Parking downtown is easy! Downtown offers a variety of parking options, as well as walking and cycling paths, so customers and visitors may enjoy all that Downtown has to offer.
Interactive Downtown Parking Map
Parking in Downtown
Public parking Downtown is free, with time limits. All 4-hour parking is always FREE! Spaces reserved for permit holders become free public parking after 5:00pm, and on weekends and holidays.
Most sections of Downtown have parking available on- and off-street (lots or decks) parking available. All on- and off-street public parking have signs indicating the time limits and if a permit is required.
Visiting Downtown Harrisonburg
To allow enough time to visit multiple destinations, use the Downtown Parking Map to find free, four-hour spaces. If your stay will exceed four hours, you will need to move your car to a different space before you exceed your time limit. The Downtown Parking Map shows where various public parking is available and how many spaces of each type are in the lot or deck.
View the list [75 KB] of parking areas and space types for quick reference.
Bicycle Parking
Cyclists are encouraged to bike in and around downtown. The core downtown area has about 30 bike parking racks, with more coming soon. Bike parking rack and Downtown bus stop locations can be found on the Downtown Parking Map, by using the layers icon: .
Living Downtown
Downtown residents will find the most convenient parking in a permitted lot where you will be guaranteed a space, Monday-Friday between 7:00am and 5:00pm. Permits cost $40 a month and can be paid monthly, quarterly, or annually. There are also 10-hour and unrestricted parking spaces located along South Liberty and South Main Street, which is indicated on the Downtown Parking Map. Additional Permit Parking can be found on Harrison Street for $50 a month.
Working Downtown
Employers and employees can purchase Downtown parking permits in a variety of permitted lots and in both parking decks. Permits cost $40 a month and can be paid monthly, quarterly, or annually. There are also 10-hour parking spaces located along South Liberty (From Warren to Grattan Street) and South Main Street (from Grattan to Campbell Street), which is indicated on the Downtown Parking Map. Additional Permit Parking can be found on Harrison Street for $50 a month.
Enforcement Times
Please note the posted signs. While some private destinations have their own parking lots, they may be reserved for employees and visitors. Private lots may be monitored and may enforce their restrictions with towing so always look for signs wherever you park. If your car is parked longer than the time limit in municipal-owned parking and street parking, you may be fined $20. Parking is enforced Monday through Saturday 7:00am to 7:00pm.
Parking Lot/Deck Maintenance Concern?
Public Works assists with the maintenance, regular cleaning of and trash removal from the two parking decks, as well as nine parking lots. Maintenance also includes daily cleaning, lighting, snow removal, landscaping and signs, etc. You can report missing or graffiti-tagged parking signs by calling 540-432-8928.
How to get your Downtown Parking Permit
Visit the Parking Office at City Hall, 409 South Main Street, to purchase your Downtown parking permit.
*(Please note, at this time, there are no available lower level spaces in either the Elizabeth Street Parking Deck or the Water Street Parking Deck. There are also no available upper level spaces in the Elizabeth Street Parking Deck.)
Download the Downtown Parking Lease Agreement [263KB]
Downtown parking permits are $40 a month and can be purchased monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. Outside of the Downtown area, Harrison Street parking permits are $50 a month. Only cash, check, or money order accepted at this time.
Transferable permits are available, on a limited basis.
The Parking Office Hours are:
Monday-Thursday: 9:00am-3:00pm
Friday: 9:00am-12:00pm
The Parking Office is not occupied other days and times.
Questions about the Downtown parking permit? Contact David Emswiler at David.Emswiler@harrisonburgva.gov or 540-432-8928 for parking concerns.
Downtown Parking Information Resources
Downtown Parking Presentation [14KB] - May 27, 2021 PowerPoint
Downtown Parking Presentation video
Downtown Parking Study web page