Planning guide
Parking in Ocean City
Where to park, what it costs, and how to avoid a $50 administrative fee.
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Where to Park in Ocean City, MD
During the off season, parking is plentiful, but once the warmer weather arrives it can become a challenge to find a place to park in Ocean City, especially in the Inlet and Downtown areas.
Ocean City's paid parking season runs from April 1 - October 31.
- There are meters on most downtown streets.
- There are lots scattered around where you can use the ParkMobile App to pay.
- Paid parking is in effect from 4/1 - 10/31.
- If you are paying in advance, please be generous with your estimate of time. You DO NOT want a ticket. They are expensive!
- Please do not park on any red curbs or in front of any driveways.
Enforcement Hours for Parking:
Municipal lots are 24 hours a day and parking on the street is enforced from 7 am to midnight.
ParkMobile App
NOTICE: Traditional Parking Meters have been removed and replaced by paying via the ParkMobile App. Save Time: Download the ParkMobile App to pay to park.
The easiest way to park in Ocean City is with the ParkMobile App. Get info here.
- Download the App
- Register & add your car
- Enter your zone number (located on the kiosk closest to your car)
- Pay for the time you anticipate
- Receive text messages when you are about to expire - It's easy to add more time/money.
The Town of Ocean City does not give refunds for parking and you will get penalties if you don't pay. (There are cameras.).
Tickets & Fines
If you get a ticket, you can pay online or get more information. (View parking fine amounts by violation) Fines vary by location, but for a violation of Street Parking & other Municipal Lot parking will result in a physical parking ticket ($50 fine) which can be voided if payment is made for actual time up to 1 hour and within 1 hour.
Did you get towed?
If you park in a restricted area, you WILL get towed. If that happens, here is more information. Please remember, you will need a valid driver's license. Registration and proof of insurance may be required and in some instances, you MUST be the registered owner to get your car.
Parking Lots
Parking in one of the lots is often the most convenient. Here are the main parking lots in Ocean City.Hugh T. Cropper Inlet Parking Lot
809 S. Atlantic AvenueOcean City, MD 21842
The Hugh T. Cropper Inlet Parking Lot (click to open in Google maps) is at the southernmost point of Ocean City and grants easy access to the boardwalk, beach, and downtown area. The inlet parking lot has 1,200 parking spaces including 35 handicap parking spaces and a passenger load/unload zone.
There are pay-by-plate stations around the parking lot where you can enter in your license plate and the amount of time, then pay by cash or card. Patrons can still pay for their parking by using the Parkmobile mobile parking app. Time can be extended directly through the app, which will also send text reminders when parking time is about to expire.
A violation of Inlet Lot Parking will result in a mailed bill of time spent in the lot, plus a $25 administrative fee. This fee will escalate to $50 if not paid within 30 days. Patrons must pay for expired time prior to leaving the Inlet Lot to avoid being billed for additional administrative costs.
Inlet Parking Lot Rates for 2026
April 1 – May 21, 2026 Monday – Thursday: FREE Parking Friday – Sunday: $3.50/hour May 22 – September 30, 2026 Daily Rate: $4.50/hour October 1 – October 31, 2025 Monday – Thursday: FREE Parking Friday – Sunday: $3.50/hour. Special Events +$1.50/hr above rate.
There is a 30-minute grace period for all vehicles, including handicapped. Patrons must pay for expired time prior to leaving the Inlet Lot to avoid being billed for additional administrative costs. Need help? Parking lot ambassadors are available at the booth located in the center of the inlet parking lot (Row E).
City Metered Lots
RATES:
April 1 – May 21, 2026 Monday – Thursday: FREE Parking Friday – Sunday: $2.50/hour – $3.50/hour Ocean Block May 22 – September 30, 2026 Daily Rate of $3.50/hour – $4.50/hour Ocean Block October 1 – October 31, 2026 Monday – Thursday: FREE Parking Friday – Sunday: $2.50/hour – $3.50/hour Ocean Block
Handicapped Parking: No charge if stay is less than 1 hour, otherwise full rate. Handicapped vehicles must have handicapped plates or a visible placard. This does not apply to Inlet Lot parking. Paid Municipal parking can be found on:
- Worcester St., between Baltimore Ave.
- Philadelphia Ave.
- Somerset St.and Baltimore Ave.
- Dorchester St. and Baltimore Ave.
- N. Division St. and Baltimore Ave.
- N. Division St. and St. Louis Ave.
- 4th St.and Baltimore Ave.
- 1st. St.and St. Louis
- 2nd St.and St. Louis
- 61st St.and Coastal Hwy at the Ocean City Convention Center
- 100th St., bayside.
