Downtown Parking 2023

Parking downtown is convenient and offers easy-to-use pay stations and meters. 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 and holidays.

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 and holidays.

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

Additionally, Downtown Bellingham features a handful of 8 hour parking spots that are offered at a low hourly rate. 

More information on parking in Downtown Bellingham can 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.

Parking is not enforced Downtown on all city holidays:

2023

  • Jan 1 - New Year's Day

  • Jan 17 - Martin Luther King, Dr. Day

  • Feb 21 - President's Day

  • May 29 - Memorial Day

  • July 4 - Independence Day

  • Sep 4 - Labor Day

  • Nov 11 - Veterans Day

  • Nov 23 - Thanksgiving Day

  • Nov 24 - Day after Thanksgiving

  • Dec 24 - Day before Christmas

  • Dec 25 - Christmas Day

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.