Parking for River Street in Savannah, GA – Lots, Garages & Map
Parking for River Street in Savannah, GA includes public riverfront lots and nearby garages. Choose your parking spot based on your destination, budget, visit length, and walking needs. Check the route to the waterfront, especially if you need an elevator or want to avoid stairs.
Use the comparison table below to narrow your options, then check the parking map for locations and entrance directions. Review the rates and restrictions for your planned arrival time. Keep a second option in mind if your first choice has no available spaces.
Where Should You Park for River Street in Savannah?
Choose parking near the section of River Street you plan to visit. Compare Bryan Street Garage for central destinations and Whitaker Street Garage for a visit that includes Ellis Square. Plant Riverside and Eastern Wharf garages serve opposite waterfront ends. Public riverfront lots offer parking directly on River Street.
Your Destination or Need | Parking Option | Main Consideration |
|---|---|---|
Central River Street | Bryan Street Garage | Check your route to the waterfront |
River Street and Ellis Square | Whitaker Street Garage | Plan your descent to river level |
Plant Riverside District | Plant Riverside Garage | Compare charges for your visit length |
Eastern waterfront | Eastern Wharf Garage | Check distance to your specific stop |
Parking directly on River Street | Public riverfront lots | Choose a backup before arriving |
For parking near River Street in Savannah, GA, compare the walking route alongside the location. Stairs and cobblestone ramps connect the upper streets with the waterfront. Savannah’s Waterfront also identifies public elevators for visitors who want to avoid stairs.
Choose your Savannah riverfront parking option around your first stop and planned return time. Check facility details below before setting your directions.
Public Parking on River Street in Savannah
You can park directly on River Street in three city-operated public lots. These spaces sit at river level. Nearby garages, including Bryan Street and Whitaker Street, require a walk toward the waterfront.
River Street Parking Lots 1, 2, and 3
Public Lot | Location | Important Restriction |
|---|---|---|
Foot of Barnard Ramp, opposite Dockside Restaurant | Event closures without notice | |
Foot of Barnard Ramp, opposite River House Restaurant | Event closures without notice | |
Foot of Abercorn Ramp | Event closures without notice |
River Street traffic travels west to east. One approach follows Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard north, then turns right onto River Street. Follow current signs around the cobblestone ramps.
The city lists meters accepting coins, bills, Visa, and Mastercard at all three lots. Check the machine before paying.
The official facility pages do not specify maximum stays. Read posted signs before deciding how long to leave your car. Choose a nearby garage as your backup for full lots or event closures.
How to Identify Public and Private Parking
Before parking on River Street in Savannah, GA, check the operator’s name and entrance signs. Private facilities set their own charges and conditions. Do not assume city parking passes or free periods apply.
Look for reserved-space markings, loading zones, and temporary notices. Confirm the lot, space details, and payment instructions before starting your session.
Parking Garages Near River Street
A garage’s street address, vehicle entrance, and pedestrian exit may point to different locations. Before choosing public parking near River Street in Savannah, check both your driving directions and waterfront walking route.
Bryan Street Garage
Bryan Street Garage stands at 100 East Bryan Street, between Bay and Bryan streets. Vehicles enter from Drayton Street or Abercorn Street.
The garage opens 24 hours daily and suits central waterfront visits. Walk toward Bay Street, then head toward Bull Street for the public elevator between City Hall and Hyatt Regency. This route avoids descending the historic stairs.
Whitaker Street Garage
Whitaker Street Garage lists its address as 7 Whitaker Street. Look for the vehicle entrance around Whitaker Street and West Bay Lane.
Consider this garage when your plans include Ellis Square and River Street. It opens 24 hours daily, and its exit kiosks accept cards only.
For an elevator route, walk toward Bay Street and continue east toward Bull Street. Use the public elevator beside City Hall to reach river level.
Plant Riverside Garage
Plant Riverside Garage lists 500 West River Street and provides direct access to Plant Riverside District. It suits visits focused on the western waterfront’s restaurants and venues.
The garage opens 24 hours daily and accepts card payments. Check posted fees before entering.
