Traveling by car offers comfort, providing the freedom to move without adhering to schedules or relying on public transportation, despite the environmental concerns it raises. Yet, there are other challenges, such as parking, which can be particularly problematic in certain areas, neighborhoods, or cities. Fortunately, there are mobile applications designed to help with this, allowing users to find parking spaces, make reservations, and even pay directly from their smartphones, eliminating the need for physical tickets or cash transactions.
In unfamiliar cities, finding the perfect parking spot can be challenging, and it’s not always the most cost-effective choice to bring your own car. Some websites specialize in pre-booking parking spaces, often located near airports or transportation hubs, enabling travelers to arrive at their reserved spots with proof of payment in hand, eliminating the hassle of searching for parking. This convenience is especially valuable during peak times or holidays.
These parking search applications operate on a similar principle: users select a desired area, specify parking duration and entry/exit times, explore the available options based on their preferences, and proceed with reservations. The methods for accessing the reserved spaces may vary, ranging from interaction with on-site attendants or guards to using locator codes on your mobile device or automatic recognition systems that read your license plate.
ParkApp
ParkApp operates as a network of parking facilities throughout Spain, facilitating the discovery of parking options in numerous cities across the country. Its functionality is reminiscent of a hotel or accommodation reservation platform: you specify your desired parking location, input the entry and exit dates for either a particular city or a specific parking facility. After completing these fields, you can initiate a search, which will yield the available options.
Upon conducting the search, ParkApp provides you with a map and a comprehensive list that displays various parking facilities, along with their respective pricing and locations. These are not publicly accessible parking lots with reservation capabilities; instead, they are paid parking facilities where the parking rates may fluctuate based on factors such as your intended duration of stay and the specific area.
Typically, these parking facilities are conveniently situated in proximity to transportation hubs like train stations and airports. With ParkApp, you have the peace of mind of securing a parking space ahead of your arrival. Once you’ve selected a parking facility, all that’s left to do is confirm your reservation by entering your vehicle details, including the license plate and model, along with your contact information.
Upon completing the reservation payment, you will promptly receive confirmation via email, along with a receipt and an invoice. When you arrive at your chosen parking facility, the process is straightforward: simply park your vehicle in an available spot and present your proof of payment or reservation, thereby avoiding any need for additional payment upon arrival.
parclick
Parclick, similar to the previously mentioned ParkApp, operates as a convenient online platform that empowers you to reserve parking spaces in advance, particularly useful if you are concerned about parking availability at your destination, especially during vacation trips. The functionality closely resembles that of ParkApp: you initiate a search for your desired city and specify your entry and exit dates. Additionally, Parclick provides specialized filters for options like passes, monthly passes, or parking facilities at airports.
What sets Parclick apart is its remarkable versatility—it not only facilitates parking reservations in Spain but also extends its services to a host of other European countries. You can use Parclick to secure parking spaces for your vehicle, or even a rental car, in countries such as France, Italy, Portugal, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. This expansive coverage spans seven countries and over 200 cities, making it an incredibly valuable option for travelers.
Once you’ve input your city and chosen dates, you’ll gain access to an informative map displaying various parking facilities. The platform provides detailed information, including daily or hourly rates, whether the parking facility is covered or open, estimated walking time from your current location, permissible vehicle types, and even images of the parking facility to gauge its size and suitability.
onepark
Onepark is a convenient online platform that offers a solution for those seeking parking spaces either in advance or spontaneously, whether you’ve planned a trip or find yourself needing parking unexpectedly. It provides a wide selection of parking facilities to choose from, allowing you to reserve the one that best suits your needs. Simply select your destination, and Onepark will present you with a list of nearby options. You’ll find information on walking distance from your chosen point, permitted vehicle types, whether the facility is covered, and its accessibility.
To reserve a parking spot, you can specify the type of vehicle you intend to park, select the exact date and time, and complete the booking by choosing from the various payment options available. Onepark offers the flexibility of free cancellation, making it one of the most comprehensive and user-friendly platforms for securing parking spaces. Once you’ve chosen your preferred hours, the platform will display the associated pricing. You can proceed by either logging in or creating an account and making the payment using Mastercard, Maestro, or VISA credit cards. Many parking facilities on Onepark offer free cancellation, ensuring you won’t face any issues in case unexpected events arise.
