Parking in Gdańsk: parking rules, zones and fees
- Damian Brzeski
- 3 hours ago
- 11 min read
How much does an hour of parking cost in Gdańsk? And what if… you forget to pay? It's easy to get lost in the maze of zones, rates, and exceptions – and being unaware can cost up to 300 PLN.
Find out where you can park for free, how vehicle rotation works, which sectors are the most expensive, and why Gdańsk is focusing on smart parking and electromobility.
This guide reveals the behind-the-scenes of city parking strategy – read on before you leave your car.
Paid parking zones in Gdańsk
The Gdańsk Road and Green Areas Authority (GZDiZ) uses a system of paid parking zones as a fundamental mobility management tool.
This system, i.e. Gdańsk paid parking zones , covers a total of 8,878 paid parking spaces .
The main goal of introducing the Gdańsk paid parking zone (SPP and ŚSPP) is to force a rapid turnover of vehicles, which is crucial for increasing parking availability.
Paid Parking Zone (PZ) – location and rules
The SPP operates in areas adjacent to the city center, encompassing 14 sectors outside the city center. Its purpose is to protect residential and business districts from prolonged standstill.
Geography and Fee Periods
Standard parking and toll collection times at the Parking Zone are weekdays, Monday through Friday , 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Sectors covered by the standard regime include:
Young City
Old Suburb
Lower Town
Seaside
Sectors Wrzeszcz University of Technology , Wrzeszcz Górny , Wrzeszcz Dolny and Wrzeszcz Kuźniczki
Interestingly, some sectors, such as Aniołki and Oliwa , have implemented reduced parking hours, from Monday to Friday , 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This is a conscious decision to focus regulations on peak work and retail hours, while also not financially burdening residents returning home late in the afternoon.
It's worth remembering that paid parking in Gdańsk is expanded seasonally. In 2025, fees in the Jelitkowo sector were collected from June 30th to September 30th , also from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
According to the Road Traffic Law, exemptions from tolls apply to motorcycles, four-wheelers and light four-wheelers (quads).
Downtown Paid Parking Zone (ŚSPP) – higher fees and longer hours
The Śródmieście Paid Parking Zone (ŚSPP) is the most restrictive paid parking area . It covers key and historic parts of Gdańsk , including the following sectors:
Downtown Main Town (FGM)
Old Town (FSM) (including 3 Maja Street)
Downtown Długie Ogrody (FDO)
It is in this area of the city centre that the obligation to pay the fee immediately is crucial for maximum traffic flow.
In ŚSPP, the rates are deliberately the highest, and price regulation is intended to increase turnover , promoting public transport, in line with low-emission mobility programs.
Do we also park at ŚSPP on weekends?
Importantly, in the Downtown Paid Parking Zone, fees are collected every day (including weekends and holidays) from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Division into sectors and colors of parking zones
The Gdańsk zone system is organized by color and sector, which is intended to facilitate identification and management of fees.
On road signs and on supporting posts you will find the sector symbol and its color.
In Gdańsk, a hierarchical tariff system is used:
Red Zone (ŚSPP): This is the zone with the highest tariff.
Parking "all around": Paying in the Red Zone automatically entitles you to park in all lower-rate zones: Blue, Green, and Yellow. This is a very flexible solution in paid parking zones .
Parking zone map and sector symbols in applications
Precisely defining the sector is especially important when using mobile apps. Modern parking solutions on the Gdańsk map not only indicate the applicable zone and fee but also minimize the risk of error.
Simply enter your vehicle registration number into the parking meter or app—a paper ticket behind the windshield is no longer required. With the Gdańsk parking map, navigating the system has become much easier.
Parking fees in 2025/26
Price list changes are the result of economic analyses aimed at adapting revenues to the rising costs of infrastructure maintenance and inflation.
City authorities are introducing new rates that are intended to affect turnover in the most congested areas.
New fee rates effective from February 2025
These increases, introduced from February 2025, were justified by the need to keep up with inflation and rising infrastructure maintenance costs.
