Pro Tips: Tel Aviv Parking
Finding a parking spot in Tel Aviv is no simple task; parking searches in Tel Aviv are difficult at best and nearly impossible at worst. Imagine driving around endlessly looking for a spot, and finally, you lay your eyes upon the perfect space that your car can actually fit into, and then you realize it’s a no-parking zone just waiting to trick you into being fined. This is why we’re here to help. Keep reading for all the ins and outs of Tel Aviv parking, starting with explaining all of the parking zones and curbside colors and finishing with insider tips and tricks.
Curb Zones:
Curbside parking breaks down into two segments: parking zones and curbside color zones. Tel Aviv is split up into multiple zones for parking purposes, with curbs being painted in colored patterns to help ascertain which zone you are in and which restrictions and fees accompany the zone.
Gray curbs (unpainted curbs), indicate that parking is allowed based on whatever street signs are located on the street. Pay attention to the fact that sometimes gray curbs can also be private parking of the residents on the block, so make sure there are no signs that say Private Parking or חניה פרטית.
Red and gray striped curbs demonstrate that there may occasionally be vacant parking, but that it depends on the relevant street signs. This may mean that on certain days or during specific portions of the day the spot is available, but that if you park there and it carries over into an unpermitted time, you will be fined.
Red and white striped curbs mean that this is strictly for emergency vehicles only. Do not park in these spots.
Blue and white striped curbs allow public parking. It is important to note that Tel Aviv residents with a special Tel Aviv parking sticker on their cars are authorized to park in these spots free of charge. For non-Tel Aviv residents, you must pay according to the zone signs.
Non-residents: paid parking is allowed between the hours 9:00 am – 5:00 pm under the restrictions listed on parking signs located at the beginning of the street.
Between the hours 5:00 pm – 09:00 am parking is prohibited, unless parking signs located at the beginning of the street indicate otherwise.
City Residents: city-wide parking is allowed free of charge between the hours 9:00 am – 5:00 pm for all vehicles bearing a parking sticker for residents.
Between the hours 5:00 pm – 09:00 am parking is only allowed for vehicles with a parking sticker that matches the parking zone, unless parking signs located at the beginning of the street indicate otherwise.
Zone System:
In order for Tel Aviv to provide free parking to its city residents, Tel Aviv has been divided into parking zones:
During the day, between 9:00am and 5:00pm, residents with a parking sticker on their vehicle can park in all permitted parking spaces across the city, free of charge. Non-residents must pay for parking.
Outside of this time frame, between 5:00pm and 9:00am the following day, parking is allowed for residents of the parking zone who have a matching parking sticker on their vehicle. Non-residents are not allowed to park their vehicles unless indicated otherwise by road signs at the beginning of the street.
Popular Parking Lots:
Here is a list of some centralized parking lots located in popular locations. Some provide free parking, but most have a standard rate that you must pay.
Rokach 7 Lot: Located right above the Yarkon River and near the Tel Aviv Port, this lot is one of the few free parking lots in the city. It is also stationed near many bus lines, making it convenient to carry on your journey without the hassle of finding parking deeper inside the city.
Pinkas 57 Lot: Found on the NE side of Tel Aviv, this parking lot provides free parking in a great location. Beware that although free, you get what you pay for here considering it is usually flooded and contains very narrow spots; nonetheless, it is still free parking.
Arlozorov 2 Lot: This lot is near Savidor Central Train Station, a recently redone bus and train station. This lot is not free but does provide ample parking and transportation to every place imaginable inside, and outside, of Tel Aviv.
Dolphinarium Lot: This lot is located near HaTachana Compound. Input the address: 3 Herbert Samuel Promenade and you will be rewarded with a nice parking lot, yet one that does not withstand payment.
It is important to note that there are many websites in Hebrew that let you know in advance which lots and garages have vacancies and which are full. ParkMe.com is a good website that has the same feature in English, but it mostly has the popular lots and lacks some lesser-known ones.
How to Pay for Parking
The most popular way to pay for parking is with Pango. If you manage to find parking on the street, then most of the time you should pay through an app called Pango. Pango tracks the payment and knows the rate depending on the zone you parked in. On the app, you indicate that you have started parking. Then when you finally leave the spot, the app logs the amount of time and then proceeds to pay on your behalf with the credit card it has on file. Pango also has a special barcode system that works with many lots and garages. Download the Pango app and get to know all of the features attached to it because it will be your best friend when parking in Tel Aviv.
Besides paying through an app, most private lots that are not operated by the city will have either a phone number to call or an automated website payment system. Pango should cover all parking, however, so I would recommend using it in general.
Important Tips:
Before starting your drive, always have your parking destination inputted in your GPS. Unless you intend to drive around looking for street parking, make sure you know exactly where you are going because once you start driving, it will be very difficult to pull over and change the address once you’re in the middle of Tel Aviv city traffic.
Tel Aviv is a densely populated city that is growing by the day. With this comes lots of construction. Take into account that there will be detours and construction traffic in many parts of the city and this can affect street parking especially.
For people who enjoy parallel parking on the street, make sure you are being a considerate driver and that you leave enough space between your car and other cars surrounding you. No one appreciates careless parkers that try to create a nonexistent spot that makes it impossible for anyone else to get their car out.
Always be on the hunt for signs near your parking spot. Tel Aviv police will be quick to ticket any car that violates the rules. Make sure you are not blocking a driveway or parked in a private zone. No one will care if your excuse is that you did not see the sign.
Happy parking!
Wishing everyone health and success during these uncertain times.
Feel free to reach out with specific questions or inquiries to contact@daonrealestate.com
Heidi Kravitz made Aliyah from Dallas, Texas. She is a first-year Government student at IDC in Herzliya, and served as a lone soldier in the IDF. Her biggest passion is Israel Advocacy.