Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres, offers several parking options for fans attending Padres games and other events held at the stadium. Located in the East Village neighborhood of downtown San Diego, Petco Park is surrounded by many parking lots and garages that can accommodate both cars and RVs. While parking close to Petco Park on game days can be pricey, there are ways to find more affordable parking farther from the stadium.
Prices for Petco Park Parking Lots
Petco Park has several official parking lots operated by Padres management that offer parking passes for various lots near the stadium. Prices vary by lot location and whether you purchase parking ahead of time or on the day of the event. Here are typical prices for Petco Park parking lots:
Lot Name | Distance from Petco Park | Pre-Paid Parking Price | Day-Of Parking Price |
---|---|---|---|
Lexus Premier Lot | Adjacent to stadium | $40 | $50 |
Toyota Terrace Lot | 2 blocks away | $30 | $40 |
Park at the Park Lot | 3 blocks away | $25 | $35 |
Padres Parkade | 4 blocks away | $20 | $30 |
As you can see, parking in the lots closest to Petco Park, like the Lexus Premier Lot, is the most expensive, while lots farther away offer more affordable rates. Pre-purchasing parking ahead of time online can save $10 or more per car compared to paying on the day of the event.
Prices at Nearby Parking Garages
In addition to the official Petco Park parking lots, there are many parking garages and lots located close to the stadium run by third parties. Prices can vary, but these tend to be a bit cheaper than the official stadium lots. Here are some typical rates:
Garage/Lot | Distance from Petco Park | Weekday Rate | Event Day Rate |
---|---|---|---|
Lucky Parking Garage | 2 blocks away | $15 | $30 |
Parkade Fashion Valley | 0.3 miles away | $10 | $25 |
Tailgate Park | 3 blocks away | $15 | $40 |
Ballpark Garage | 0.5 miles away | $8 | $20 |
These nearby garages generally offer lower rates on normal weekdays when there are no events happening at Petco Park. However, for Padres games and concerts, event parking rates are usually in effect, raising costs closer to the $25-$40 range depending on distance. The garages farthest from the stadium, like Ballpark Garage, are your best bet for cheaper event parking.
Metered Street Parking Near Petco Park
If you don’t mind walking farther, you can find metered street parking available on many streets surrounding Petco Park. Meters are mostly in the $1-$2 per hour range, with many offering maximum stays of 1-2 hours. Parking longer than the time limit or not feeding the meters can result in parking tickets.
Some streets where you may find metered parking on game days include:
- 10th Avenue
- 11th Avenue
- 12th Avenue
- Imperial Avenue
- J Street
- Island Avenue
- K Street
The farther you park from Petco Park, the higher chance of finding an open meter. Pay attention to posted time limits and payment requirements to avoid tickets. While metered parking is more affordable, the time limits and long walks make this option inconvenient for many fans.
Public Transportation Options
Using public transportation to get to and from Petco Park is often the most affordable way to attend an event without paying for parking. Here are some public transit options:
San Diego Trolley
The SDSU Green Line stops right at Petco Park, making it a convenient car-free option for fans. Trolley fare is just $2.50 each way. The Orange Line and Blue Line also stop downtown not far from the stadium.
Coaster Train
The Coaster commuter train runs between Oceanside and downtown San Diego, with a stop at the Santa Fe Depot just 4 blocks from Petco Park. Fares run $5-$6 each way depending on your origin station.
MTS Buses
Many MTS bus routes offer service near Petco Park. Route 2, 6, 7, 25, 810 among others stop right by the stadium. One-way fares are $2.50 for adults. Using a regional day pass for $6 allows unlimited rides all day.
Ridesharing to Petco Park
Using rideshare services like Uber or Lyft can provide door-to-door transportation without having to pay for parking. Fares will vary based on demand, but expect to pay around $10-15 each way from many parts of San Diego. While more pricey than public transit, it’s still often cheaper than stadium parking for two or more people traveling together.
To save money, have your driver drop you off on a street near, but not right at, the Petco Park entrance to avoid prime event surge pricing. Then walk the remaining couple blocks to the gates.
RV and Oversize Vehicle Parking at Petco Park
Petco Park offers dedicated oversize vehicle parking lots for fans bringing RVs, limos, buses and other large vehicles that require more space. These special oversize lots include:
- Premier RV Lot – $100 parking fee
- Downtown Gate Lot – $60 parking fee
- MTS Bus Lot – $60 parking fee
RV parking spots offer no hookups or amenities and must be pre-purchased ahead of time online. For RV rentals in San Diego, check companies like Cruise America, which has an office downtown.
Petco Park Parking Policies
All Petco Park parking lots and garages share some standard parking policies fans should be aware of, including:
- Parking gates open 2 hours before game time and lots are first come, first served
- No alcohol or illegal substances are allowed in any parking lot
- Spaces are tight and vehicles may be parked bumper-to-bumper
- Park at your own risk – the Padres are not responsible for theft or damage
- No tailgating or throwing objects like balls or frisbees
- Drivers should watch for and yield to pedestrians
Petco Park parking staff have the right to inspect any items being brought into the lots. Fans can call 619-795-5000 with any parking questions or concerns.
Best Value Parking at Petco Park
When weighing the parking options near Petco Park, the most affordable choices are:
- Take public transit like the San Diego Trolley
- Use a rideshare service and get dropped off nearby
- Find a metered parking spot several blocks away from the stadium
- Pre-purchase parking online for one of the farther stadium lots like Park at the Park
Convenience does come at a cost when parking right next to Petco Park. But those wanting to save money without too much hassle can find downtown parking deals for $20 or under with a little advanced planning.
Petco Park offers a top-notch fan experience in a downtown urban ballpark setting. While on-site parking can be pricey, San Diego provides public transportation options that make getting to Padres games affordable. Use this parking guide to find the best value for your budget so you can enjoy America’s pastime in one of baseball’s premier stadiums.