Parking in Downtown Franklin, TN: Free, Paid, Accessible, & EV Parking
If you’re searching for where to park for The Franklin Theatre, where to park for restaurants on Main Street, or simply the best parking options in downtown Franklin, Tennessee, the system is easier to navigate than it may first appear. Understanding how downtown parking works, including time limits, free parking options, public garages, EV charging, and accessible spaces, can make any visit smoother.
Whether you’re shopping on Main Street, dining downtown, or attending an event, Franklin offers a range of free on-street parking, public parking garages, and surface lots, all within walking distance of the downtown core. A small number of paid parking lots operated by private owners are also located nearby.
This guide explains where to park in downtown Franklin, how long you can stay, and which options work best depending on your plans. With a little preparation, you can spend less time looking for a space and more time enjoying Main Street and the surrounding district.
Downtown Franklin Free Public Parking Garages
The City of Franklin operates two free public parking garages, both of which provide 24-hour parking and are among the most convenient options for visitors planning to spend more than a short time downtown. These garages are located just steps from Main Street and the Public Square, making them a reliable choice for dining, shopping, events, or longer visits.
- Fourth Avenue South Garage, 115 4th Avenue South (across from Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant)
- Second Avenue South Garage, 108 2nd Avenue South (at the corner of Second Avenue South and Main Street)
Digital parking availability indicators are posted outside both garages, allowing drivers to see how many spaces are open before entering. In addition, each garage uses red and green indicator lights above individual spaces, making it easy to quickly spot available parking without circling.
The city also provides real-time garage availability tracking online, so drivers can check current space availability before arriving. This is especially helpful during busy weekends, festivals, and special events.
Both garages offer:
- Approximately 300 spaces
- 24-hour free parking (maximum stay of 24 hours)
- Electric vehicle charging stations located outside the garage
- Designated motorcycle parking areas
For quick stops, the Fourth Avenue South Garage includes a small number of designated 30-minute parking spaces.
Downtown Franklin Free Short-Term On-Street Parking
Free 2-hour on-street parking is available throughout the downtown core and is best suited for quick errands, shopping, dining stops, or short visits where you plan to be in and out within the posted time limits. These spaces offer the closest proximity to Main Street storefronts and are often the most convenient option if you’re making a brief stop.
On-street parking can be found:
- Along Main Street, directly in front of shops and restaurants
- On side streets throughout downtown, often just one block off Main Street
- In areas immediately surrounding the Public Square, within easy walking distance of downtown attractions
Most on-street parking spaces allow a maximum of 2 hours of parking during enforcement hours, which run Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. Time limits are clearly posted on nearby signage and are designed to encourage turnover, allowing more visitors to access downtown businesses throughout the day. These time restrictions are not enforced on Saturdays, Sundays, or City-observed holidays.
Because time limits and rules can vary, drivers should always check posted signs before leaving their vehicle. For visits expected to last longer than the posted limits, other parking areas or public garages are typically a better choice.
Downtown Franklin Free Extended and 24-Hour Parking Options
While much of downtown Franklin’s on-street parking is designed for short-term use, the city also offers free parking options that allow for longer visits. These areas are especially useful if you plan to attend a performance or event, or prefer not to move your car mid-visit. Located just outside the most time-restricted blocks, these extended parking options provide flexibility while still keeping you within easy walking distance of Main Street and the downtown core.
Four-Hour On-Street Parking
- On West Main Street between 5th Avenue North and 7th Avenue North, on-street parking is designated for four-hour stays during enforcement hours
24-Hour Parking Options
- A free surface parking lot on Church Street between Second Avenue South and Third Avenue South
- Portions of Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue, near their intersections with Bridge Street to the north and Church Street to the south
- Sixth Avenue and Fair Street off West Main Street
- Sections of Church Street and nearby side streets
Because parking regulations can vary by block, checking posted signage is always recommended.
Paid and Private Parking in Downtown Franklin
A limited number of privately operated parking lots are located near the downtown core. These lots are not managed by the City of Franklin and may require payment via mobile app, kiosk, QR code, or other posted instructions. Rates, time limits, and enforcement policies vary by operator.
