Where to Park and How Much it Costs in Niagara Falls NY

Here’s a breakdown of parking in Niagara Falls, NY:

Here’s the updated version with links:

Niagara Falls State Park Lots

There are four lots inside Niagara Falls State Park, and fees vary by season. Lots 1 and 2 are the most popular:

• Lot 1 (333 Prospect St) — Closest to the Welcome Center and Maid of the Mist. Around $5/day in winter, rising to $10–$15/day in peak summer season (weekends cost more).
• Lot 2 (15 Goat Island Loop Rd) — Best for Cave of the Winds. Similar pricing to Lot 1.
• Lot 3 (East end of Goat Island) — Free Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday year-round. The only lot that accepts RVs. No fee from September through late May.
• Lot 4 — Also free Tue–Thu year-round, with fees on weekends and holidays in summer.

No overnight parking is allowed in the State Park. Cash is not accepted — credit card only at the kiosks.

Downtown City Lots & Ramps

Downtown parking lots and ramps range from $5–$30 depending on the time of year. Check Niagara Frontier Transit Metro or the City of Niagara Falls parking page for current locations and rates. These are a good alternative when the State Park lots fill up on busy weekends, and they’re within walking distance of the park.

Street Parking

Meter rates are $5/hour from May 1 through October 31, and $3/hour from November 1 through April 30. Meters are enforced 8 AM to 6 PM daily.

Free Parking Tips

There’s free parking at the Power Plant Ruins site (about 1.2 miles from Cave of the Winds), and you can sometimes find free spots along Buffalo Avenue or the Niagara Parkway near Goat Island in the off-season. If you visit mid-week in winter, Lot 3 on Goat Island is your best bet for free parking close to the action.

If you visit the park frequently, the NY State Empire Pass ($80/year) covers parking at all State Parks and is a great deal if you plan more than a handful of trips.