The Deputy Mayor for Mobility emphasized that the goal is primarily to regulate turnover, and not just to increase revenue.
The table below summarizes the applicable fee rates and the progressive nature of the price list:
Parking Time | SPP (Paid Parking Zone) | ŚSPP (Downtown Paid Parking Zone) |
First hour | 5.00 PLN | 7.50 PLN |
Second hour | 6.00 PLN | 9.00 PLN |
Third hour | 7.20 PLN | 10.80 PLN |
Fourth and subsequent hours | 5.00 PLN | 7.50 PLN |
The parking fee in the SPP for the first hour increased from PLN 3.90 to PLN 5.00 , while in the ŚSPP from PLN 5.50 to PLN 7.50 .
Just look at how the progressive nature of the pricing deliberately discourages parking for more than three hours.
Fee application times in individual zones
Fees apply only on weekdays, except for ŚSPP, where they are collected daily .
Most SPPs: Monday–Friday, 9:00–17:00 .
Selected SPP Sectors (e.g. Oliwa, Aniołki): Monday–Friday, 9:00–15:00 .
ŚSPP (Main Town, Old Town, Długie Ogrody): Daily (Monday–Sunday), 9:00–20:00 .
Additional fee for not having a ticket – when is there a penalty?
Failure to have a valid parking ticket or to pay the parking fee will result in an additional fee being imposed by GZDiZ.
Maturity | Amount of Additional Fee | Comments |
Within 14 days | 170 PLN | Discount for quick payment |
After 14 days | 300 PLN | Full amount of additional fee |
It's crucial to know that the PLN 170 discount is available if payment is made within 14 calendar days of receiving the penalty notice, but no later than 60 days after the vehicle inspection itself. Remember that even filing a complaint does not suspend the 14-day deadline.
Payment methods for parking in Gdańsk
As a modern city, Gdańsk offers drivers a wide range of payment methods, from traditional cash to digital mobile solutions. Let's start with a proven method.
Parking meters in Gdańsk – how do they work?
Parking meters, marked with the GZDiZ logo, are a basic and reliable means of payment.
In ŚSPP and newer models: You can pay in cash (coins only), with a contactless payment card or BLIK .
Important change: In newer parking meters, it is enough to enter the vehicle registration number , and the ticket itself no longer needs to be placed behind the car window.
Mobile parking apps – mPay and other solutions
Mobile apps offer the greatest convenience and a START/STOP model, allowing you to pay for the actual parking time .
Although mPay was historically popular, the Gdańsk Road and Green Areas Authority (GZDiZ) announced that the option to pay tolls using this app has been withdrawn on November 10, 2025 .
From November 11, 2025, payments in paid parking zones will continue to be made through other, selected mobile and banking operators. Therefore, it's worth checking the current list of partners.
Available payment methods: cash, card, BLIK, apps
Gdańsk accepts a wide range of payments for paid parking lots :
In parking meters: Coins and payment cards, and in newer models also BLIK.
In Applications: Payments are made using the account balance, a linked bank card or through selected banking applications.
Discounts and subscriptions for residents of Neptune's Town
Gdańsk residents, both taxpayers and residents, can count on significant discounts and preferential parking subscriptions , which constitute one of the pillars of the city's parking policy.
Gdańsk Resident Card – who can benefit?
Although the Gdańsk Resident Card is not a formal requirement to obtain the preferential flat-rate card (PLN 10 subscription), it is extremely cost-effective when using alternatives.
For example, thanks to the resident card, the daily fee at seasonal Park&Ride parking lots (e.g. at Polsat Plus Arena) is reduced by half, amounting to only PLN 15 (instead of PLN 30).
