General Parking
There are two municipal parking garages, on Market St and Water St, which are rarely full. The first hour is free, and then $2 per hour thereafter. On Water and Market Streets, there are also several surface lots. Most are private, and rates vary. Many surface streets have 2-hour free public parking, and are free after 6 pm. During peak hours, street parking can be a challenge. During these busy periods, parking in the municipal garages is recommended.
Upcoming Limited Parking at Market Street Beginning July 13
Levels 2B, 3, and 4 of the Market St parking garage will be closed to both vehicles and pedestrians throughout the repair work. Levels 1A, 1B, and 2A will remain open and accessible. The project is scheduled to run from July 13 through August 28, 2026. If work is completed ahead of schedule, the garage will reopen at full capacity sooner.
Visitors are encouraged to use the Water St Parking Garage, located at 200 East Water St.
FROM CHO AIRPORT / DC / NORTHERN VIRGINIA
Take US-29 S towards Charlottesville. Continue for 3.9 miles past Airport Rd. Use the 2nd from the right lane to take the Rio Rd exit. At the top of the ramp, use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto VA-631 S/Rio Rd E. Continue for 1.7 miles. Continue straight onto John W. Warner Parkway. The Parkway becomes McIntire Rd, continue straight 1.3 miles. After passing the McDonald’s on the right, turn sharp left at the traffic light onto Water St. After 0.2 miles, turn right on 2nd St, and the Water Street Parking Garage entrance will be on your left.
FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
Head east on University Ave, which will become West Main St. Continue 0.7 miles. At the intersection with the statue, continue straight onto Water St. After 0.2 miles, turn right on 2nd Street, and the Water Street Parking Garage entrance will be on your left. You can also ride the Free Trolley from the Campus to the Downtown Mall. The Free Trolley schedule is as follows: Mondays through Saturdays: 6:40 am to 11:37 pm. Sundays: 8 am to 5:47 pm.
FROM RICHMOND / POINTS EAST
Take 64 W towards Charlottesville. Take exit 121 for VA-20 toward Charlottesville/Scottsville. Turn right onto VA-20 N/Monticello Ave. Continue on Monticello Ave for 1.3 miles. Turn right onto 2nd Street. After 0.2 miles, the Water Street Parking Garage entrance will be on your right.
FROM POINTS WEST
Take 64 E towards Charlottesville. Take exit 121B to merge onto VA-20N/Monticello Ave. Continue on Monticello Ave for 1.4 miles. Turn right on 2nd Street. After 0.2 miles, the Water Street Parking Garage entrance will be on your right.