City drivers know that one of the most frustrating parts of any trip isn’t the drive—it’s the parking. Between circling full lots and fumbling with payment machines, you can easily waste 10 to 20 extra minutes every time you park. But with a few smart changes to your routine, you can slash that time in half—and maybe even earn cashback while you’re at it.
Here’s how to start parking faster and smarter today.
- Always Park Near the Exit, Not the Entrance
It might seem counterintuitive, but the fastest drivers know not to grab the first spot near the entrance. Instead, aim for a spot close to the exit. Not only does this save time when you’re leaving, but it can help you avoid pedestrian traffic and bottlenecks near the main doors. Over the course of a week, this simple change could save you 30+ minutes.
- Use Fluz to Stack Cashback with Parking Apps
If you regularly use parking apps like SpotHero or ParkMobile, you could be missing out on cashback opportunities. When you buy parking credits or gift cards through the Fluz app, you can stack those purchases with rewards from the app itself.
Let’s say you’re headed downtown and know you’ll need to park for 4 hours. Before reserving your spot, check if your parking app accepts gift cards. Then, buy that gift card through Fluz and earn instant cashback on the transaction. That’s time and money saved—automatically.
Need a few parking-friendly merchants to add to your routine? Consider grabbing a coffee from Starbucks on your way out or a quick bite at Panera Bread after you park. Both are Fluz merchants and perfect pit stops near most urban lots.
- Compare Multiple Parking Apps Before You Book
Not all parking apps are created equal—and neither are their rates or reservation speeds. Some platforms, like SpotHero and ParkWhiz, specialize in event parking or downtown garages. Others like ParkMobile may give you more flexibility for metered spots.
The trick is to set up your preferred locations ahead of time and check each app with one or two taps. Over time, you’ll spot patterns in pricing and availability that can help you book in seconds rather than minutes.
- Use Pre-Booking Tools Like ParkEase for Seamless Entry
The best way to save time on parking? Don’t leave it up to chance.
ParkEase offers pre-booking and smart navigation features that let you lock in a space before you even leave the house. Their system directs you straight to your reserved spot and often integrates with license plate recognition or app-based gate entry—so there’s no waiting in line or dealing with ticket machines.
If you’re in an area where SwiftPark is available, it’s another reliable option. Their fast-lane setups and well-marked layouts are designed for drivers who want in and out access with minimal hassle.
For drivers in need of additional transportation once they’ve parked, services like Commute Link or CribCab offer reliable taxi alternatives that integrate well with urban travel.
Cutting your parking time in half isn’t just about finding the closest spot—it’s about optimizing every part of the experience. From where you park to how you pay, small changes lead to big time savings.
And if you want to turn every parking moment into a money-saving opportunity, don’t forget to use Fluz before your next booking. The more you park, the more you can earn—without adding a second to your schedule.
