Where can you park cheaply in Paris city centre? And is it possible to park for free in Paris city center or near the Eiffel Tower? This article contains the best tips for parking in Paris and reserving a suitable parking space, in the centre or in the airports like Charles de Gaulle, Orly or Beauvais-Tillé. Free parking spaces in Paris are very popular and paid parking is expensive. Especially if you have to park for a long time in Paris. Parking on the outskirts or just outside the center and then taking the metro is always cheaper. Once in Paris, it is better to leave the car in an underground car park or car park and take the metro or bus for all other journeys. You can of course also choose to travel with the FlixBus or the Eurostar (Thalys) train to Paris.
Park your car at one of the airports in Paris? Paris has three international airports: Charles de Gaulle, Orly and Beauvais-Tillé (airport near Paris). For a long time, Orly was the airport in Paris with the highest volume of passenger aircraft, before it was replaced by the newer Charles de Gaulle airport. Prices for long-term parking at Paris airports are quite reasonable.
We often drive to Paris by car and always use Parclick.com, an independent parking website that looks for the best parking spaces & rates in Paris. They also have a handy app. Tip? Book your long term parking at low cost in Paris in advance to avoid inconveniences. Discover our tips for cheap parking in Paris and how to find the best car parks. We also tell you where you can best park near the Eiffel Tower.
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1. Cheap parking in Paris: street parking or parking garage and what is the cost
We do not recommend parking on the street in the center of Paris (on average €5 per hour). It is not really cheap and you can only park your car for a limited number of hours. Moreover, the Parisians often park bumber to bumber, so you could be faced with surprises.
Long term parking in Paris? Then we prefer a parking garage in the center of Paris or just outside the city to take the metro (where you can often park cheaper). Book your reservation in advance, which is often cheaper. What are the costs? Count on about 25 € per day for a day of parking. The underground car parks in Paris are open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
2. Where can you park for free in Paris city centre (only on Sundays)
On Sundays you can park for free in the center of Paris. In general, parking is paid from Monday to Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. It is also possible to park for free in certain streets in Paris during public holidays (presence of a yellow dot on the parking meter indicating this).
Until 2021 you could also find free parking in the Bois de Vincennes and Bois de Boulogne, but this has now also become paying. Only 2.5% of all parking spaces in the streets of Paris are free. In our opinion, an underground car park in Paris remains the best choice. Your car is also a lot safer in Paris in a parking garage.
3. Find a car park near the Eiffel Tower in Paris
The Eiffel Tower in Paris is one of the most visited attractions in the world and parking at the Eiffel Tower is obviously not easy. Parking near the Eiffel Tower is often expensive and parking facilities are limited. It is therefore advisable to reserve a parking space in advance or you can also consider traveling by bus or metro.
If you would still like to park near the Eiffel Tower, you can do so, for example, in the parking garage ‘Tour Eiffel Castorama’ or ‘Parking Saemes Quai Branly – Tour Eiffel’. Check Parclick.com for prices and availability.
4. Cheap parking outside the center of Paris near the metro (ideal for long term)
Want to avoid the crowds and high parking fees in the city center? Then parking just outside Paris near a metro station is a smart and stress-free option. Around the city, you’ll find several Park and Ride (Parc Relais) lots where you can park affordably and reach the heart of Paris in no time by metro. Consider parking lots at stations like Porte d’Orléans, Vincennes, or La Défense. The metro runs frequently, and you’ll not only save money but also the nerves of navigating narrow Parisian streets. Ideal for those who want to explore Paris without a care in the world!
You can use Parclick.com or the Park & Ride car parks and then take the metro or bus to the center of Paris. A good solution for long-term parking in Paris at low fee.
5. Parking at the airports Charles de Gaulle, Orly or Beauvais-Tillé
– Parking at Charles De Gaulle airport (CDG)
Charles de Gaulle is the largest airport in France (and one of the largest in Europe), located northeast of the city centre. CDG is about 35-45 minute drive from Gare du Nord train station and can be accessed by train (RER) and bus lines. Several parking lots, including short-term and long-term options.