The parking garage adjacent to The Harpeth Hotel is privately operated and serves hotel guests as well as offering paid public parking. Parking rules, availability, and pricing can vary, and this garage is not part of the City of Franklin’s free public parking system.
Some downtown businesses also maintain private customer-only parking lots, typically located behind storefronts or beside buildings. These lots may be reserved for customers during business hours and are sometimes shared among multiple businesses. Policies differ by property, and parking may be restricted to business hours only.
Paid and private lots, including business-designated parking areas, are typically clearly marked with signage outlining time limits, payment requirements, and enforcement details. As always, drivers should review posted signs carefully before leaving their vehicle.
EV Charging in Downtown Franklin
Electric vehicle charging is available downtown at locations adjacent to the Fourth Avenue South Garage and the Second Avenue Garage, providing a convenient option for drivers who want to charge while visiting downtown.
- Charging stations are pay-for-charge.
- Vehicles must be actively charging while parked in EV-designated spaces.
- Once charging is complete, vehicles should be moved to a standard parking space.
- Parking in EV-designated spaces without charging is not permitted.
The City of Franklin EV Charging Station Map is a helpful resource for locating charging stations both downtown and throughout the city.
Downtown Franklin Accessible Parking
Downtown Franklin includes free ADA-compliant accessible parking spaces. Visitors can view the Downtown Franklin Parking Map to see the locations of designated ADA parking spaces throughout the downtown core.
- Accessible on-street parking spaces are available along Main Street and on surrounding streets, often located close to storefronts and key destinations.
- Both City of Franklin public parking garages include designated ADA parking spaces, providing another option for longer visits or events.
The City of Franklin is committed to installing ADA-compliant on-street parking spaces to meet the needs of community members and visitors with disabilities. Individuals who would like to request an accessible parking space in a specific area are encouraged to submit an accommodation request so the city can evaluate and prioritize locations based on need.
Practical Parking Tips for Downtown Franklin Visitors
- Use the Downtown Franklin Public Parking Map to plan ahead. The map shows the locations of public parking garages, surface lots, and key on-street parking areas, helping you decide where to park before you arrive.
- Check real-time garage availability before heading downtown. The City of Franklin provides live availability tracking for both public parking garages, allowing drivers to see how many spaces are open and choose the best option during busy periods.
- Use on-street parking for short stops during weekday hours. Time-restricted curbside spaces work well for quick errands, takeout, or brief shopping trips, especially during weekday enforcement hours.
- For longer visits, start with one of the free public parking garages. Both downtown garages allow parking for up to 24 hours and are a reliable choice if you plan to dine, shop, attend an event, or spend several hours exploring Main Street and the surrounding area.
- If the garages are full, look for other 24-hour parking areas nearby. Extended on-street parking areas and designated surface lots are suited for longer visits and can be especially helpful when garages are busy.
- Expect higher demand during festivals, holidays, and weekends. Downtown Franklin draws larger crowds during special events and peak seasons, so planning ahead and arriving earlier can save time.
- Always check posted signage before leaving your vehicle. Parking rules can vary by block, and private lots follow different regulations than city-owned spaces. Taking a moment to confirm time limits and restrictions can help avoid tickets or towing.
Start Your Downtown Franklin Visit the Right Way
Parking in downtown Franklin doesn’t have to be a challenge. With plentiful free garages, accessible street parking, EV charging options, and a mix of paid lots, you can focus on enjoying the shops, restaurants, and historic Main Street. Planning ahead and knowing the rules helps you arrive, park, and explore with confidence.
Explore Downtown Franklin, Tennessee
Once you’ve figured out where to park, there’s a lot to discover in downtown Franklin. Learn how new development is reshaping the area in The Margin District in Franklin, TN: How Downtown is Growing Beyond Main Street, dive into local lore with Best Ghost Tours in Downtown Franklin: Exploring Tennessee’s Haunted Past, or plan a full day trip with Nashville to Franklin, TN: What to See, Eat, and Do in Downtown Franklin. Each guide offers helpful insight into the places, history, and experiences waiting just steps from your parking spot.
You can also check the FranklinIs Events Calendar to see what’s happening downtown before you arrive.