Onepark provides two primary options: a single pass or subscription plans, which include monthly, semi-annual, or quarterly options. These subscription plans offer more cost-effective rates for securing parking spaces in city parking facilities, making them ideal for travelers on vacation or those visiting a city for work. However, keep in mind that the availability of subscription options may be more limited compared to finding an available parking spot for a specific day.
parkimeter
Whether you’re searching for parking by city, a specific hotel name, or a popular tourist spot, Parkimeter has you covered. This platform allows you to check for available parking spaces near your desired location. Simply input your chosen dates and make a reservation to secure your spot. Parkimeter will display a list of nearby parking options along with their respective prices. Additionally, you’ll receive an estimated walking time from your selected point, such as a hotel, to the parking facility.
Parkimeter offers a range of filters that you can apply to refine your search:
- Distance/Travel
- Vehicle Type (Car / Van / Motorcycle)
- Height Clearance
- Specific Features
- Accessibility
- 24-Hour Service
- Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Furthermore, Parkimeter allows you the flexibility to enter and exit the parking facility as many times as you need during your stay. When you select a specific parking facility, you can view detailed information about the maximum height allowance and vehicle type compatibility. To complete your reservation, provide the necessary details, including your vehicle’s registration number, and make a secure payment using a credit or debit card. Upon arrival at the parking facility, you can present a code received via email to identify yourself as a valid user. This feature ensures convenient access and exit as needed.
parkinglibre
Parkinglibre is a convenient solution for finding parking spaces and is available both as a web platform and a mobile application for easy access. Whether you’re looking for parking in a specific location, a hotel chain like NH or Barceló Hotels, or a Renfe AVE station with nearly 30 affiliated parking lots, Parkinglibre has you covered. Simply select your desired city, hotel, or area and specify your entry and exit dates.
Once you’ve entered your preferences, Parkinglibre will display available parking options. Follow the provided steps to secure your parking spot, and after completing the payment, you’ll receive a locator barcode or the option to use the Passbook mobile application for convenient access to the parking facility. Parkinglibre offers a user-friendly experience to ensure hassle-free parking reservations.
elparking
ElParking is a comprehensive mobile platform that enables you to manage various aspects related to your vehicle directly from your smartphone. With this app, you can conveniently control parking meters and make payments, configure electronic toll systems, and locate nearby gas stations. However, its functionality extends to helping you find available parking spaces near specific cities or streets, making it a versatile tool for drivers.
ElParking offers several notable features that set it apart. Firstly, it allows you to make payments for parking using your mobile phone. Additionally, you can enjoy unlimited entries and exits at the reserved parking facility, benefit from a free cancellation policy, and access web support whenever you encounter questions or issues.
This user-friendly app boasts a network of 600 public car parks and private garages available for reservation, including 100 airport parking lots across more than 150 cities. When searching for parking in a particular city and specifying your desired dates, ElParking will display the available options, complete with details about each facility’s height, camera availability, elevator access, and accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges. Once you’ve made your selection, a simple tap on “reserve” secures your parking space, and you can easily present your ticket when you arrive at the chosen car park. ElParking provides a convenient and versatile solution for drivers looking to simplify their parking needs.
Telpark
Telpark is a versatile multi-device application designed to streamline various aspects of parking management, including payment for parking meters and, to some extent, reserving parking spaces in affiliated car parks. This application is available for desktop, iOS, and Android devices, and it’s even compatible with Samsung Watches. While it primarily functions as an app, it also offers web access for account creation and management.
One of Telpark’s notable features is the option to “reserve a space” in affiliated parking facilities. Users can select their preferred car park, specify the duration they plan to stay, and make a payment. This reservation system ensures that you’ll always have a parking space available upon arrival, even when the lot is full. When you approach the car park, the barrier will automatically open, eliminating the need to wait for a physical ticket or another vehicle to exit.
Telpark goes beyond just parking reservations; it also facilitates the payment of parking meters in numerous cities. Users can register their various vehicles, select the city and the parked vehicle, choose the desired parking duration, and confirm the corresponding rate. This feature eliminates the need to carry cash for coin-based meters and ensures that you won’t have to rush back to “renew” your parking session when your initially selected time is running out. Telpark is a must-have application for convenient and hassle-free parking management on your phone.
