Finding the Best Places to Park Near Karlovy Vary Center

Driving into this historic city requires a bit of local knowledge. The city center is famous for its beautiful colonnades and thermal springs. To keep the air clean, the municipality limits car traffic. Understanding the parking in Karlovy Vary system is essential for every driver. You should look for lots just outside the pedestrian zone.

Most central parking areas use automated payment machines. You can usually pay with cash or a credit card. Some lots even offer mobile app payments for extra convenience. If you are staying at a hotel, always ask about their private spaces first. Otherwise, using public garages is often the safest and easiest choice. Check the Statutory City of Karlovy Vary portal for recent traffic updates.

Before you arrive, consider how long you plan to stay. Short-term spots are great for a quick stroll. Long-term garages are better for overnight spa stays. Knowing the cost of parking in Karlovy Vary per day helps you budget better. Here are the top locations to consider for your next visit.

Top 10 Parking Spots Near Karlovy Vary Center

Choosing the right spot depends on your destination. Some lots are perfect for the main springs. Others serve the shopping districts or nearby nature trails. Here are the most reliable options for 2026.

• Best overall: Underground Garage Thermal
• Best for families: Parking Gallery
• Best for day trips: Loket Castle Lot
• Best free/cheap: Tržnice Market Lot (evening)

1. Name: Underground Garage Thermal Type: indoor garage Why go: This is the most iconic parking spot in the city. It is located right under the famous Hotel Thermal. It offers hundreds of spaces and is very secure. Best for: Visitors attending the Film Festival or visiting the main colonnades. Where: I. P. Pavlova street. Time: 2-4 hours or overnight. Cost: Moderate hourly rates. Getting there: Follow signs for Hotel Thermal from the main road. Tip: The walk to the Dvořák Park is very short from here.
2. Name: Parking Libušina Type: viewpoint/outdoor lot Why go: This lot is situated on a hill above the spa zone. It offers a great starting point for walks with a view. You can take a funicular or walk down to the center. Best for: Seeing the city from above. Where: Libušina Street, near the Imperial Hotel. Time: 3-5 hours. Cost: Budget-friendly. Getting there: Drive up the hill toward the Imperial district. Tip: Use the funicular to save your legs on the way back up.
3. Name: Parking Gallery Type: museum/indoor Why go: This modern garage is clean and well-lit. It is located near the Art Gallery and the southern end of the spa zone. It is a very safe place for luxury cars. Best for: Museum lovers and those visiting the Grandhotel Pupp area. Where: Slovenská Street. Time: Half-day. Cost: Standard city rates. Getting there: Follow the river south from the center. Tip: This is often less crowded than the Thermal garage.
4. Name: Tržnice Parking Lot Type: neighborhood/market Why go: This is a large outdoor lot near the city's main market and bus terminal. It is perfect for those who want to see the local side of Karlovy Vary. Best for: Shopping and quick errands. Where: Varšavská Street. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Cheap. Getting there: Located in the commercial district near the river. Tip: Check the Dopravní podnik Karlovy Vary site for nearby bus connections.
5. Name: Parking Náměstí Milady Horákové Type: transport hub Why go: Located near the Dolní Nádraží train station. It is a great spot if you want to leave the car and use public transport. Best for: Commuters or those taking a train elsewhere. Where: Near the lower railway station. Time: Full day. Cost: Affordable. Getting there: Easy access from the main highway entrance. Tip: The station building has clean restrooms and snacks.
6. Name: Parking Západní Type: local experience Why go: This lot is located slightly further out but offers a flat walk to the center. It is used by locals and is very reliable. Best for: Avoiding the narrow streets of the inner city. Where: Západní Street. Time: 2-4 hours. Cost: Low. Getting there: Accessible from the western approach to the city. Tip: There are several supermarkets nearby for cheap supplies.
7. Name: Parking KOME Type: modern garage Why go: A very convenient and modern facility. It is located near the administrative center but remains close to the sights. Best for: Business travelers or those with large SUVs. Where: Jaltská Street. Time: 2-6 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Drive toward the city's commercial core. Tip: Look for the digital signs showing available spaces.
8. Name: Loket Castle Parking Type: day trip Why go: Loket is a stunning medieval town just 15 minutes away. This lot is the primary spot for castle visitors. Best for: A half-day trip from Karlovy Vary. Where: Entry of Loket town. Time: 3 hours. Cost: Small flat fee. Getting there: Take road 6/E442 west. Tip: Visit the castle torture chamber for a unique experience.
9. Name: Bečov nad Teplou Parking Type: day trip Why go: Home to the famous Reliquary of St. Maurus. The parking is easy and right next to the chateau entrance. Best for: History buffs. Where: Center of Bečov village. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Low. Getting there: Drive south on road 20. Tip: The botanical garden nearby is also worth a visit.
10. Name: Svatošské Skály Lot Type: nature experience Why go: This lot serves the famous granite rock formations by the Ohře river. It is a beautiful natural site for hiking. Best for: Hikers and cyclists. Where: Doubí district outskirts. Time: 4 hours. Cost: Often free or very cheap. Getting there: Follow signs for Doubí and then the river. Tip: Walk across the hanging bridge for the best photos.

Practical Tips for Parking in Karlovy Vary

Parking in a foreign city can feel overwhelming. In Karlovy Vary, the most important rule is to respect the "Lázeňské území" (Spa Zone). Do not enter this area unless your hotel has provided a permit. Police frequently patrol these streets and issue fines to unauthorized vehicles. You can find more details in our Karlovy Vary city guide.

Always carry some Czech Koruna (CZK) for older parking meters. While many new machines take cards, some smaller lots are cash-only. If you use an indoor garage, keep your ticket with you. You usually pay at a machine before returning to your car. This prevents delays at the exit gate.

If you find the center too busy, consider parking further out. The local bus system is excellent and very punctual. Once you park, you can focus on the best things to do in Karlovy Vary. Walking between the colonnades is the best way to see the sights anyway. For more official info, visit the Karlovy Vary Official Tourism website.