Visiting downtown New Braunfels will soon come with a small added cost. Starting July 7, 2025, the city will implement a new paid parking system in its historic downtown core, marking one of the biggest shifts to local parking policy in recent years.
Approved by City Council on May 27, the move follows several years of planning, public engagement, and discussions with business owners and residents.
City officials say the changes are designed to reduce congestion, increase turnover, and make it easier for visitors to find parking in high-demand areas, especially around Main Plaza and the busiest downtown blocks.
Mayor Neal Linnartz has expressed strong support for the new system, noting that community feedback has been largely positive. He emphasized that the changes are expected to boost downtown businesses by improving parking turnover and making visits more convenient for locals and tourists alike.
Here’s What You Need to Know
Out of more than 750 total on-street parking spaces in downtown New Braunfels, 253 spaces—about one-third—will transition to paid parking.
These spots, which previously offered two free hours, will now follow this tiered pricing structure:
- First hour: Free
- 1–2 hours: $2
- 2–3 hours: $4
- 3–4 hours: $6
- 4–5 hours: $8
- 5+ hours: $10 (daily max)
A 4% service fee and credit card processing fee will apply.
It’s worth noting that disabled veterans displaying official state-issued license plates are expected to be exempt from parking fees.
Fees will be enforced seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
How to Pay
The system doesn’t require a separate app. Visitors will simply scan a QR code posted on parking signs or text 94201 to access a mobile payment system run by Interstate Parking, the city’s parking management vendor.
From there, drivers can enter their license plate, choose how long they want to park, and pay.
The software remembers frequent users for faster checkout on future visits.
Who’s Enforcing It?
Enforcement will be handled by Interstate Parking, which has also opened a local office at 162 S. Seguin Ave.
Their “Parking Ambassadors” will be present downtown to assist visitors with the new system and monitor for violations.
To ease the transition, the city is implementing a “soft launch” period, during which first-time violators will receive a pamphlet explaining the system instead of a fine.
Eventually, violations will come with a $100 citation, reduced to $65 if paid within 10 days. As mentioned earlier, disabled veterans with official license plates will be exempt from parking fees.
Where Does the Money Go?
City officials stress that all revenue from the paid parking program will stay downtown. It will be used to support improvements such as beautification, signage, parking leases, and potential property acquisitions for additional parking solutions.
Deputy City Manager Jordan Matney emphasized that the primary focus of the new parking system is on improving how downtown space is used, not just generating revenue. She noted that the city has secured lease agreements to provide free parking for downtown employees in nearby lots, helping to open up more prime parking spots for visitors and customers.
Reactions from the Community
The new parking system hasn’t come without pushback.
While visitors may be accustomed to paid parking in other cities, some New Braunfels residents have raised concerns about the impact on their ability to access downtown, particularly during busy events.
At the same time, local business and civic leaders have voiced support for the change, viewing it as a necessary step toward improving infrastructure and planning for future growth.
They believe the strategy will ultimately benefit both the community and the downtown economy, even if the adjustment period takes time.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re running errands, grabbing dinner, or exploring one of the city’s signature festivals, expect a new parking experience starting July 7.
The first hour remains free, and the city hopes the system brings more balance to a growing downtown where demand for parking often outweighs supply.
For questions or help with the new parking system, visitors can reach Interstate Parking at 830-264-2277 or info@parknbtx.com. You can also click here for the latest details on parking from the city.
What about people with disabled Veteran plates? Do we have to pay?
My understanding is that disabled veterans displaying official state-issued license plates are expected to be exempt from parking fees
Thank you for providing this information. I work downtown, (Krauses), 5 days a week. Could you please specify what leased lots the city is providing, for downtown employees.
The map on this page (https://www.newbraunfels.gov/4072/Parking) shows the employee permit areas.
Downtown just lost any business from me. There are a couple places that I use to frequent but not any longer. For residents of New Braunfels, they should be offered about 2-3 hours of free parking.