Parking for Buffalo Bills games can be challenging, with tens of thousands of fans all trying to find parking near the stadium. Having a parking plan and knowing your options ahead of time will make your gameday experience much smoother. There are a variety of parking lots and ramps near Highmark Stadium, as well as further out parking with shuttle services. Prices and availability vary depending on the location. This guide will provide an overview of the best parking options for Buffalo Bills games, including costs, transportation, tailgating policies, and tips.
Overview of Parking Options
There are several main parking options for Buffalo Bills games:
- Stadium lots – Large parking lots surrounding Highmark Stadium operated by the team. Most allow tailgating.
- Private lots – Privately owned parking lots near the stadium.
- Ramp parking – Several parking ramps within 1 mile of the stadium.
- Shuttle parking – Park and ride options with shuttle transportation to the stadium.
- On-street parking – Metered and residential street parking in neighborhoods near the stadium.
- Disabled parking – Designated ADA accessible parking areas.
Prices range from $10-$60 depending on the location. The most convenient parking closest to the stadium books up fast and is most expensive. Planning ahead and reserving a spot in advance is highly recommended.
Stadium Parking Lots
There are over 15,000 parking spaces in lots directly surrounding Highmark Stadium operated by the Buffalo Bills. These fill up fast but are the most convenient for tailgating and accessing the stadium.
Stadium Lot Locations
The major stadium lots are:
- Lot 1 – South of stadium along Abbott Rd.
- Lot 2 – Southeast of stadium off Big Tree Rd.
- Lot 3 – East of stadium off Abbott Rd.
- Lot 4 – Northeast of stadium.
- Lots 5 and 6 – North of stadium.
Smaller numbered lots are interspersed around the stadium grounds. Refer to parking maps on the Bills website for exact locations.
Stadium Parking Costs
Stadium lot parking passes must be purchased in advance online. Pricing varies by lot and game. General parking costs are:
- Lots 1-6: $60
- Other numbered lots: $40-$60
Season ticket holders and guests can purchase parking passes at discounted rates. Single game parking often sells out in the summer, so purchase early.
Stadium Parking Policies
Bills stadium lots open 4 hours prior to kickoff and close 2 hours after the game ends. Tailgating is allowed, with some restrictions:
- No kegs or glass containers
- Propane grills only, no charcoal or wood
- No couches or indoor furniture
- No audio equipment audible from 20 feet away
A completed parking pass must be displayed on your vehicle. RVs and limos require permits. Parking staff will direct you to a spot – save room for other vehicles.
Private Parking Lots
In addition to the stadium lots, there are over 50 privately owned parking lots near the stadium. Prices are similar or slightly cheaper than the Bills’ official lots.
Private Lot Locations
Major private lots include:
- ADPRO Sports Training Center – Abbott Rd. near Fieldhouse Dr.
- Buffalo Airport Parking – Genesee St. & Walden Ave.
- YMCA lot – 2661 South Park Ave.
- Tifft Nature Preserve – 1625 South Park Ave.
Check maps and signs for other private lots. Arrive early as the most convenient ones fill up fast.
Private Lot Parking Costs
Prices at private lots average $20-$40. Some allow you to pay cash upon arrival, but prepaying online is recommended. Deals are sometimes offered on sites like Groupon. Expect to pay more for larger vehicles and RVs.
Private Lot Policies
Policies vary by lot. Most open 5-6 hours prior to the game start time. Tailgating is generally allowed, with some restrictions similar to the Bills’ lots. Review the rules for your chosen lot in advance.
Parking Ramps
Structured parking ramps provide an alternative to surface lots near the stadium. Availability and costs vary.
Ramp Locations
Major ramps include:
- South Park Avenue Ramp – 25 South Park Ave.
- Tops Market – 350 South Park Ave.
- Kaleida Ramp – 188 South Park Ave.
- Buffalo Zoo – 300 Parkside Ave.
There are additional ramps downtown near the Metro Rail. Check maps for other options.
Ramp Parking Rates
Parking rates average $10-$25 in ramps near the stadium. Prices fluctuate based on demand. Prepaying online may offer discounted rates at some locations.