West Ocean City Park & Ride
If you’re staying outside of Ocean City, or just coming for the day, and don’t feel like bothering with traffic, take advantage of the West Ocean City Park n Ride. Located just west of the Rt. 50 drawbridge, the Park n Ride provides visitors with over 700 free parking spaces and a routine shuttle bus that transports passengers to the South Division Street Transit Center in town. This shuttle is normally free, except during certain special events (Springfest, OC Air Show, Independence Day, Bikefest, Oceans Calling, and Sunfest) in which a normal $4 ride-all-day bus pass is required. Please refer to Shore Transit public schedule for additional transportation options or call 410-723-1606.100th Steet Lot
The 100th Street Parking Lot is located on the bayside of Coastal Highway across from the Ashore Hotel and can be accessed by the water tower. The 100th St. lot offers 234 parking spaces, 8 handicapped spaces, is boat trailer accessible, and operates from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m., seven days a week from the Friday of Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. The lot is priced for long-term parking. The rates are as follows: Cars $10 per day / $40 per week Trailer $10 per day/ $50 per week. This lot only accepts credit cards!RV Parking
RVs and oversized vehicles (6’8″ wide or wider, and/or 21’2″ long or longer), may not be parked on municipal streets or parking lots from May 1 until October 31st. However, limited RV parking is permitted at the 100th Street Municipal Park Lot for a fee. Call 410-723-6610. for information.Boat Trailer Parking in Ocean City, MD
Boat trailer parking is available at the 100th Street Municipal Parking Lot for a fee. Boat trailers may not be parked on the public streets, alleyways or public parking lots from May 1st through October 31st.Private Parking Lots
Private Lots
Private lots dot the Inlet area and parts of downtown. They are clearly marked with daily or hourly rates. You may pay a little more for private lot parking, but you can usually find an available lot close to the action.Other Parking Information
Parking restrictions for trailers & oversized vehicles
- No trailer or oversized vehicle parking on Baltimore Avenue at anytime
- No trailer or oversized vehicle parking on any street or public lot without a permit between May 1 and October 31, except the 100th Street municipal Lot and the West Ocean City Park & Ride
- Permits are available to registered participants of certain special events from event promoters including Cruisin’ Ocean City, OC Bikefest and Endless Summer Cruisin’ for a fee of $50.
- Other permits will be issued on a case by case basis by the Town of Ocean City’s Director of Special Events
- The new ordinance applies to trailers that are both attached and detached from vehicles
- Any oversize vehicle is any vehicle that is either over 21 feet, 2 inches in length and/ or over 6 feet, 8 inches in width
- The fine for trailer and oversize vehicle violations is $250
- Scofflaws (3 or more outstanding tickets or $100 or more in outstanding fines) may be booted or towed
Street Parking
While street parking is sometimes available, it is important to remember that if you park illegally it can be costly. There often is some parking bayside near the Inlet, by the Ocean City Skate Bowl, and at various places along Coastal Highway uptown. Remember not to park in front of any curb painted red, or blocking any public or private driveway. STREET LOCATION NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES- Worcester Street, between Baltimore Ave. & Philadelphia Ave. 166 regular spaces,12 motorcycle spaces, and 6 handicap spaces
- Somerset Street & Baltimore Avenue 29 regular spaces & 1 handicap space
- Dorchester Street & Baltimore Avenue 28 regular spaces & 2 handicap spaces
- North Division & Baltimore Avenue 42 regular spaces & 2 handicap spaces
- 4th Street & Baltimore Avenue 56 regular spaces & 3 handicap spaces
- 1st Street & St. Louis Avenue 43 regular spaces & 2 handicap spaces
- North Division & St. Louis Avenue 4 regular spaces
- 61st Street & Coastal Highway-Bayside 28 regular spaces
Parking Rates
April 1 – May 21, 2026 Monday – Thursday: FREE Parking Friday – Sunday: $2.50/hour – $3.50/hour Ocean Block May 22 – September 30, 2026 Daily Rate of $3.50/hour – $4.50/hour Ocean Block October 1 – October 31, 2026 Monday – Thursday: FREE Parking Friday – Sunday: $2.50/hour – $3.50/hour Ocean Block Handicapped Parking: No charge if stay is less than 1 hour, otherwise full rate. Handicapped vehicles must have handicapped plates or a visible placard. This does not apply to Inlet Lot parking.
- A violation of Street Parking & other Municipal Lot parking will result in a physical parking ticket ($50 fine) which can be voided if payment is made for actual time up to 1 hour and within 1 hour.
Getting Around Ocean City
While enjoying your stay in Ocean City, Maryland it is crucial that you take advantage of all forms of transportation the town has to offer. Whether you don't feel like fighting for a parking spot at the beach, are tired of walking the boardwalk, or you need a ride home from a night out, Ocean City has fantastic transportation to safely and conveniently get you to your destination.