Parking subscriptions and flat fee cards
The system offers general subscriptions (for companies or commuters, PLN 1,040/month ) and heavily subsidized parking subscriptions for residents:
Number of Vehicles per Premises | Monthly Card | Annual Card |
1. Vehicle | 10 PLN | 120 PLN |
2. Vehicle | 20 PLN | 240 PLN |
3rd and Subsequent Vehicles | 260 PLN | 3120 PLN |
Qualification Conditions
To purchase a flat-rate card (OZM/OZR), you must have a registered address (permanent or temporary) in a given SPP/ŚSPP sector, or be the owner of a property in this sector (even without registration).
The drastically high fee for the third car (PLN 260/month) is a signal that the city prefers to limit car ownership in densely built-up areas.
Notarial confirmation of signatures on vehicle rental or lending agreements is also required if the resident is not the owner.
Alternative parking lots with the Resident Card
Having a resident card is a strong incentive to choose multimodal transport. A Park & Ride discount of up to PLN 15 makes leaving your car on the outskirts of the city and continuing your journey by public transport an attractive and cost-effective option.
Parking locations and availability
The SPP and ŚSPP systems regulate access to nearly nine thousand parking spaces . The question is: how can you find a free space in key locations in this congested city?
Parking spaces in the center of Gdańsk – where to park?
The entire SPP and ŚSPP system offers a total of 8,878 paid parking spaces . Parking spaces in the historic center of Gdańsk are the most sought-after, and their availability is necessitated by high fees that discourage long-term parking.
Parking lot on Okopowa Street – rules and tariffs
The parking lot on Okopowa Street is a key buffer infrastructure, managed by GZDiZ.
The parking garage offers 378 parking spaces across four levels. It provides a viable alternative to long-term traffic, which is deliberately being displaced from the ŚSPP street parking lot.
Tariff for guests: The first hour of parking costs PLN 2.50 .
Subscription (for companies/guests): The monthly subscription fee is PLN 175 and will not increase in 2025.
Interparking Centrum Gdańsk – a private alternative with EV chargers
Private infrastructure, such as Interparking Centrum Gdańsk near the Main Town , complements the city system.
The 24-hour paid parking lot offers 200 spaces. Its rates (PLN 6.00 per hour) are lower than the ŚSPP rate (PLN 7.50), confirming the role of the city's parking zones as a rotation tool.
The parking lot has 6 or 7 22 kW EV charging stations, operated by the EloCity app.
Vehicle rotation and space availability management
Rotation is the primary goal of paid parking zone management . The higher and more progressive the rates , the greater the incentive for drivers to quickly vacate their parking spaces , which translates into real availability for subsequent users.
Free parking options
Although you have to pay for parking during peak hours, there are still places and situations where parking in Gdańsk is completely free.
Free parking in Gdańsk – where to find them?
Free parking lots in Gdańsk are those located outside the boundaries of SPP and ŚSPP, as well as paid city parking lots on weekends, holidays and outside parking hours .
Moreover, all-electric vehicles (BEV) are legally exempt from tolls in urban zones, without the need for an additional ID.
Park&Ride – how does it work and where is it located?
The P&R system is the pillar of multimodal transport:
Locations: The permanent P&R facility is Rębiechowo (358 spaces), and the seasonal, largest parking lot is Polsat Plus Arena (900 spaces).
Principle of Operation: A full-day parking ticket (PLN 30, or PLN 15 with a resident card ) serves as a public transport ticket for the driver and all passengers traveling in the vehicle. It's an ingenious anti-traffic mechanism.
Zone management
All rules, tariffs and boundaries of paid parking zones are formalized by local laws established by the City Council.
Resolution of the Gdańsk City Council on parking zones
The formal framework for the Gdańsk paid parking zone is established by the Gdańsk City Council. This process is ongoing and dynamic, as evidenced, for example, by the October 2025 proposals to extend toll collection to new streets, such as Strzelecka and Kurkowa.
Changes to parking tariffs – goals and effects
The applicable fee rates introduced in 2025 had a two-fold purpose: economic (to cover inflation) and regulatory (to force turnover).
Importantly, these changes were consulted with district councils, which increases their social legitimacy.
