About this Location

Facility Overview

The Cambridge Traffic, Parking & Transportation Department facility at 344 Broadway is located in the heart of Mid-Cambridge, situated conveniently between Central Square and Inman Square. Primarily serving residents, visitors, and municipal patrons conducting city business, the location features designated on-site surface parking bays as well as curbside metered parking adjacent to the City Hall Annex. Because the facility is an open-air surface setting, there are no overhead height barriers or vertical clearance restrictions, making it accessible for standard sedans, full-size SUVs, pickup trucks, and high-clearance passenger vans alike.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Conveniently positioned along Broadway, this location provides immediate access to major civic, academic, and cultural hubs in Cambridge:

Cambridge Public Library (Main Branch) & Joan Lorentz Park: Located just a 5-minute walk (0.3 miles) west along Broadway, offering extensive green space and community programming.
Central Square Cultural District: A 7 to 10-minute walk (0.4 miles) south, renowned for its diverse dining, vibrant music venues (such as The Middle East and Sonia), indie retail, and lively nightlife.
Inman Square: Approximately an 8 to 10-minute walk north, home to craft breweries, cozy coffee shops, and award-winning neighborhood eateries.
Cambridge Rindge and Latin School (CRLS): Just a short 4-minute walk across Broadway.
Harvard University Campus & Harvard Square: Accessible via a brisk 15 to 18-minute walk or a rapid 5-minute bus ride westward.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Drivers can access 344 Broadway directly from Broadway, with cross-street navigation via Inman Street, Prospect Street, and Fayette Street. Roadway connections provide seamless travel to Massachusetts Avenue (Route 2A), Memorial Drive, and the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90). For public transit users, the Central MBTA Red Line Subway Station is within a 10-minute stroll, providing direct subway transit into Downtown Boston and Somerville. Additionally, MBTA Bus Route 68 runs directly along Broadway, connecting Kendall/MIT and Harvard Square, with Route 83 and Route 1 stops located nearby.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

Open-Air Surface Parking: Easy curb and lot access with zero low-clearance obstructions.
Digital Payment Options: Convenient contactless payment accepted through on-street multispace kiosks and mobile payment apps like the Passport Parking app.
Accessible Stalls: Clearly designated ADA-compliant spaces located near the main administrative entrances with sidewalk curb-cut ramps.
Civic Precinct Security: High-visibility municipal area with street lighting, frequent municipal patrols, and pedestrian-friendly walkways.
Bicycle Facilities: On-site bike racks and nearby Bluebikes bikeshare stations for multi-modal commuters.

Ideal For

Municipal Visitors: Residents picking up resident parking stickers, visitor parking permits, moving truck permits, or settling parking citations.
Mid-Cambridge Diners & Shoppers: Patrons visiting local cafes, bookshops, and boutique storefronts along Broadway and nearby Hampshire Street.
Library & Community Guests: Visitors attending events, workshops, or study sessions at the Cambridge Public Library Main Branch.
Central Square Commuters: Short-term visitors seeking parking just outside the most congested central commercial zones.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Parking in Cambridge is actively monitored, and surrounding side streets are strictly reserved for Cambridge Resident Permit holders. When parking at 344 Broadway or the adjacent meters, verify the posted time limits (commonly restricted to 1 or 2 hours during daytime hours). Use the Passport Parking app on your phone so you can easily track and extend your parking session without having to return to your vehicle. Lastly, watch for posted street-cleaning signage if parking at curbside meters, as towing is enforced during scheduled maintenance days.