If you’re driving a personal or rented car in Buenos Aires—or even a motorcycle or bicycle—at some point, you’ll likely need to use a private parking facility. The Autonomous City of Buenos Aires has remained largely unchanged over the years, but the number of vehicles continues to grow. This phenomenon has made street parking increasingly difficult, compounded by the restrictions imposed by local authorities for various reasons.
Want to learn more about private parking in Buenos Aires? While you might not find anything entirely new about this type of service, there are some particularities worth knowing before you resort to using a private parking facility. Here, we share those insights along with some tips to help you make the most of this service.
Private Parking in Buenos Aires: Tips and Useful Information for Parking Your Vehicle
What Are Private Parking Facilities Like in Buenos Aires?
The operation of private parking facilities in Buenos Aires is not much different from those in other cities around the world. You simply arrive with your vehicle, check the prices and available stay options, and proceed to park.
In some places, you’ll take a ticket upon entry, which will serve as your payment receipt and later your exit ticket. However, some parking facilities do not use this system.
In some parking lots, you may be allowed to choose your own parking spot, but in others, the owners or attendants may park your vehicle for you, especially if the space is limited or in high demand.
Regarding the architectural and design aspects of private parking facilities, there are several types: underground (located below street level), horizontal (with a single large main floor), and tower-style (a main floor with several levels above).
Commonly, you can find independent private parking lots (run by their owners) or similar services annexed to shopping centers, hospitals, supermarkets, and restaurants.
How Do You Pay for Private Parking in Buenos Aires?
Payment is always made when you retrieve your vehicle. When you return to the parking lot to pick up your car, motorcycle, or bicycle, you’ll pass by the cashier to pay for the service. There, you’ll receive a receipt or ticket that, in some cases, you’ll need to insert into a reader to confirm that you can exit with your vehicle.
Remember to keep the ticket you receive upon entering the parking lot, as it may be necessary.
What Payment Methods Are Accepted in Private Parking Facilities in Buenos Aires?
Private parking facilities in Buenos Aires accept nearly all payment methods: bank cards, cash, digital wallets, and bank transfers. You may even receive a discount or bonus for paying in cash, while there might be a surcharge if you pay by credit card.
What Types of Stays or Options Do Private Parking Facilities in Buenos Aires Offer?
Private parking lots offer stays based on time, and the total price you pay is calculated accordingly. Naturally, a longer stay will result in a higher total amount, but if you pay for an entire month, you’ll likely find that the daily and hourly rates are lower.
You can park your vehicle and pay by the hour, half-day, full day, week, month, or even year. The latter option is less common due to Argentina’s recent history of persistent inflation.
If you need a private parking spot while visiting a restaurant or exploring an area of Buenos Aires, you can pay by the hour or half-day if you plan to take your time. On the other hand, if you’re staying in the city for an extended period and want to keep your vehicle safe, you’ll likely need to opt for a monthly or weekly payment plan.
What Types of Vehicles Are Accepted in Private Parking Facilities in Buenos Aires?
Almost all private parking facilities accept cars, motorcycles, and bicycles. However, the rates will vary depending on the type of vehicle and the space it requires for parking.
Some parking lots also accept vans of a certain size, particularly in terms of height, which can be a limiting factor for vehicle entry. The type of parking facility and its structural design as a building will also play a significant role.
What Are the Hours of Operation for Private Parking Facilities in Buenos Aires?
Most parking facilities are open 24 hours. However, due to security concerns in some areas of Buenos Aires, they may close their gates or entrance doors at a certain time during the night. This doesn’t mean they’re out of service or that you can’t retrieve your car; it’s simply a security measure. As a result, you may need to ring a bell to notify the parking lot staff that you want to park your vehicle or pick it up.
Are Private Parking Facilities in Buenos Aires Expensive or Affordable?
For motorcycles and bicycles, private parking is not expensive. In return, you keep your vehicle safe and in good condition, especially if your accommodation doesn’t have a place to park.
For cars, private parking can be quite costly if you plan to park for an extended period. Rates can vary depending on the area of Buenos Aires, but the longer you need to use the parking facility, the greater the impact on your budget.
If you only need to park your car for a few hours, whether to eat at a restaurant or visit a museum, the price is not as significant, especially for bicycles or motorcycles.
Tips for Using Private Parking in Buenos Aires
- Whenever possible, try to use public transportation in Buenos Aires. You won’t always find a private parking spot or a place on the street to park your car, motorcycle, or bicycle.
- Do some prior research with Google Maps when you know where you’re going. Check out the area’s streets, whether street parking is allowed, and, if necessary, which private parking lots are available nearby.
- In tourist areas like Palermo, San Telmo, or downtown Buenos Aires, private parking lots tend to get crowded due to high demand, especially at night.
- Keep your parking ticket in a safe place if the private parking lot requires you to take one upon entry.
- If you’re going to shopping centers or supermarkets, take advantage of the private parking facilities at these locations.
- Always make sure you have cash on hand to pay for private parking.
- To avoid forgetting, note down the parking details on your phone or a piece of paper: lot number, level, or floor, and the parking lot’s address.
- Find out if other travelers need parking, for example, for motorcycles and bicycles. In some cases, parking lots allow you to reserve a space for a group of motorcycles or bicycles equivalent to a car and split the cost among several people.
(Featured Image Source: Fernando Sarano/flickr.com)