Ramp | Game Day Rate |
---|---|
South Park Avenue Ramp | $25 |
Tops Market | $20 |
Kaleida Ramp | $15 |
Ramp Policies
Most ramps open 4-5 hours prior to kickoff. There are often attendants directing traffic on game days. Tailgating, grills, and alcohol are prohibited. Some ramps require parking passes or prepaid vouchers to enter.
Shuttle Parking
To expand parking options further from the stadium, shuttle parking with bus transportation is available. This provides easy access at cheaper rates.
Shuttle Locations
Major shuttle lots include:
- Buffalo Bills Express Shuttle – At the NFTA Fernbach lot on Abbott Rd. near the airport.
- NFTA Shuttle – From LaSalle Station downtown.
- Private shuttle from remote lots like Buffalo Airport Parking.
Shuttles run continuously before and after the game, dropping off near the stadium entrance.
Shuttle Parking Costs
Shuttle parking is $10-20, significantly cheaper than other options closer to the stadium. Prepay online for best rates. Cash payment may be accepted at some lots.
Shuttle Lot | Rate |
---|---|
Bills Express Shuttle | $10 |
LaSalle Station | $5 parking + $5 round trip shuttle |
Shuttle Policies
Allow extra time when using shuttles, as lines can get long before and after the game. Most shuttles require parking passes or prepaid vouchers. Tailgating is only allowed at some shuttle locations like the Bills Express lot – check ahead of time.
On-Street Parking
On residential streets near the stadium, you may be able to find metered parking or free street parking. This fills up fast on game days.
On-Street Locations
Check streets south of the stadium like South Park Ave, Baynes St, Lafayette Ave, and Front Ave for potential street parking. Obey all parking signs and meters. Avoid blocking driveways or hydrants.
On-Street Parking Costs
Metered street parking averages $1-3 per hour. Be sure to pay meters even on weekends and bring quarters and dollar bills. Unmetered parking is free where signs allow.
On-Street Policies
Most neighborhoods have residential parking permits required, allowing only local residents to park there. This is strictly enforced on game days. Avoid streets with permit signs unless you have a permit. Adhere to all posted parking times and pay meters diligently.
Disabled Parking
Highmark Stadium has dedicated ADA-accessible parking areas for disabled parking permit holders. Additional disabled parking is available near the stadium.
Disabled Parking Locations
Primary disabled parking options:
- Stadium Lots 1d, 3d, 4d, 5d – Must have ADA permits
- Private lots – Check for disabled spaces
- South Park Avenue Ramp – Limited disabled spaces
Disabled Parking Costs
Standard parking rates apply to disabled spaces in the stadium lots and other locations. ADA permit holders park free at metered street parking.
Disabled Parking Policies
A valid ADA license plate or placard must be displayed. Adhere to all standard lot policies. Contact the Bills ticket office with access questions. Allow extra time to park and be dropped off.
General Parking Tips
Keep these tips in mind to make parking easier on game day:
- Arrive early – At least 2 hours before kickoff.
- Reserve in advance – Purchase stadium or private lot parking passes online.
- Check stadium policies – On grills, tailgating, permits, etc.
- Display permits – Have your parking pass visible.
- Travel light – Avoid bringing extra bags to speed entry.
- Pay attention to signs – For parking restrictions and permit zones.
- Have cash and quarters – For parking meters and attendants.
- Know the route – Pre-program your GPS and know where to enter lots.
- Follow attendants – Stadium staff will direct you once you arrive.
- Wait for shuttles – Allow extra time if using off-site shuttles.
With preparation and awareness of all the parking options near Highmark Stadium, you can find the best spot for your gameday budget and experience. Arrive early, reserve parking passes in advance, and follow attendant instructions onsite. Refer to the Bills website and parking maps as you finalize your game parking plans. Let’s go Buffalo!
Conclusion
Parking at Buffalo Bills games provides options for every fan’s needs and budget. The major parking choices include stadium lots, private lots, ramps, shuttles, on-street, and disabled parking. Arrive early, reserve in advance online, pay attention to lot policies, and follow all parking signs and staff directions. With tens of thousands of fans parking, build extra time into your plans and be patient. Securing your desired parking location ahead of time will make for a smooth start to enjoying the Bills gameday excitement.