Downtown Parking

Parking downtown is convenient and offers easy-to-use pay stations and meters for those making short trips AND affordable permitted parking garages and lots for those working or living downtown. We have consolidated an easy-to-reference guide for both use cases. More information on parking in Downtown Bellingham can also be found by visiting the City of Bellingham’s parking webpages . For details on privately-owned lots, contact information can be found at the lot locations.

For Occasional or Short Stays Downtown

As of January 2, 2023, progressive rates are used for paid parking downtown and in Fairhaven:

·      Hours 1 and 2: $1.50 per hour

·      Hours 3 and 4: $2.00 per hour

·      Hours 5 and 6: $3.00 per hour

·      Hours 7 and 8: $5.00 per hour

Payment can be made by credit/debit card, U.S. coins, or use of the mobile PayByPhone app. Most meters have a 2-hour limit (check the time restrictions, which are posted on each meter).

Paid parking hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Street parking is free after 6:00 pm, and on Sundays.

For off-street parking, the first floor of the Commercial Street Parking Garage at 1300 Commercial Street is available and has the same rates as on-street parking. Parking is free on all floors after 6:00 pm, and on Sundays.

The Commercial Street Parking Garage is within 2-4 blocks of most downtown restaurants, shops, and services.

For Downtown Employees or Residents Needing Consistent Parking

Starting July 1 2024, all City of Bellingham parking permits have moved to a new software system.  The benefits include:

  • Auto-renewal/pay - No more accidental tickets from forgetting to renew each month.

  • Still just $30 for a monthly permit for the Commercial Street Parking Garage, PLUS:

    • You can register up to 5 vehicles per permit! While only one vehicle can be parked at a time, this makes it easy and cost-efficient to establish an employee parking program for shift-based businesses.  We’ve heard a lot about the cost burden of employees or employers to pay for parking during metered hours.  

This is the best way to establish a cost-controlled program AND be a good neighbor by prioritizing street parking for customers.

Other helpful sites:

Whatcom Transportation Authority: Plan your bus trip around Whatcom County. GO Lines offer bus service every 15 minutes between Downtown Bellingham and nearby areas of interest.

Smart Trips: Walk, bike, ride the bus or carpool to destinations around Whatcom County and be rewarded with coupons and discounts at dozens of local businesses.

City of Bellingham Trails: Walk, run or bike downtown! Bellingham is blessed with a wealth of trails leading to downtown, accessible from almost every neighborhood.