In addition to private parking spaces, Basel has around 26,500 public parking spaces spread across the city.

Blue zones

In the blue zone, you can park for one hour plus the current half hour free of charge. To do this, set the arrow on the parking disc to the line following the actual arrival time (e.g., arrival time 1:35 p.m., set the arrow to 2:00 p.m.). The blue zone is applicable on weekdays (Monday to Saturday) between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. The parking disc must be displayed during these times. A slightly longer parking time applies during lunchtime: if you park your car between 11:30 a.m. and 1:29 p.m., you can park until 2:30 p.m. Instructions on how to use and set the parking disc correctly can also be found on the back of the parking disc.

The blue zone may also apply on streets without marked parking spaces. This is indicated by a zone sign. 

Parking spaces marked in white

In the case of white-marked parking spaces, a sign provides information about the permitted parking time and whether a parking disc must be displayed. The parking spaces may also be subject to a charge. The fees are displayed on the parking meters along the parking spaces.

Unlimited parking with parking cards

Various parking permits allow unlimited parking in the blue zone and in the accordingly marked white parking spaces. The link below will take you to an overview of the available parking permits.

 various public car parks available in Basel. The parking guidance system guides you directly to car parks with available parking spaces. This saves you time and unnecessary distance travelled, and reduces search traffic.

Six car parks are owned by the canton of Basel-Stadt: City, Steinen, Elisabethen, Storchen, ELYS and St. Jakob. These are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can find all the information you need on the Immobilien Basel-Stadt website.

The map below shows the locations of all car parks. Click on the symbol to obtain further information about the corresponding car park.

It is not always necessary to drive into the centre of Basel. There are Park and Ride facilities at many train and tram stations in the Basel area. Thanks to Park and Ride, you can drive to the nearest station, park there and conveniently take the train or tram to Basel. Further information on SBB's P+Rail service can be found on the SBB website.

The map below shows the Park and Ride locations in the Basel region. Click on the symbols for more information about each location.

There are public charging stations for electric cars in Basel. If you do not have your own charging facility, you can charge your electric car at the IWB charging stations. These parking spaces are indicated and marked in yellow. You may only park your electric car there to charge it. The map below provides an overview of the available locations.

Parking spaces for people with disabilities are available in the canton's car parks and at numerous locations on public grounds. If you own a parking permit for people with disabilities you can park in these spaces for an unlimited period of time and free of charge. The map below shows the locations.

There are numerous white-marked parking spaces for bicycles in the city centre. Large bicycle parking facilities are also available at the Basel SBB and St. Johann railway stations. 

Combined parking spaces for bicycles and motorcycles are available in the residential areas. There are also specific parking areas for motorcycles on the outskirts of the city centre and at the SBB railway station. Like the combined parking spaces in the residential areas, these can be used free of charge.

Visitors wishing to stay overnight in Basel in a motorhome or caravan can park in a designated parking area. The parking area for motorhomes and caravans is located on Bäumlihofstrasse between Allmendstrasse and Riehen. The maximum parking time is 24 hours, and parking is free of charge. From the nearby «Drei Linden» bus stop, you can reach the city centre quickly and easily by public transport.

There are several locations in Basel with parking spaces for coaches. These parking spaces are free of charge but cannot be reserved. The map below gives you an overview of the available stopping places (yellow symbols) and parking spaces (green symbols). Click on the symbol for more information, e.g. on the permitted duration of use.

Public parking spaces in the municipality of Riehen are, with a few exceptions, part of the blue zone. Parking here is limited in time and sometimes subject to a charge.

Free parking spaces are available in Bettingen. These are located at the outdoor swimming pool and on St. Chrischona (Hohe Strasse).