Click here for the Beach Bus Locator App
"Avoid the fuss and take the bus" is an old adage in Ocean City, and still some of the best advice you can adhere to on vacation. The Ocean City Beach Bus, which runs routinely from the Inlet to the Delaware state line only, costs $4 for an all day, unlimited pass (exact change required). The full bus schedule is below, but in season the Ocean City Beach Bus runs 24/7 with stops located just about every other block. All buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and anyone ADA eligible may call Transportation for at home pick-ups. If you have any questions regarding the Ocean City Beach Bus, please call the Transportation Department at 410-723-1606 Find a Bus! Download the TransLoc Rider App for iPhone or Android, or click here for the mobile web map, or Text your Bus Stop ID number to 414-11 when you're at the bus stop.
Bus Schedule:
Spring Schedule until May 21 2026: 6am - 1am Approx every 30 mins 1am – 6am No Bus Service. Summer Schedule May 22 - September 13 2026 6am - 3am Approx every 15 mins. 3am - 6am No Bus Service Fall Schedule September 14 - October 25 2026 6am - 2am Approx every 30 mins. 2am – 6am No Bus Service Updated Bus Schedule can be found here.
Parking in Ocean City has changed if you haven't been here in awhile. There are meters in more locations on most downtown streets. There are lots scattered around where you can use a smart phone to download the ParkMobile App so you can pay. You can also pay with a credit card or quarters in most locations. Paid parking is in effect from 4/1 - 10/31. There are no refunds for parking so make sure you pay the right amount up front. Also, if you are paying in advance, please be generous with your estimate of time. You DO NOT want a ticket. They are expensive! Please do not park on any red curbs or in front of any driveways. Park in the direction of the traffic and within a foot of the curb.Enforcement Hours for Parking:
Municipal lots are 24 hours a day and parking on the street is enforced from 7 am to midnight.ParkMobile App
The easiest way to park in Ocean City is with the App. Get info here.- Download the App
- Register & add your car
- Enter your zone number (located on the kiosk closest to your car)
- Pay for the time you anticipate
- Receive text messages when you are about to expire - It's easy to add more time/money.
Pay by Plate
You can enter your plate number into the kiosks located near parking locations. The system will know when your parking is up. This is camera enforced at the inlet parking lot and by people elsewhere.How to Use the Parking Kiosks:
- Enter your license plate number
- Insert coins or credit card and follow the directions.
- Press the green button to complete your transaction
Tickets & Fines
If you get a ticket, you can go here to pay or get more information. Parking fine amounts by violation are here. Fines vary by location, but for a violation of Street Parking & other Municipal Lot parking will result in a physical parking ticket ($50 fine) which can be voided if payment is made for actual time up to 1 hour and within 1 hour.Did you get towed?
If you park in a restricted area, you WILL get towed. If that happens, here is more information. Please remember, you will need a valid driver's license. Registration and proof of insurance may be required and in some instances, you MUST be the registered owner to get your car. The Ocean City Inlet parking lot is great for day-trippers, those visiting the boardwalk and amusements, or those wanting to grab a bite to eat. You can also get a half hour free, so it's fun, particularly during the week, to bring your coffee and watch the fishermen or just watch the waves. After 30 minutes, the cost for the Please refer to Shore Transit public schedule for additional transportation options. FOR ADDITIONAL PARKING INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 410-723-1606. Read the Ocean City Transportation FAQ's
Park Mobile App
Pay from your phone
Got A TICKET?
Here's what you do
Boat Storage & Repair
Want to store your jet-ski or boat?
Inlet Parking Lot
1st Half Hour is FREE
The inlet parking lot has 1200 parking spaces and 35 handicap spaces. It is the best place to go to access the amusements, dining and shopping options on the boardwalk. You pay by plate or with the Park Mobile App. The first half hour is free. Rates for 2021:
April 1 - May 21, 2026
- Monday - Thursday: FREE Parking
- Friday - Sunday: $3.50/hour
May 22 - September 30, 2026
- Daily Rate: $4.50/hour
October 1 - October 31, 2026
- Monday - Thursday: FREE Parking
- Friday - Sunday: $3:50/hour
There is a 30-minute grace period for all vehicles, including handicapped. Patrons must pay for expired time prior to leaving the Inlet Lot to avoid being billed for additional administrative costs. Need help? Parking lot ambassadors are available at the booth located in the center of the inlet parking lot (Row E).
West Ocean City Park & Ride
Free Parking, Shuttles & a Great View
The West Ocean City Park & Ride is owned by the Town of Ocean City and offers free parking and a shuttle to downtown. Several restaurants are nearby including the new Pier 27 which replaced MadFish.- Shuttle service from the West Ocean City Park & Ride to the South Division Transit Center is FREE except during special events. Special event shuttle service from the West OC Park & Ride is $4 and includes a Ride-All-Day bus pass.