The city page confirms the address but does not identify a separate vehicle entrance. Follow garage entrance signs when approaching.
Eastern Wharf Garage
Eastern Wharf Garage sits at 301 Passage Way, near Thompson Savannah and The Park at Eastern Wharf. It opens 24 hours daily and accepts cards only.
Access the development through General McIntosh Boulevard or East President Street, then follow garage signs. Central River Street requires a longer walk west from this eastern location.
Eastern Wharf currently posts a riverwalk construction detour near Morrell Park. Check its access notice before planning your walk.
Compare additional parking garages in Savannah if your visit extends beyond the waterfront.
How Much Does Parking Near River Street Cost?
River Street parking in Savannah, GA varies by facility, day, arrival time, and visit length. Compare the schedule covering your entire stay.
River Street Lot and Garage Rates
Parking Facility | Standard Charge | Evening or Weekend Charge |
|---|---|---|
River Street public lots 1, 2, and 3 | $2/hour, Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. | No scheduled charge outside these hours; check exceptions |
Bryan Street Garage | $2/hour, weekdays, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. | $2 Monday through Thursday evenings; $5 Friday evening; $5 each weekend day |
Whitaker Street Garage | $2/hour, weekdays, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. | $2 Monday through Thursday evenings; $10 Friday evening; $10 each weekend day |
Plant Riverside Garage | $10 for 0–3 hours; $20 for 3–6 hours | $45 overnight, plus fees |
Eastern Wharf Garage | $2/hour, weekdays, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. | $2 Monday through Thursday evenings; $10 Friday evening; $10 each weekend day |
Garage evening periods run from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. The city rate chart lists these schedules. Individual facility pages differ, so confirm posted charges before entering.
Monday through Thursday daily maximums are $20 at Bryan and $24 at Whitaker and Eastern Wharf. A daily maximum caps applicable charges; it does not automatically cover multiple days.
Plant Riverside publishes separate overnight pricing. Event charges can replace standard rates, and public lots may close.
What Would a Short Visit Cost?
Visit Scenario | Parking Option | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
Tuesday, 10 a.m. to noon | Bryan Street Garage | $4 |
Thursday, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Bryan Street Garage | $2 |
These estimates assume standard pricing without special events. Bryan charges daytime parking by the hour or portion thereof. Leaving after noon could increase the first estimate. Check your ticket and entrance signs before parking.
Is There Free Parking Near River Street in Savannah?
Yes, free parking near River Street in Savannah, GA is available during specific periods at city lots and nearby meters. These options depend on your arrival time and posted restrictions. Free spaces do not include every waterfront parking facility.
When Do Free Parking Periods Apply?
Parking Location or Type | Verified Free Period | Exception to Check |
|---|---|---|
City River Street Lots 1, 2, and 3 | 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.; Sundays and city holidays | Event charges or closures |
Nearby city street meters north of Liberty Street | 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.; Sundays and listed city holidays | Sweeping, reserved spaces, and temporary restrictions |
The city publishes meter enforcement hours and a separate holiday schedule. Check the observed date before relying on holiday parking.
What Restrictions Still Apply During Free Hours?
Free payment periods do not give you unlimited permission to leave your car. Follow applicable sweeping notices, reserved-space signs, and temporary closures.
River Street city lots can close during special events without notice. Keep another parking option in mind.
Private lots and garages follow their own pricing. Do not assume they become free when city meters stop charging.
For options beyond the waterfront, see our guide to free parking in Savannah.
River Street Parking Map and Entrance Directions
Use the Savannah’s Waterfront area map to locate your destination before choosing parking. For Savannah riverwalk parking, check both the vehicle entrance and your walking route.
How to Reach Your Parking Entrance
Bryan Street Garage has vehicle entrances on Drayton and Abercorn streets, between Bay and Bryan streets. Whitaker Street Garage’s entrance sits around Whitaker Street and West Bay Lane.
For Plant Riverside Garage, follow parking signs near 500 West River Street. Eastern Wharf Garage lists 301 Passage Way. These addresses identify facilities, but they do not pinpoint every driveway.
