter rates and hours, how to pay, the rules that get you ticketed, and parking for Amica, PPAC, WaterFire and more.

Photo: Doug Kerr (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Parking meters in Providence cost $1.25 an hour and are enforced 8 AM to 9 PM, Monday through Saturday. Meters are free on Sundays and holidays. There are more than 2,000 metered spaces, in Downtown, College Hill, Federal Hill, the Jewelry District, near the State House and train station, and in Wayland Square. Rules below are from the City of Providence’s ParkPVD page, checked October 19, 2026.

How to pay at a Providence meter

  • Coins at the meter (pennies through dollar coins; no bills).
  • Text Park to 77447, or tap to pay with your phone.
  • Use one of the city’s three parking apps: ParkMobile, ParkSmarter or Passport.
  • A few spaces are 75 cents for 30 minutes.

Parking rules that get people ticketed

  • Don’t park within 25 feet of any intersection, even without a sign.
  • Stay 8 feet from fire hydrants and 20 feet from crosswalks.
  • Don’t park across or within 2 feet of a driveway, or block curb ramps.
  • Never park on a sidewalk. Some downtown sidewalks are hollow, with old vaults underneath, and can collapse.
  • A valid handicap placard or plate lets you park at any legal space in Providence without paying the meter.

Parking for big nights out

  • Amica Mutual Pavilion (P-Bruins, Friars, concerts): two connected garages on West Exchange Street; event parking is $25 plus tax in the North Garage at 99 West Exchange Street. Arena guide.
  • PPAC: meters on the side streets, several garages nearby including PPAC Square Garage, and curbside drop-off out front. PPAC links to ParkWhiz to pre-book. PPAC guide.
  • The Strand: lots along Washington Street and nearby garages, including Providence Place. The Strand guide.
  • WaterFire: the Providence Place mall garage stays open after the mall closes, or park on College Hill and walk down. The big garages back up around 10 PM. WaterFire guide.
  • The Met in Pawtucket: three free lots. The Met guide.
  • Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular: free parking at Roger Williams Park, first come, first served. Guide.

Sundays are the easiest day to park downtown, since every meter is free. For what’s on, see this weekend.

Source: City of Providence, ParkPVD; venue pages linked above.