The role of the Gdańsk Road and Greenery Authority in organizing parking
The Gdańsk Roads and Greenery Authority (GZDiZ) is the main operator. Its responsibilities include:
Maintenance of the Parking Lot, Parking Space and the Parking Lot at Okopowa Street .
Paid parking zone and P&R parking management.
Toll collection, parking meter operation and enforcement of additional fees.
Parking, new technologies and ecology
Parking policy cannot ignore environmental and technological trends. Gdańsk, though primarily through private operators, is actively developing infrastructure for low-emission vehicles.
Electric vehicle charging stations in parking lots
While private facilities (e.g. Interparking) offer EV chargers (6–7 22 kW stations), fully electric vehicles (BEV) are exempt from fees in urban zones.
However, owners of plug-in hybrids (PHEV) must obtain a special zero-rate card, entitling them to free parking in city parking spaces .
New technologies in urban parking management
The "Smart Parking" project at Śródmieście Długie Ogrody Street is a pilot project funded by the EU's SOLEZ program. It uses advanced video systems to monitor approximately 200 parking spaces .
Interestingly, the system not only controls payments, but also serves security and behavioral data collection.
For example, it can recognize unattended objects, detect a person lying motionless, and even monitor parking lot accidents (by turning on the hazard warning lights).
This shows that parking in Gdańsk is becoming an element of a broader, intelligent urban infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Managing your layover in Gdansk may seem complicated, but here's a quick Q&A overview of the key rules.
What are the paid parking hours in the ŚRdParking Zone (ŚSPP)? : Fees in ŚSPP (Main Town, Old Town, Długie Ogrody) apply daily (Monday - Sunday), from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
What are the standard paid parking hours in the Parking Zone? : Fees in most sectors of the Parking Zone (e.g. Młode Miasto, Przymorze) apply from Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
In which SPP sectors are shorter payment hours (9:00–15:00) applicable? : Shorter hours apply in the Aniołki and Oliwa sectors.
How much does the first hour of parking in ŚSPP and SPP cost from February 2025?: In the Śródmieście Paid Parking Zone (ŚSPP), the first hour costs PLN 7.50 , and in the regular Paid Parking Zone (SPP) PLN 5.00 .
Can I pay with BLIK and card in the parking meters?: Yes, the new parking meters in ŚSPP accept payments in cash (coins only), contactless payment cards and BLIK .
Does the purchased parking ticket have to be placed behind the windscreen? : No, in new parking meters it is enough to enter the vehicle registration number and the ticket does not have to be placed behind the car windscreen.
Does the Red Zone Fee (ŚSPP) entitle you to park in other zones? : Yes, the fee paid in the Red Zone automatically allows you to park in the Blue, Green and Yellow Zones.
What is the standard additional fee (penalty) for not having a ticket? : The standard fee is PLN 300 , but if you pay within 14 calendar days, the amount drops to PLN 170 .
Is the mPay app still accepted in Gdańsk? : No, the Gdańsk Road and Green Areas Authority (GZDiZ) has informed that from November 11, 2025, fees paid via the mPay app are treated as no fee.
What is the daily price at the Park&Ride parking lot with the Gdańsk Resident Card? : The fee for the whole day at the P&R parking lot (e.g. Polsat Plus Arena) is PLN 15 upon presentation of the Gdańsk Resident Card (standard fee is PLN 30).
How much does the first hour of parking at the Cubage Parking Lot on Okopowa Street cost?: The first hour of parking costs PLN 2.50 .
Do electric vehicles pay to park in the zones? : All-electric vehicles (BEVs) are legally exempt from the charge. Owners of plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) must obtain a special zero-rate card .
What vehicles are legally exempt from parking fees? : According to the Road Traffic Law, fees are not payable by motorcycles, four-wheelers and light four-wheelers (quads).
Where can I apply for a resident flat fee card? : The application can be submitted in person at the GZDiZ Customer Service Office (ul. Partyzantów 36 or ul. Wodopój 7), electronically or by post.
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