Quick Guide to Parking in Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary is beautiful but tricky for drivers. The city layout favors walkers and public transit. You will find that most central streets are off-limits to private cars. It is helpful to know the best places to park near Karlovy Vary center before starting your engine. Most visitors prefer secure garages over street parking. Street spots often have strict time limits or are reserved for locals.

Parking prices vary greatly based on location. Expect to pay more near the famous colonnades. Cheaper options are available on the city outskirts. You can easily use the local bus system to reach the sights. The Dopravní podnik Karlovy Vary operates frequent routes from major lots. Here are our top quick picks for your visit:

• Best Overall: Parking Gallery KV Arena (Safe and spacious).
• Best for Families: Underground Parking Theater (Closest to the springs).
• Best Budget: P+R Západní (Very low daily rates).
• Best for Sightseeing: Parking Libušina (Near the funicular).

10 Best Locations for Parking in Karlovy Vary

Choosing the right spot depends on your itinerary. If you are staying overnight, check if your hotel offers a space. For day trippers, these ten locations provide the best balance of safety and access. Each spot has unique benefits for different types of travelers.

1. Name: KV Arena Parking Gallery Type: Large parking garage Why go: It is the largest and most modern facility in the city. Best for: Long-term stays and avoiding city traffic. Where: Západní Street. Time: 2-4 hours or full day. Cost: Approx. 100-200 CZK per day. Getting there: Follow the main road from Cheb or Prague. Tip: This is the most reliable spot during peak season.
2. Name: Underground Parking Theater (Divadelní náměstí) Type: Central garage Why go: It is located directly under the historic theater. Best for: Quick access to the Vřídlo spring. Where: Divadelní náměstí. Time: 1-3 hours. Cost: Higher than average (approx. 50-70 CZK per hour). Getting there: Access is limited; follow the specific "P" signs carefully. Tip: This lot fills up very early in the morning.
3. Name: Parking Libušina Type: Multi-story garage Why go: It sits above the spa zone near Hotel Imperial. Best for: Accessing the Diana funicular and upper viewpoints. Where: Libušina Street. Time: 3-5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Drive up the hill from the south side of the city. Tip: Use the funicular to descend into the town center.
4. Name: Parking Tržnice (Market Hall) Type: Outdoor lot Why go: It is located at the main local bus hub. Best for: Travelers who want to use public transit. Where: Varšavská Street. Time: 1-2 hours for quick errands. Cost: Standard city rates. Getting there: Located near the Albert supermarket. Tip: Great for visiting the Jan Becher Museum nearby.
5. Name: Parking Dolní Nádraží Type: Transit parking Why go: It is right next to the Karlovy Vary railway station. Best for: Those arriving by train or bus. Where: Západní Street. Time: Full day. Cost: Very affordable. Getting there: Follow signs for the "Lower Station." Tip: It is a 15-minute walk to the pedestrian zone from here.
6. Name: Parking Hotel Thermal Type: Large garage/lot Why go: This is the heart of the film festival activity. Best for: Attending events or visiting the outdoor pool. Where: I.P. Pavlova Street. Time: 2-4 hours. Cost: Premium during festival dates. Getting there: Easy access from the north entrance of the city. Tip: Check the Karlovy Vary film festival guide for closures.
7. Name: Parking Čertův Ostrov Type: Street parking zone Why go: It is a quiet residential area near the center. Best for: Short walks to the river and shops. Where: Bulharská/Jaltská streets. Time: 1-3 hours. Cost: Pay at the machine. Getting there: Navigate toward the Becherovka distillery. Tip: Look for green lines on the road for visitor parking.
8. Name: Parking Náměstí Milady Horákové Type: Open lot Why go: It offers a large number of spaces near the main station. Best for: Commuters and day-trippers. Where: Near the Upper Station. Time: Full day. Cost: Low. Getting there: Located at the top of the hill north of the center. Tip: The walk down is easy, but the walk back is steep.
9. Name: P+R Západní Type: Park and Ride Why go: It is the cheapest official parking in Karlovy Vary. Best for: Budget-conscious travelers. Where: Western edge of the city. Time: 8-12 hours. Cost: Very low daily flat rate. Getting there: Follow the P+R signs from the highway. Tip: Your parking ticket may include a bus discount.
10. Name: Parking Jaltská Type: Street parking Why go: Central location in the business district. Best for: Dining at local restaurants. Where: Jaltská Street. Time: Max 2 hours. Cost: Standard hourly rate. Getting there: Near the main post office. Tip: Read our Karlovy Vary city guide for nearby dining tips.

Understanding the Karlovy Vary Parking Zones

The city uses a color-coded system for street parking. Blue zones are strictly for residents and businesses. If you park in a blue zone, your car might be towed. Look for green or orange signs instead. These indicate areas where visitors can pay to park. Always check the ticket machine for the maximum allowed time.

The pedestrian zone is the most restricted area. It covers the colonnades and most spa hotels. You cannot drive here without a digital permit from the Statutory City of Karlovy Vary. Most hotels will arrange this for you if you stay with them. If you enter without a permit, cameras will record your plate. You will likely receive a fine by mail.

Payment is usually done at automated machines. Most modern machines accept contactless credit cards. You can also use mobile apps like MPLA in some areas. Always display your ticket clearly on the dashboard. If you prefer to avoid the hassle, consider getting around Karlovy Vary without a car. The city is very walkable and has great buses.

Parking During the Karlovy Vary Film Festival

The International Film Festival changes everything in July. Thousands of visitors arrive, and parking in Karlovy Vary becomes very difficult. Many regular lots are reserved for festival staff. Prices often increase at private garages during this week. It is best to arrive very early or use the P+R lots.

The city often sets up temporary parking areas on the outskirts. These are linked to the center by special festival shuttle buses. Check the official tourism site for updated maps each year. If you are staying outside the city, consider taking the train. The railway station is a short walk from the main festival venues. Planning ahead is the only way to avoid stress during this busy time.