I love living in Fenway. I love the sound of Fenway Park when the Red Sox score. I love searching for wildlife in the Fens. I love watching the summer softball games. I even love when all the college students flood back into my neighborhood in September.

That said, parking is by far the worst thing about the Fenway. Even with a resident sticker, it can be hard to find a parking spot in my neighborhood. Without one, it’s damn near impossible. Even after eight years of memorizing the street sweeping schedule, checking for government orders to clear snow emergency routes, and carefully interpreting posted legalese, I still fall prey to Boston’s booming parking ticket economy from time to time.

As your host, I feel it is my duty to pass along my knowledge of the perilous quest that is Finding a Parking Spot in the Fenway.

Street Parking

There are a handful of free 2 hour spots to be found if you keep an eye out for green signs. However, those limits are taken very seriously and you will almost certainly come back to a ticket ($40+) on your car if you overstay your welcome.

Park Drive has spots that are totally free for daytime parking, just make sure you leave by 10pm.

For most metered spots, you can pay for up to 2 hours during the day or park for free overnight (just make sure to pay or move your car by 8am). The Park Boston app makes it easy to pay for parking, and it will send you a reminder when your time is almost up.

Near Tasty Burger there are several metered spots that are designated as accessible parking during games and events, but on non-game days anyone can park here.

Always read signs carefully. Watch out for temporary moving signs that might be attached to fences, traffic cones, or trees, and make sure you are not blocking fire hydrants or ramps. If an entire side of the street is empty, suspect street sweeping. If there is a snowstorm in the forecast, do yourself and your car a favor and just park in a garage. And of course, never park in resident-only areas!

Garages and Lots

For your own peace of mind, I would recommend finding a garage or a lot. There are many options, and most will charge less than $40 for a full day. 401 Park has plenty of space and a great rate with validation if you are going to be shopping.

Event Parking

During Red Sox games, concerts, and other Fenway Park events, the parking battle turns to utter mayhem. Garage rates double and parking fines hike up to $100 if you slip up. If you find street parking that seems legit, you are probably wrong, so check every sign nearby.

Parking in Fenway during an event also comes with the psychological cost of sitting in traffic after the game is over. It’s not pretty.

If you must drive to Fenway for the game, you have a few options

1. Before most games, the Boston Temple offers parking in their lot for $30 as a church fundraiser. This will be cheaper than any other lot or garage, and it is just two blocks away from Fenway Park.
2. Look out for people waving neon flags – they will guide you to a great spot close to Fenway Park where you should expect to pay $50-$60.
3. If you don’t mind walking, park in a garage in Back Bay for a slightly better price ($30-$40).

**A limited number of accessible parking spots can be found on Jersey St.

Alternative Options

The real message I am trying convey here is this: If you are planning to visit Fenway, especially during a Red Sox game, you should avoid driving. Here are a few other options:

Public Transportation, AKA the MBTA, AKA the T

Even if we lost the game, everyone on the T is hyped up afterwards and spontaneous group sing-alongs (“Sweeeeeeet Caroline.. bah bah baaaaah!”) are not uncommon. Yes, it will be crowded, but you can take joy in the fact that you are not sitting in traffic and listening to car horns.

Fenway is nestled in the middle of the C and D branches of the Green Line. On the green line, go to Kenmore, Hynes, Fenway, Symphony, or Northeastern. All of these stations are within a 15 minute walk of Fenway Park, but Kenmore is the closest.

The MBTA website tells you which stations have parking lots and the rates for each one. You can expect to pay $3-$15, depending on what day you visit and how long you stay. Alewife (West), Braintree (South), and Oak Grove (North) are excellent options.

Uber/Lyft

Ride Sharing is another good option. To avoid some of the worst traffic as you are leaving, and to help your driver find you more easily, try walking away from Fenway Park for a few minutes before ordering an Uber or Lyft.

Pedicabs

For a unique trip to destinations within Boston, speed by traffic in a pedicab. This tricycle transportation service is a great option for up to three people. Many provide extra features (music, blankets) to make your ride more comfortable. There is no set price, but you can ask your rider what people typically pay.

Before the game, you can find them in any touristy area – you will definitely see them around Copley Square and the Prudential Center. After the game, check for pedicabs behind Fenway Park on Lansdowne Street. You can also book ahead of time by calling or visiting their website.

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Parking is a pain, but don’t let it stop you from enjoying all the great things the Fenway has to offer!