Finding a Spot: How to Navigate Parking in Ithaca
- Allen Williams
- Jun 5
- 2 min read
If you’re new to Ithaca—or even if you’ve lived here a while—you’ve probably discovered that parking can be a bit of an adventure. With narrow streets, limited driveways, and a patchwork of regulations, finding a legal, convenient spot often feels like solving a puzzle.
Here’s what you need to know to make it easier.
🚗 Street Parking: The Basics
Many Ithaca homes, especially in older neighborhoods, don’t have private driveways. That means on-street parking is the norm—but it’s not a free-for-all.
Time Limits: Most residential streets have a 24-hour parking limit, meaning you can’t leave your car in the same spot for more than a day—even if there’s no sign saying so.
Alternate Side Parking: In certain areas, alternate side parking rules are in effect—especially in winter—requiring cars to switch sides daily to allow for snow removal or street cleaning.
Permit Parking: Some neighborhoods are part of residential parking permit zones, which restrict parking to permit-holders during certain hours. Check with the City of Ithaca to see if your street qualifies.
🅿️ Public Lots and Garages
If street parking isn’t working out—or you just want to avoid the hassle—the city operates several municipal parking garages and lots, particularly downtown:
Seneca Street Garage
Green Street Garage
Cayuga Street Garage
These garages are generally affordable and well-located for accessing restaurants, shops, and The Commons.
📲 Tech Tip: Use the ParkMobile App
The City of Ithaca partners with ParkMobile, allowing you to pay for metered parking right from your phone. You can even extend your time remotely—no more sprinting back to feed the meter.
🏡 Tips for Residents Without a Driveway
Check Your Zoning – Your home might be eligible for a permit or long-term street parking in a specific zone.
Talk to Your Landlord – Some landlords own adjacent driveways or parking pads they may rent out separately.
Team Up – Neighbors sometimes coordinate to share driveway space or rotate street parking to stay compliant.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Parking in Ithaca takes some getting used to, but with a little knowledge (and maybe a good walking pair of shoes), it becomes manageable.
Check out our How To Ithaca section for more tips on local living—and if you’ve found a clever workaround or little-known parking gem, let us know!