- Please observe posted rules and regulations at the Park & Ride. Restrictions apply.
- It shall be unlawful to park any commercial vehicle unless performing services for or on behalf of the Mayor and City Council.
- It shall be unlawful to utilize any vehicle for sleeping quarters.
- No Overnight Parking Allowed – Vehicles and trailers will be towed if parked between 3:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.
- Park in Designated Area Only
Other Municipal Lots & Street Parking
May 22 - September 30, 2026
- Daily Rate of $3.50-$4.50/hour (Ocean block)
October 1 - October 31, 2026
- Monday - Thursday: FREE Parking
- Friday - Sunday: $2.50-$3.50/hour
Handicapped Parking: No charge if stay is less than 1 hour, otherwise full rate. Handicapped vehicles must have handicapped plates or a visible placard. This does not apply to Inlet Lot parking.
Municipal Parking Lot Locations:
- Worcester St., between Baltimore Ave. & Philadelphia Ave.
- Somerset St. & Baltimore Ave.
- Dorchester St. & Baltimore Ave.
- N. Division St. & Baltimore Ave.
- N. Division St. & St. Louis Ave. (small lot)
- 4th St. & Baltimore Ave.
- 61st St. & Coastal Hwy., (Bayside)
- 64th Street – Boat Ramp Parking Lot (for boaters launching-hourly)
You will also see additional side street Parkeon pay station parking on selected streets, ocean side and bayside in the area between S. Division & 10th Street, and again at 99th St.
Trailer & Boat Parking Lots
Coming to Ocean City, MD for Bike Week or Cruisin' and need a place to park your trailer or are you coming with your boat? There are 2 lots at 100th Street bayside, where you can park your trailer or boat. Weekly and daily rates are available and this location only accepts credit card payments.- 2 lots - Cars & Boats (this is a trailer approved lot)
- Weekly & Daily parking paid at 100th Street does NOT apply to parking at the Inlet, on-street parking, or any other municipal lot.
- Cars $10 per day / $40 per week
- Trailer $10 per day/ $50 per week
Ocean CITY AREA AIRPORTS
The Ocean City Airport is just 3 miles away in West Ocean City, off of Rt. 611 on Airport Road, and has private planes arriving and departing daily, as well as a number of other options, including car rentals, plane rides, skydiving instructions, and taxi services. The Ocean City Airport runs 7 days a week, year round. There is also the Salisbury/Ocean City/Regional Airport, which is located about 30 minutes from town just east of Salisbury off of Rt. 50 and offers US Airways flights to Philadelphia and Charlotte regularly. To make reservations for a flight please call 410-548-4827.Frequently Asked Questions - Transportation
Frequently asked questions
Transportation
Where can I park? Is parking free?
Free parking is available on most streets, but can be hard to find during the summer. Find a full list of parking options here.What is the Ocean City Bus Schedule?
Spring: Every 15 min. 6 :00 a.m. – 10 p.m., and every 30 min. 10:00 p.m.- 6:00 a.m Summer: Every 10 min. 6 : 00 a.m. – 3:00 a.m, and every 20 min. 3 :00 a.m.- 6:00 a.m Fall: Approx. every 15 minutes 6 a.m.- 10 p.m., and approx. every 30 minutes 10 p.m. – 6 a.m.How much is the Ocean City Beach Bus?
The cost to ride the Ocean City Beach Bus is only $4 for rides all day. The bus runs from South Division Street Transit Station to and from the 144th Street Transit station and stops all along the way on both north bound and south bound Coastal Highway.How do I get from the West Ocean City Park n Ride into Ocean City?
You can get from the West Ocean City Park and Ride into Ocean City on the West Ocean City Park-N-Ride Beach Bus. The schedule for this transportation is available here.What is the Boardwalk Tram and when does it run?
The Boardwalk Tram runs up and down Ocean City's famous boardwalk from the southern end near the inlet at the Atlantic Avenue South 1st Street Tram Station to the 27th Street Tram station at the north end. The tram runs from Springiest through the middle of October. It is closed for the season from October 24 - May 3, 2023.What is the cost to ride the Boardwalk Tram?
The cost to ride the Boardwalk Tram is $5 per person, per boarding, one-way. Exact cash fare required. Major credit cards are accepted.What is the Schedule for the Ocean City Beach Bus that runs up and down Coastal Highway?
The Ocean City Beach Bus has different schedules based on the time of year. Fall Schedule: (Until October 30) 6 am - 2 am - Runs approximately every 30 minutes 2 am - 6 am - There is no bus service Winter Schedule: (10/31/22-4/2/23) 6 am - 1 am - Runs approximately every 30 minutes 1 am - 6 am - There is no bus service. Get REAL TIME movement of the Ocean City Beach Buses by clicking here.
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