Top 10 Places for Parking Near Karlovy Vary Spa Center

Choosing the right spot depends on your budget and walking ability. The spa zone is quite long and follows the Tepla River. Some lots are right at the edge of the action. Others require a short bus ride or a scenic walk. Here are the top locations for parking near Karlovy Vary spa center.

Check the Dopravní podnik Karlovy Vary site for transit maps. Many parking lots offer easy connections to local buses. This is helpful if you park further from the center. Always keep some Czech Koruna for older parking meters.

• Name: Parking Gallery (Náměstí Milady Horákové) Type: Multi-story garage Why go: It is one of the largest and most modern facilities. Best for: Families and long-term stays. Where: Near the city market (Tržnice). Time: Open 24/7. Cost: Moderate hourly rates. Getting there: Follow signs for the city center from the main highway. Tip: Use the upper levels for wider spaces.
• Name: Parking Garage Thermal (Hotel Thermal) Type: Indoor garage Why go: It is located right at the start of the spa zone. Best for: Quick access to the Dvořák Gardens. Where: I. P. Pavlova street. Time: 2-4 hours recommended. Cost: Premium pricing due to location. Getting there: Drive toward the Hotel Thermal tower. Tip: Perfect if you are visiting the international film festival.
• Name: Parking Libušina (Imperial) Type: Automated parking house Why go: It offers a unique funicular connection to the valley. Best for: Reaching the upper spa area easily. Where: Libušina street, near Hotel Imperial. Time: 3-5 hours. Cost: Mid-range. Getting there: Follow the winding road up the hill from the center. Tip: The funicular ride provides a great view of the city.
• Name: Parking Divadelní náměstí Type: Underground lot Why go: This is the closest parking to the Vřídlo (Sprudel) geyser. Best for: People with limited mobility. Where: Theatre Square. Time: 1-3 hours. Cost: High. Getting there: Only accessible via the south entrance of the spa zone. Tip: Space is very limited, so arrive before 10:00 AM.
• Name: Parking Tržnice Type: Outdoor gated lot Why go: It is located at the main local bus hub. Best for: Budget travelers. Where: Horova street. Time: All day. Cost: Low. Getting there: Follow signs for the central bus station. Tip: Great starting point for a Tepla river walking route.
• Name: Parkhotel Richmond Parking Type: Private hotel lot Why go: It is situated in a quiet, green part of the spa zone. Best for: Nature lovers and park walks. Where: Southern end of the city. Time: 2-4 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Drive south along the river toward Březová. Tip: Walk through the Japanese garden nearby after parking.
• Name: P+R Dolní Nádraží Type: Park and Ride Why go: It is the most affordable option for day trips. Best for: Commuters and budget tourists. Where: Near the lower train station. Time: 8-12 hours. Cost: Very cheap. Getting there: Accessible from the Západní street exit. Tip: Check the Karlovy Vary railway station official site for train schedules.
• Name: Parking Západní Type: Outdoor lot Why go: Convenient for those arriving from the west. Best for: Avoiding city center traffic. Where: Západní street. Time: 2-5 hours. Cost: Low. Getting there: Located near the KV Arena. Tip: Use the local bus to reach the spa center in 10 minutes.
• Name: Grandhotel Pupp Parking Type: Valet and private lot Why go: Experience ultimate luxury at the city's most famous hotel. Best for: High-end visitors and diners. Where: Mírové náměstí. Time: 2-4 hours. Cost: Very high. Getting there: Drive to the very end of the accessible road south. Tip: You can see many mill colonnade riverside landmarks on the walk back.
• Name: Parking Bristol Type: Hotel garage Why go: Excellent for reaching the Sadová Colonnade. Best for: Visitors to the upper medical spas. Where: Zámecký vrch. Time: 2-4 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Drive up the hill from the Thermal hotel area. Tip: The walk down to the springs is steep but beautiful.

Accessibility and the Karlovy Vary Spa Zone

The core of Karlovy Vary is a UNESCO World Heritage site. To keep it pristine, car access is strictly regulated. You cannot drive into the pedestrian zone without a special permit. These permits are usually for hotel guests or residents only. Police frequently check vehicles in these restricted areas.

For those with disabilities, accessibility is a top priority. Most parking garages listed above have designated blue badge spots. The riverside walk in Karlovy Vary is mostly flat. This makes it ideal for wheelchairs and strollers. Always display your permit clearly on the dashboard.

If you stay at a spa hotel, ask about their shuttle service. Many hotels offer transport from the larger peripheral garages. This saves you the trouble of navigating narrow, one-way streets. The Statutory City of Karlovy Vary provides maps of accessible routes. Use these to plan your path from the parking lot to the springs.

Practical Tips for Driving in Karlovy Vary

Driving in this historic city requires some patience. The streets are often narrow and cobblestoned. Traffic can be heavy during the summer months. Most parking meters accept contactless credit cards or mobile apps. Look for the "MPLA" app sign on the machines.

Be aware of the "Spa Zone" entry signs. If you cross these without a permit, you may face a fine. It is better to park just outside and walk in. The city is very compact and walkable. Most attractions are within a 15-minute walk of the main garages.

Consult the Karlovy Vary Official Tourism portal for event updates. During festivals, some parking lots may be closed for stages. Plan to arrive early in the morning on weekends. This ensures you get a spot in the most popular garages like the Thermal.