Finding parking for Houston Astros games can be a challenge, especially on popular game days. With over 40,000 seats at Minute Maid Park and limited parking options directly around the stadium, fans need to know where their best options are for finding affordable, convenient parking. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of various parking options near Minute Maid Park so Astros fans can decide where the best place to park for Astros games is for their needs and budget.
Parking at Minute Maid Park
Parking directly at Minute Maid Park is very limited, but does provide the most convenient parking option for Astros games. Here are the main parking options available right at the stadium:
On-site parking garages
There are two parking garages located directly connected to Minute Maid Park:
- Union Station Garage – This garage is located just north of Minute Maid Park and has 720 parking spaces. Parking here grants you direct access into the ballpark without having to walk outside.
- Minute Maid Park Garage – Connected directly to the stadium, this garage has 350 parking spaces. This garage may fill up fast due to its prime location.
Parking rates at these garages are $20-40 per game. While the convenience can’t be beat, the high costs and limited number of spots make this parking option difficult for many fans.
Surface lots
There are several surface parking lots located around Minute Maid Park operated by the Astros, parking rates are normally $20-40 per game:
- Lot A – Located just southwest of stadium under Highway 59. Has 400 spots.
- Lot B – South of stadium along Texas Ave. Has 275 spots.
- Lot C – East of stadium along Crawford St. Has 775 spots.
These surface lots fill up fast but are closer than some other downtown parking options. They still run $20-40 per game though.
Downtown Parking Garages
To find more affordable parking options near Minute Maid Park, fans often park in the various commercial parking garages located in downtown Houston around the stadium. Here are some of the closest downtown parking garage options:
GreenStreet Garage
- 0.2 miles west of stadium
- Hourly, daily, monthly rates available
- Covered parking in garage
- Good for access to restaurants at GreenStreet
Rates for GreenStreet garage:
0-1 hours | $3 |
1-2 hours | $6 |
2-3 hours | $9 |
Toyota Center Garage
- 0.3 miles west of Minute Maid Park
- Largest garage downtown with 2,400 spaces
- Connected to Toyota Center and METRORail
- Event day rates $10-20
Great option for Astros playoff games when pricing is surged at closer garages.
Other Downtown Garages
Other garages downtown near Minute Maid Park include:
- 1001 Texas Ave Garage – 0.4 miles north
- San Jacinto/Walker Garage – 0.6 miles north
- 777 Preston Garage – 0.2 miles north
Most run $5-20 for Astros games based on demand. Provide covered parking in core downtown area.
Metered Street Parking
If you don’t mind hunting for a spot, you can find metered street parking along many downtown streets near Minute Maid Park. Popular areas include:
- Walker St
- Milam St
- Preston St
- Hamilton St
- Franklin St
Rates are typically $1-2 per hour with 2-4 hour limits during the day. Spots fill up fast, especially on weekends. Arrive early to increase chances of finding street parking.
ParkHouston App
Houston uses the ParkHouston app for paying for and managing metered parking sessions. Benefits include:
- Start and extend sessions remotely
- No need for cash or sticking receipts on dashboard
- Alerts when session ending
- Cheaper rates
Downside is you must set up an account first. However, the app makes metered parking easier in downtown Houston.
Public Transit Parking
Another method for finding cheaper parking near Minute Maid Park is to park at a public transit station and take the METRORail or bus into downtown for the game. Here are some good options:
Fannin South Transit Center
- End of Red Line south of downtown
- 1,200 free parking spots
- Rail takes 12 minutes to downtown
- Avoid traffic getting out after game
Easy access back to Highway 288 after game. Popular option for avoiding downtown traffic.
Burnett Transit Center
- Located near I-10 west of downtown
- Free parking spaces available
- Near end of Red Line rail
- Rail takes about 15 mins to downtown
Convenient for fans coming from Katy/West Houston.
Northline Transit Center
- Located along I-45 North freeway
- Free parking available
- Red Line station
- About 15 min train ride to downtown
Easy option for fans coming from North Houston/The Woodlands.
Avoid parking costs and traffic by parking at transit station lots outside downtown. $1.25 rail fare each way to reach Minute Maid Park.
Rideshare Dropoff/Pickup
Many Astros fans now use rideshare services like Uber or Lyft to travel to and from games. While you avoid parking costs, rideshare fares can add up, especially during surge pricing after games.
There are designated Uber and Lyft pickup/dropoff zones around Minute Maid Park:
- Texas Ave at Crawford St (East side of stadium)
- Hamilton St at Preston St (North side)
- Milam St east of Minute Maid Park
Aim for zones on east or north sides to avoid major post-game crowds. Split rides with friends to save costs.
Handicap Parking
There are dedicated handicap parking areas at each of the main parking options around Minute Maid Park. The stadium recommends fans with accessibility needs arrive early as handicap spaces are limited.
Handicap parking options:
- Minute Maid Garage – Few reserved spaces ($40 game rate)
- Surface Lots A, B, C – Limited handicap spots ($20-40)
- On-street parking – Use permit placard and pay meter rates
- GreenStreet Garage – Accessible parking spaces available
Fans should obtain proper accessible parking credentials from the state prior to Astros games for any handicap parking needs.
Conclusion
Finding the right parking solution for Houston Astros games requires weighing factors like cost, convenience, and accessibility. The closest parking fills up fast while being more expensive. Garages farther from the stadium offer cheaper rates but require longer walks. Many fans choose to park outside downtown and take transit to avoid traffic and costs. Others get dropped off via rideshares. For special accessibility needs, be sure to arrive early to secure limited handicap parking. With so many transportation options in downtown Houston, fans should explore parking and transit options to find the best strategy for getting to and from Minute Maid Park for their specific needs.