In short
- 1P = one hour, 2P = two hours, 4P, and a plain P = unlimited. The clock starts when you arrive.
- Paid zones: $3.30 an hour weekdays, $2.00 an hour Saturday for Zone A (2 hour max), in the PayStay app or at the meter.
- 1/4P bays give 15 minutes free.
- Outside the hours on the sign, parking is free and unrestricted.
- Time limits start when you arrive. Zone maximum stays are 2 hours in Zone A and 3 hours in Zone B.
The P number
| Sign | Means |
|---|---|
| ¼P | 15 minutes, free |
| 1P | 1 hour, payment required |
| 2P | 2 hours, payment required |
| 3P | 3 hours, payment required |
Time limits start when you arrive. Zone maximum stays are 2 hours in Zone A and 3 hours in Zone B.
Paid zones
A sign that says Ticket, Meter or Ticket/Phone means you pay during the hours shown. City of Darwin takes payment in the PayStay app.
Register with your phone number and plate, or scan the QR code on the meter as a guest. Enter the zone number from the sign and stop the session when you leave; a forgotten session runs to the zone maximum.
| Area | Rate |
|---|---|
| Zone A (2 hour max) | $3.30 an hour weekdays, $2.00 an hour Saturday |
| Zone B (3 hour max) | $2.40 an hour |
| Zone C | $2.00 an hour, capped at $10 a day |
From the City of Darwin on-street fees page, checked October 2026.
When it is free
1/4P bays give 15 minutes free.
Other free parking in Darwin
- Outside enforced hours parking is free
- Zones B and C are free on Saturday and Sunday
- Palmerston parking is free everywhere
Hours and public holidays
Paid zones A and B are enforced Mon–Fri 8am–5pm, with Zone A also Saturday 8am–2pm. Signs vary, so read the sign at your bay.
Other signs you'll see
| Sign | Means | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow line | No stopping and no parking | $50 |
| No Parking | You may stop only briefly to load or drop off | — |
| No Stopping | You must not stop at all | $50 |
| Loading Zone | Goods vehicles only, 15 minute limit, permit required | — |
| Disabled bay | Valid disability permit only | $135 |
Unsigned rules follow the Australian Road Rules as applied in the NT; confirm distances with the NT Traffic Regulations. Amounts and deadlines: Darwin parking fines, decoded.
Broken meters
Pay by the PayStay app, website or QR code if a meter is not working. Card only; no cash.
Report a fault: PayStay help 1300 322 111; CBD parking enquiries 08 8930 0600.
Good to know.
What does 2P mean on a parking sign?
Up to two hours during the times on the sign. 1P is one hour, 4P four, and a plain P is unlimited. Time limits start when you arrive. Zone maximum stays are 2 hours in Zone A and 3 hours in Zone B.
How much is street parking in Darwin?
Zone A (2 hour max): $3.30 an hour weekdays, $2.00 an hour Saturday. Zone B (3 hour max): $2.40 an hour. Zone C: $2.00 an hour, capped at $10 a day. From the City of Darwin on-street fees page, checked October 2026. Outside the hours on the sign parking is free.
Is there free parking in Darwin?
1/4P bays give 15 minutes free. Outside enforced hours parking is free Zones B and C are free on Saturday and Sunday Palmerston parking is free everywhere
Inspector near your car? You’ll know.
Tap I parked here on Rangr Dangr, set a 2P timer, and get a buzz if a neighbour reports an inspector nearby.