Free Parking Spots In New Brunswick

Finding free parking in New Brunswick, New Jersey, can be challenging, especially near downtown. While there are some free parking spots available, most on-street parking in the city is metered or permit-controlled. The New Brunswick Parking Authority (NBPA) manages parking in the city, offering various options such as on-street parking, parking decks, and monthly permits. The NBPA also provides a ParkMobile app, allowing users to reserve and pay for parking spots in advance. For those seeking free parking, options include side streets off Joyce Kilmer near Middlesex County College (such as Redmond St), behind dry cleaners on Hamilton Street, and certain spots near the Chabad House. However, it's important to be cautious of parking restrictions and regulations to avoid fines or towing.

Free parking near downtown New Brunswick

Free parking in downtown New Brunswick, New Jersey, is hard to come by. Most on-street parking spots are metered, and many areas require residential permits. However, there are a few options for those looking to avoid parking fees.

Metered parking

After 6 pm and on weekends, many of the meters on the streets are not active, so you can park for free for a long period. Just be sure to read the signs carefully, as some areas have residential permit parking only, and the New Brunswick Parking Authority is strict about enforcing the rules.

Off-street parking

There are a few off-street locations where you can park for free. One option is to park on a side street off Joyce Kilmer near Middlesex County College, such as Redmond St. Another option is to park behind the dry cleaners that is across the street from TaTa's pizza on Hamilton Street. This lot is not usually patrolled, and you can use it for free long-term parking. There are also one or two spots by the Chabad House that are free to park in and verified by the New Brunswick Parking Authority.

Parking decks

Evening parking is available after 5:00 pm at the City Hall Lot and the Civic Square Deck. However, these options are not free, and you will need to use the ParkMobile app for contactless payment.

Out-of-town parking

If you don't mind a bit of a walk or a short bus ride, there are a few free parking options a little further out of town. You can park for free at the Sears parking lot on Douglass, or at a shopping center on Easton. There is also free parking on Fridays from 8 pm to 8 am on Sunday on George St meters by the Exxon station.

Free parking for more than two weeks

Where to Find Free Parking in New Brunswick for More Than Two Weeks

Free parking in New Brunswick for more than two weeks is hard to come by. Most on-street parking spots have time restrictions, and parking in a space all day is prohibited. The New Brunswick Parking Authority (NBPA) enforces strict rules and regulations to ensure parking spots are available for all users and to support local businesses.

Sears Parking Lot

One option for free long-term parking is the Sears parking lot on Douglass, where some people have left their cars for days without any problems.

Shopping Centres

Shopping centres generally offer free parking, but it is unclear if these are suitable for long-term parking of more than two weeks.

Side Streets

There are a few side streets off Joyce Kilmer near Middlesex County College where free parking is available, such as Redmond St. However, these areas may have alternate-side parking rules that require you to move your car on certain days.

Chabad House

There are one or two spots by the Chabad House that are unmetered and free to park in, as verified by the New Brunswick Parking Authority.

Behind Dry Cleaners on Hamilton Street

Behind the dry cleaners, across the street from TaTa's Pizza on Hamilton Street, there is a lot that says they will tow, but some people have used it for free long-term parking without any consequences.

George Street Meters

The meters on George Street by the Exxon station are free on Friday nights from 8 pm to 8 am on Sunday mornings. There is also an EE bus stop nearby.

Neilson Street

You can park on Neilson Street almost any time of day or night, but there are some time restrictions. One side has no parking from Monday 8 am to 11 am, and the other side has the same restriction on Thursdays.

Lower Church Street Deck

Monthly contract parking is available at various parking facilities, such as the Lower Church Street Deck, for $185 per month.

While free parking in New Brunswick for extended periods is challenging, these suggestions offer a range of options to consider, each with its own set of limitations and considerations.

Free parking without a permit

Brookside off of Louis Street

While this option does not require a permit, you will need to move your car on Tuesdays and Fridays due to alternate side parking rules.

Side streets off Joyce Kilmer near Middlesex County College

There are a few side streets where you can park for free, such as Redmond St.

Behind the dry cleaners on Hamilton Street

This lot is said to be good for free long-term parking, although they threaten to tow.

George St meters by the Exxon station

Between Friday night and 8 am Sunday morning, these meters are free, and there is a bus stop nearby.

Neilson St

Parallel to George St, you can park on Neilson St almost any time of the day or night. However, there are some parking restrictions during the week, so be sure to plan ahead. One side has no parking between 8 am and 11 am on Mondays, and the other side has the same restriction on Thursdays.

Additionally, after 6 pm and on weekends, many of the meters on the streets are not active, so you may be able to find a spot without parking restrictions and leave your car for a long time. Just be sure to read the signs carefully, as many areas have residential permit parking only.

Free parking on weekends

Where to Find Free Parking on Weekends in New Brunswick

On-street parking in New Brunswick is designed to promote turnover for commercial and retail use. This means that parking is usually regulated by time limits and parking meters. However, there are ways to find free parking on weekends in the city.

Firstly, it is important to note that the City Hall Lot offers parking for a fee of $3 per hour with a 6-hour maximum stay, but only from 5 pm to 11 pm on Fridays. Therefore, parking here is free on Friday evenings after 11 pm and all day Saturday until 8 am Monday morning. This lot is conveniently located in the city centre, making it a great option for free weekend parking.

Another option for free weekend parking in New Brunswick is the Civic Square Deck. This parking deck also offers a similar deal to the City Hall Lot, with paid parking from 5 pm to 11 pm on Fridays, and free parking outside of these hours. So, if you're looking to park for free over the weekend, this is another convenient option.

Additionally, on-street parking in New Brunswick is free of charge on Sundays from 1 pm to 8 pm. This gives you the opportunity to park closer to your destination, especially if you're visiting local businesses. Just be sure to keep an eye out for any time restrictions posted, as it is illegal to park beyond the posted time limit.

Lastly, the New Brunswick Parking Authority (NBPA) offers monthly permits for individuals and merchants/businesses. If you're a frequent visitor to the city, this could be a good option to ensure you have access to parking without the hassle of finding a spot each time. The NBPA also has a helpful website and 24/7 phone service to assist with any parking queries you may have.

Free parking near Rutgers University

Firstly, there are a few side streets near Joyce Kilmer and Middlesex County College where you can find free parking. In particular, Redmond Street is recommended. There are also one or two spots by the Chabad House that are free to park in and have been verified by the New Brunswick Parking Authority.

If you're looking for short-term parking, the meters on George Street by the Exxon station are free from Friday night to 8 am Sunday morning. You can also park on Neilson Street at almost any time of day or night, but be aware of the no-parking restrictions from 8 am to 11 am on Mondays and Thursdays.

For longer-term parking, some people have reported leaving their cars in the Sears parking lot on Douglass for days without any problems. A similar option could be a shopping centre on Easton, though it's unclear whether these are monitored more frequently than Sears.

Another option is to park behind the dry cleaners across the street from TaTa's Pizza on Hamilton Street. They say they'll tow, but several people have used this lot for free long-term parking without issue.

Finally, if you're looking to reserve a parking space ahead of time, the ParkMobile app allows you to do so. This app has been active in New Brunswick since 2013 and allows users to pay for on-street parking and reserve spots in parking garages.

Frequently asked questions