Sydney CBD parking spaces are in high demand and not always easy to find. Not only is it a popular spot for tourists and families visiting places like the Opera House, The Art Gallery of New South Wales, and Darling Harbour, the CBD is busy with people commuting to and from work.

Getting to the CBD in Sydney is easiest and usually fastest via public transport. There are buses that run in and around the city area, as well as trains, light rail and ferries with many stops and options for getting to the main attractions.

If there’s no way to avoid driving to the Sydney CBD, keep reading for our guide on the best and cheapest places to park your car once you get there.

Goulburn Street Car Park

One of the best value car parks in the CBD is Goulburn St car park. This is a great parking location if you want to be close to Central Station, Town Hall Station or Pitt Street.

This carpark is open seven days – from 6am on Weekdays, 7am on Saturdays and 8.30am on Sundays. It has designated mobility car spaces and discounts available for hybrid vehicles.

Parking fees (as of March 2023) are as follows:

Daytime rates

0–½ hour: $5
½–1 hour: $9
1–2 hours: $20
2–3 hours: $30
3–4 hours: $40
4+ hours: $49
Maximum rate: $49.

Evening, weekend and special rates

Monday to Friday evenings, entry after 5pm, exit before 6am next day: $10 flat rate
Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays: $12 flat rate 

Rooftop parking

Entry between 6am and 9.30am, exit between 3pm and 7pm.
Mon-Fri: $19

Street parking Sydney

Street parking in the CBD is hard to come by and can be expensive. Around a quarter of the City’s on-street parking is metered pay parking. Rates vary depending on the location and the time you are parking there, though they typically start from $7.60/hr during peak, and $4.60/hour off-peak. Don’t rely on being able to find a spot when you need one.

However, if you only need to find a park for a short time, the City of Sydney has introduced free 15-minute parking in main street retail areas outside the city area. Look out for the signage outlining this option and press a button marked ‘1/4 P free with ticket’, then place the ticket on your dashboard. If you need to stay longer than 15 minutes you will need to put some money in the metre, of course.

Share with Oscar Sydney CBD Parking

If you don’t want to try your luck with street parking, Share with Oscar allows you to book cheap parking in the city in advance from just $15 a day or $4 per hour.

Share with Oscar offers rates that are over 30% cheaper than booking somewhere else. There’s hundreds of options available in most parts of Sydney. The best part? Once you’ve booked, you can rest assured you’ll have guaranteed parking in the city for the day.

Book on the web here or download the app.

Early bird and pre-booked parking Sydney

You can save up to 60% on parking fees at some privately-owned parking garages in Sydney’s CBD if you pre-book your parking online.

Wilson parking and Secure parking are your two main options for private parking in Sydney. If you’re looking for all-day parking, the cheapest option is usually early-bird parking. These companies offer discounts if you enter a car park before a certain time in the morning. That’s perfect if you can arrive early (you’ll also beat the traffic!). There are also some great specials available if you plan ahead.

Visit the Secure Parking website to search for a location then enter your entry and exit time. Parking can be booked online up to 45 days in advance of your visit and up to 15 minutes before you need to enter the car park.

The Wilson parking website and app also lets you search for and book a car park online.

Sydney parking permits

If you’re a City of Sydney resident or business owner, you might be eligible to apply for a parking permit. This may exempt you from parking limits and meter fees in some areas.

However, just because you have a parking permit that won’t guarantee a parking spot on the busy CBD streets!

Parkopedia

The Parkopedia website allows you to search for parking options by location. This handy website lists prices, mobility options, the number of spaces available and the early-bird and night special rates. It also sorts parking spaces by distance, allowing you to find the best choice based on your budget and where you need to get to.

The best part of this website is that it shows real-time parking availability. It shows available options from street parking, car parks and private spaces. Where applicable, it also allows you to book and pay for your parking space online.

Can GoGet help you avoid parking in Sydney?

While it won’t be the best option on every trip across Sydney, GoGet Car Share can make parking a bit easier. We have over 2,000 cars across Sydney available for hire by the hour, parked on streets and in car parks where members need them. There could be one at the end of your street! (Click here to find it) Best of all, most GoGet cars have their own parking spots when they’re not booked. That means the spot is ready and waiting for you when you return your car.

GoGet might stop you from needing to park in Sydney CBD at all! You might be able to take public transport into town, then book a GoGet for the rest of your trip. Or you could grab a GoGet from the city after a (sober) night out, then return it before work in the morning!

To find out more about GoGet, check out our homepage, our car share pricing, then click the button below to sign up!

Ditch the CBD Car Park Charade: GoGet Your Freedom!

Sydney Parking Solved: Why GoGet is Your Inner-City Ally

Forget the stress of Sydney CBD parking! Struggling with parking metres, the hunt for elusive spots, and paying sky-high fees? No thanks! GoGet car sharing is your secret weapon. With GoGet, you only pay for the car when you need it, perfect for a harbour-side stroll, a shopping spree, or a night out. Plus, GoGet cars often have their own designated parking spots, saving you the circling drama.