Trying to find a parking spot in a busy city or near a major event can feel like a frustrating game of luck. That’s where reserved parking comes in. By booking a space in advance, drivers can skip the circling and avoid last-minute price hikes—all while saving valuable time. Whether you’re commuting, heading to the airport, or attending a concert, reserving a spot can make the entire experience more efficient and less stressful.
Here’s everything you need to know about how reserved parking works, where to book it, and how to save even more when you plan ahead.
What Is Reserved Parking?
Reserved parking means booking a spot in a garage, lot, or metered zone before you arrive. Instead of driving around in search of an open space, you prepay through a parking platform or directly with a location that offers reservations.
Popular apps like SpotHero, ParkWhiz, and BestParking allow users to search, compare, and reserve spots in advance across thousands of locations in the U.S. Many also offer digital QR codes or license plate recognition for contactless entry and exit.
Benefits of Reserved Parking
- Guaranteed availability even during peak hours or major events
- Often cheaper than drive-up rates
- Time-saving—no circling the block or gambling on metered zones
- More convenient for travelers with tight schedules
- Frequently includes extras like EV charging, valet service, or covered spaces
When to Use It
Reserved parking is especially valuable when:
- You’re heading to a sports game, concert, or theater
- You need a guaranteed spot near a downtown office
- You’re catching a flight and want to lock in long-term airport parking
- City parking is competitive due to holidays or street closures
Many platforms allow you to reserve same-day or days in advance, depending on the location.
How to Save on Reserved Parking
Just like with hotels or flights, prices can fluctuate. Booking early almost always secures a better rate. Additionally, many parking platforms offer promo codes or loyalty points, and some lots have dynamic pricing that increases closer to peak times.
One underused tip? Pay with discounted gift cards. You can earn cashback with a Hotels.com gift card if your reserved parking is bundled through a hotel stay. Or, if you’re dining or shopping near your reserved spot, buy a gift card from Fluz for the retailer to get cashback while pairing errands with parking.
Some garages also accept digital payment through services tied to mobile wallets, making it easy to apply rewards or stack savings when checking out.
Tips for Using Reserved Parking Services
- Check the garage details: Some have specific entrance hours or vehicle height limits
- Read cancellation policies: Most allow same-day cancellation, but not all
- Take a screenshot of your QR or reservation code in case of signal issues
- Arrive early in busy areas to avoid lines at garage entrances
- If reserving near an event venue, compare multiple platforms to find the best rate
The Bottom Line
Reserved parking is a smart, time-saving solution for city drivers, travelers, and eventgoers alike. By planning ahead, you can skip the stress of the search and often save money in the process. With tools like SpotHero and ParkWhiz—and by leveraging gift card savings from platforms like Fluz—drivers can park with confidence and efficiency every time.