River Street traffic travels west to east. Approach from Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, then turn right onto River Street. Follow current signs around access ramps. Public Lots 1 and 2 sit near Barnard Ramp; Lot 3 sits near Abercorn Ramp.
How to Walk From Parking to River Street
Bay Street sits above the riverfront. Stairs and cobblestone ramps connect the levels.
Savannah’s Waterfront lists public elevators at The Alida, between Hyatt Regency and City Hall, and at AC Hotel. Check current operation before relying on an elevator.
Bryan Street Garage is approximately two blocks from the Savannah Riverboat ticket office. An elevator route may add distance.
Eastern Wharf currently posts a riverwalk detour near Morrell Park. Follow posted directions and save your garage’s pedestrian entrance for your return.
Accessible Parking and Routes With Fewer Stairs
Check the waterfront route as carefully as the parking space. A nearby garage may still leave stairs or uneven surfaces between you and River Street.
Parking Spaces and Facility Access
Visit Savannah confirms that city disability parking spaces require the appropriate permit. Check individual signs before parking.
For Bryan Street Garage, call (912) 651-6477 to confirm accessible spaces, elevator access, and vehicle clearance. Its city listing does not specify a clearance height. Include roof equipment when checking your vehicle’s height.
Elevators, Strollers, and Waterfront Surfaces
Savannah’s Waterfront lists public outdoor elevators at these locations:
- West: The Alida, beside the grand staircase at 412 Williamson Street.
- Central: Between Hyatt Regency and City Hall, near Bull and Bay streets.
- East: AC Hotel at 601 East River Street.
Elevators provide alternatives to stairs, but confirm operation before relying on one. Cobblestone ramps connect street levels and have sloping, uneven surfaces.
For strollers and mobility aids, check the complete route to your destination. Include crossings, surfaces, and the return journey.
Evening, Overnight, and Event Parking Near River Street
Evening and Overnight Parking
An evening rate covers a pricing period, not unlimited permission to leave your vehicle. Check permitted stay length separately.
Bryan Street Garage opens 24 hours daily, but its city listing does not specify a maximum continuous stay. Call (912) 651-6477 before planning several nights. Ask how charges accumulate across billing periods.
Plant Riverside Garage explicitly publishes an overnight rate of $45, plus fees. Confirm the departure cutoff and charges for additional time.
Before leaving, locate the pedestrian entrance you will use after dinner or an evening outing. Confirm elevator access and vehicle collection arrangements.
Hotel guests should compare the full stay cost, including fees and repeated entries. Ask whether leaving ends your parking session.
Parking During Festivals and Special Events
River Street public lots can close during special events without notice. Special event charges can also replace standard garage pricing.
Review current city notices and entrance signs before driving toward the waterfront. Check temporary street restrictions alongside your parking choice.
Choose a backup garage with a different approach route. Save both entrances before departure, then compare walking access to your destination. A second facility remains an option, not a guaranteed space.
What Should You Check Before Leaving Your Car?
Before walking to River Street, check these details:
- Confirm the facility name and space number before paying.
- Check the current rate and confirm your payment succeeded.
- Read posted stay limits and any overnight conditions.
- Avoid reserved spaces and loading zones unless signs permit your use.
- Locate the pedestrian entrance for your return to the garage.
- Check vehicle clearance before entering, including roof racks and cargo.
- Plan your waterfront walking route and identify an elevator if needed.
- Read temporary event notices and closure signs.
For wider rules, see our Savannah parking guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About River Street Parking
Final Thoughts: Choose Parking for Your River Street Visit
Choose parking for River Street in Savannah, GA around your destination, visit length, budget, and walking needs. Compare riverfront lots with Bryan Street, Whitaker Street, Plant Riverside, and Eastern Wharf garages. Check the route from your space to the waterfront, including elevators if needed. Keep a backup option ready for full lots or closures. Before leaving your car, confirm current rates, entrance signs, and applicable restrictions.
John Robert
Travel Writer & Founder @ Thing Savannah
John Robert is a travel writer and explorer specializing in authentic regional guides, detailed itineraries, and practical travel logistics.
