How to Pay for Parking
Learn how to pay for parking which is regulated in the Presidio seven days a week.
PARKING MADE EASY: Pay-by-Plate
Pay-by-Plate is now available across all major parking areas in the Presidio, including the Main Post, Crissy Field, and Presidio Golf Course.
Like systems currently available elsewhere, Pay-by-Plate lets visitors pay by entering their license plate number in the PayByPhone app or website, or at on-site pay stations.
Parking is regulated in the Presidio seven days a week, including most federal holidays and during special events. Regular daily parking rates range from $2 to $3 per hour and $10 to $15/day. This map shows the prices of parking by area.
Special event rates are $6/hour or $30/day. Always observe signage for the applicable rates and hours of regulation at your location. ACE Parking issues parking violations to vehicles that have not purchased parking or have exceeded time limits.
Not paying for parking may result in a violation. Effective July 1, 2026, the violation fee for not paying for parking or exceeding a time limit is $50 if paid within 30 calendar days. Unpaid fees are subject to automatic increases after 30 and 45 calendar days.
Parking fees support the operation and maintenance of the Presidio – thank you!
How to Use Pay-by-Plate
This map illustrates where we have implemented Pay-by-Plate and what areas still use Pay-and-Display.
Step 1: Park in a Pay-By-Plate Parking Space
Look carefully for signs and pay station machines indicating that a curbside parking area or a parking lot requires payment. Parking signs that include the PaybyPhone logo accept mobile payments.
Step 2: Check the Regulated Hours
Hours when parking payments are required are indicated on the signs. Parking is free outside of the indicated hours and on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Step 3: Purchase Parking
You can choose to pay using the parking pay stations or the PaybyPhone mobile app or website.
Pay stations are located within clear sight in regulated parking areas. To purchase parking, enter your license plate number and follow the instructions on the machine. If the machine is out of order, find another machine. If this is not possible or if you are having technical difficulties with a meter, contact the Presidio Parking Office at (415) 561-4265.
To use the machine, 1.) enter your license plate number, 2.) select the duration of parking, and 3.) insert coins or debit/credit card.
To use PaybyPhone:
Visit the PaybyPhone website or download the PaybyPhone app.
Log in, register for an account, park as guest, or log in via Facebook. Select Park.
Enter location number. Location numbers are posted on parking signage and at nearby pay stations.
Enter duration.
Confirm duration.
You can add time to your parking session using the PaybyPhone website or app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Look for signs that include the PaybyPhone logo and location number. Standard parking signage will include the PaybyPhone logo and large informational signage will also be placed in parking areas when Pay-by-Plate is implemented. Parking machines in pay-by-plate lots will prompt you to enter your license plate number. There is no printed permit in pay-by-plate lots.
Download the PayByPhone app on your smartphone. Enter the location number shown on parking signs. Add time for how long you want to park and confirm. You can add time to your parking session without returning to your car using your phone.
The pay station has a digital screen that displays instructions. Enter your license plate number and then add time to the desired duration. Then pay using your desired payment method. You do not need to return to your vehicle after completing the transaction.
You can either install the app or use their mobile-friendly website.
No, you can complete information as a guest for a single session. On the mobile-friendly website, click “Park as a guest”. Find and enter the location number (e.g. 415001) posted on the parking signage and pay stations. Enter your license plate number and the desired duration of your stay. Then enter your credit card information.
If you need to drive to the Presidio, we encourage you to park once, and then walk, bike, or use the free Presidio GO Shuttle to get elsewhere in the park. If you need to drive to another location in a different parking zone, you’ll need to pay at that location, as parking fees and time limits vary by location.
There is not a grace period. If you find you are staying in the park longer than expected, you can add to your parking session using the PayByPhone app or website or at the pay station.
Contact Us
If you have questions about transportation in the Presidio, contact us at presidio@presidiotrust.gov.