• Car parks Charles de Gaulle on Parclick.com →
– Parking at Orly airport (ORY)
Orly is a much smaller airport than Charles de Gaulle, it handles both domestic, European, and international flights. Less hectic than Charles de Gaulle. Located just south of the city, ORY is about 55 minute drive to Gare du Nord. The station is also easily accessible by train and metro from the city centre.
• Car parks Orly Airport on Parclick.com →
– Parking at Beauvais-Tillé airport (BVA)
Beauvais-Tillé is the budget airport of Paris, about 80 km form Paris. This airport has a reputation for poor customer service, stressful lines, and airline staff enforcing the many nickel and dime policies of Ryanair and Wizz Air. A smaller airport where parking facilities are generally more straightforward. There are parking lots close to the terminal for both short-term and long-term parking.
• Car parks Beauvais-Tillé Airport on Parclick.com →
6. Parking in Paris: some useful tips with app
A good tip for cheap parking in Paris and for finding a suitable parking space in Paris? For locations and rates of parking garages and car parks in Paris, go to www.parclick.nl. Parclick Paris is a handy parking website (they also have an parking app for iPhone and Android) to park as quickly and cheaply as possible in Paris. This website will look for the best parking garages in the vicinity of your hotel. It is possible to reserve your parking space in advance at no extra cost. And you can also cancel for free up to one hour before arrival. Their website is also very user-friendly and clear.
One last tip for cheap parking in Paris? Park your car on the outskirts of the city (just outside the center) in Paris and simply take the metro to the center from here. So make sure you choose a parking in Paris close to a metro station.
Parking in Paris city centre, near the Eiffel Tower or at the airports is not too bad. Be sure to book your cheap parking or parking garage in Paris in advance via the website or parking app. So, you’re ready for carefree parking in Paris. Have fun in Paris.
FAQ about parking in Paris city centre: free, cheap, Eiffel Tower and airports
1. Is it possible to find free parking in Paris?
Free parking in central Paris is a bit of a unicorn. Most street parking is paid from Monday to Saturday (usually 9 AM to 8 PM). Sundays and public holidays, however, are often free, especially in residential areas. Just be sure to read the signs carefully.
2. What’s the best way to find cheap parking in Paris?
Underground car parks (parkings souterrains) can be a budget-friendly option if you book in advance. Websites and apps like Parclick or Indigo let you reserve spots at discounted rates. It’s much cheaper than driving in and hoping for a free space.
3. Is parking near the Eiffel Tower possible?
Yes, but it’s limited and often pricey. Several paid car parks are within walking distance (like at Quai Branly or under the Champ de Mars), but it’s often easier to park slightly further and take the metro.
4. Can I park on the street in Paris?
Yes, but it’s rarely free and often limited to 2 hours max in central zones. Payment is via app or parking meter. Be careful of zones reserved for residents (résidents), if you’re not one, you risk a fine.
5. Are there park-and-ride (P+R) options?
Definitely! Known as Parcs Relais, these are located on the outskirts of Paris, near RER or metro stations. They’re affordable and secure, a smart choice if you want to ditch the car and use public transport to reach the center.
6. What about parking at Paris airports?
All major airports (CDG, Orly, Beauvais) have long-term and short-term parking options. Booking online in advance will save you money. You’ll also find private services offering cheaper rates with shuttle transfers.
7. Can I leave my car parked overnight in Paris?
Yes, in public garages or street parking (as long as it’s allowed). Many underground garages are open 24/7 and offer night rates. Just double-check hours and signage if you’re leaving the car on the street.
8. Is it safe to park a car in Paris?
Generally yes, especially in secure parking garages. As in any major city, it’s best not to leave valuables in sight. Street parking is safe in most neighborhoods, but garages offer more peace of mind.
9. Are there eco-friendly parking options for electric vehicles?
Yes! Paris is adding more EV charging spots throughout the city. Many underground car parks now include EV charging stations, and you can find them easily using apps like Chargemap or Electromaps.
10. Is it worth bringing a car into Paris at all?
Honestly? Not really. Between tight streets, traffic, and parking challenges, most visitors prefer using public transport. If you’re staying outside the city or road-tripping through France, consider parking once you arrive and going car-free in the city.
Bonus tip: some hotels offer private parking — but you’ll need to ask in advance. If not, they may recommend a nearby garage with guest discounts.
