Overview & Suitability
The Whitaker Street Parking Garage (commonly known as the Ellis Square Parking Garage) is a premier subterranean parking facility located directly beneath the beautifully restored, historic Ellis Square in downtown Savannah, Georgia. Offering 1,062 total parking spaces, this modern and highly convenient public garage is managed by the City of Savannah's Mobility & Parking Services. It is ideally suited for standard passenger cars, SUVs, and minivans, providing immediate access to the heart of the city's shopping, dining, and historic districts.
Access, Dimensions & Clearance
As a completely subterranean structure, the garage is accessed via entrances on Whitaker Street and West Bay Lane. Drivers should note a maximum vehicle clearance height of approximately 7 feet 6 inches. While some larger vans and standard pickup trucks can comfortably navigate the levels, there is extremely limited space for oversized vehicles, making it unsuitable for RVs, motorhomes, or dually trucks. The ramps are wide and well-marked, but cautious driving is advised during peak hours when pedestrian traffic above and vehicle turnover below are high.
Parking Rates, Tariffs & Booking
The Whitaker Street Garage operates on a transparent and affordable pay-on-arrival structure. Standard weekday rates (Monday through Friday, 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM) are $2.00 per hour with a daily maximum of $16.00. Over weekends (Saturday and Sunday), a flat rate of $10.00 per day is typically charged, though seasonal flat rates may vary between $5.00 and $10.00 depending on peak season. During major holidays or special local events, a flat event rate of $25.00 per day usually applies. Payment can be made at automated kiosks or with the cashier upon exit using cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express.
Security & Amenities
Safety is a priority at this facility, which features 24/7 staffing, active security cameras (CCTV) throughout all levels, and dedicated patrols by the Savannah Police Department. Lighting is exceptionally bright for an underground space. For environmentally conscious travelers, the P2 level features two Level 2 Eaton electric vehicle (EV) charging stations with four reserved spaces; charging is completely free, though standard parking tariffs still apply. Public restrooms, a visitor information center, and interactive fountains are accessible on the ground level in Ellis Square directly above.
Strategic Alternative
Serving as the official self-parking partner for the nearby Hyatt Regency Savannah and Andaz Savannah, this garage is a fantastic alternative to expensive hotel valet fees. It also serves as the perfect launchpad for exploring the western end of City Market, River Street, and Broughton Street. Visitors can easily park here and board the nearby fare-free DOT Express Shuttle or take a short walk to the Savannah River Ferry to navigate the rest of the Historic District without hassle.
