Facility Overview

The Water Street Garage, managed by LAZ Parking, is the premier multi-level covered parking structure serving the heart of historic downtown New London, Connecticut. Situated at 160 Water Street directly adjacent to the city’s bustling intermodal transit hub and waterfront promenade, this garage provides several tiers of weather-protected, structured parking. The facility is engineered to accommodate standard passenger cars, minivans, crossovers, and standard-sized sport utility vehicles and light pickup trucks. Drivers should note the posted garage vertical clearance limit of approximately 6 feet 8 inches (2.03 meters); over-height commercial cargo vans, vehicles with raised roof racks or cargo carriers, and oversized commercial vehicles will exceed the threshold and should seek nearby open-air surface parking alternatives.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Strategically positioned on the Thames River waterfront, the Water Street Garage offers unmatched pedestrian proximity to New London\'s most vital transportation connections, maritime links, and cultural venues:

• New London Union Station: Located directly across the street (a 1-to-2-minute walk), providing immediate connections to Amtrak regional and Acela trains as well as Shore Line East commuter rail services.
• Cross Sound Ferry & Block Island Express: Just a 3-minute walk to the passenger and vehicle ferry terminals heading to Orient Point, Long Island, and seasonal passenger departures to Block Island.
• Garde Arts Center: Located approximately 0.4 miles away (an 8-minute walk up State Street), hosting Broadway touring productions, concerts, comedy shows, and indie cinema.
• Downtown Dining & Nightlife: Direct walking access to State Street and historic Bank Street, known for acclaimed seafood eateries, craft breweries, cozy cafes, and local art galleries.
• New London Waterfront Park & Custom House Maritime Museum: Steps away from public piers, harbor viewing spots, and maritime historical heritage exhibits.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Ingress and egress are straightforward via Water Street and Atlantic Street, providing clean vehicular routing away from local congestion. The garage is exceptionally easy to reach via major highways, positioned minutes off Interstate 95 (Exits 83 and 84) and Route 32, which connects north to Norwich and the Mohegan Sun corridor. Because the garage sits at the nexus of the city\'s multimodal transportation center, drivers can park seamlessly and walk directly to Amtrak, Shore Line East rail, regional SEAT (Southeast Area Transit) buses, and interstate ferry vessels without needing secondary transit or rideshares.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Multi-level, fully covered parking structure shielding vehicles from rain, snow, and coastal weather.
• Designated accessible (ADA compliant) parking spaces conveniently located adjacent to elevator lobbies and stair towers.
• Modern payment options including automated pay-on-foot kiosks accepting major credit and debit cards, contactless payments, and integration with popular mobile parking platforms.
• Well-illuminated interiors, stairwells, and entrance gates providing clear visibility round-the-clock.
• Pedestrian elevators and clearly signed stair towers for effortless vertical transit between deck levels.

Ideal For

• Long Island and Block Island ferry passengers seeking secure multi-day or overnight vehicle parking.
• Rail commuters and business travelers boarding Amtrak or Shore Line East services at New London Station.
• Theatergoers and visitors attending evening performances at the Garde Arts Center.
• Waterfront visitors and diners patronizing downtown New London\'s Bank Street and State Street districts.
• Local downtown business professionals requiring reliable daily or monthly contracted parking.

Visitor & Driver Tips

When traveling via the Cross Sound Ferry or catching high-speed rail during summer weekends and major holidays, arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes ahead of departure to secure a spot, navigate to your preferred level, and stroll to the terminal. Be sure to note your exact parking level and bay letter or number before heading to the terminal. For the fastest egress, pay at the walk-up automated pay stations inside the lobby before returning to your vehicle to expedite your passage through the exit barrier gates.