Choose the Hospital Building First. Then Choose the Parking.
Houston hospital parking can feel complicated because the Texas Medical Center contains many hospitals, towers, garages, valet lanes, and skybridges. Therefore, start with your exact appointment building. After that, compare the garage, rate, entrance, walking route, and accessibility needs.
GARAGE MAX
Quick Answer: Best Houston Hospital Parking Strategy
Start with your appointment building, not the hospital name. One medical system can use several towers and parking facilities. Therefore, a garage that looks close on a map may still create a long indoor walk.
For Houston Methodist, hospital-owned garages currently top out at $15 for 7.5 to 24 hours. In addition, the first 20 minutes are free. As a result, Methodist-owned garages can be useful for short drop-offs as well as longer patient visits.
For MD Anderson, Garage 10 and Garage 2 currently cost up to $19 for 24 hours. Meanwhile, the Mays Clinic Garage currently tops out at $13. Therefore, the correct building can affect both walking distance and price.
Hospital Garage Maximum
Houston Methodist-owned garages currently charge up to $15 for 7.5 to 24 hours.
Garage 10 / Garage 2
These TMC-operated garages currently cost up to $19 for a stay of up to 24 hours.
VA Grounds Parking
Parking is currently free for Veterans, visitors, and staff on VA medical-center grounds.
Houston Hospital Parking Rates for 2026
Houston hospital parking does not use one universal rate table. Instead, hospital-owned garages, TMC facilities, valet services, and public hospitals can all use different prices.
Therefore, use these figures as current planning information. Before parking, confirm the rate shown at the garage or hospital.
| Facility | Current Rate | Useful For | Planning Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston Methodist-owned garages | Free–$15 | Methodist patients and visitors | 0–20 minutes is currently free. |
| TMC Garage 1 / 7 via Methodist | $5–$15 plus tax | Dunn, Main, Walter and nearby towers | Match the garage to your tower. |
| MD Anderson Garage 10 / 2 | $5–$19 | Main Building and Pavilion areas | Both operate 24 hours. |
| MD Anderson Mays Garage | $3–$13 | Mays Clinic and Duncan Building | Use Entrance 5. |
| Memorial Hermann Medical Plaza | Up to $20/day | Medical Plaza and nearby hospital services | Skybridge access is available. |
| Memorial Hermann Sterling / TMC Garage 4 | Up to $19 | Main hospital pavilions | Both connect at the second-floor level. |
| Ben Taub Garage | $5–$30 | Ben Taub patients and visitors | Entrance marker 21 serves the garage. |
| Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center | Free | Veterans, visitors and staff with VA business | Follow VA lot rules and signage. |
Pick Parking by Hospital and Building
The Texas Medical Center covers a large area. Consequently, choosing parking by hospital name alone can place you several blocks from the entrance you actually need.
First, read the appointment letter. Next, find the tower or pavilion. Finally, choose the garage that serves that specific destination.
Houston Methodist
Methodist-owned garages serve the Outpatient Center, Scurlock Tower, and Smith Tower. In addition, TMC Garage 1 and Garage 7 serve other campus areas.
Best first step: confirm the tower.MD Anderson
Garage 10, Garage 2, and the Mays Clinic Garage serve different buildings. Therefore, use the entrance marker from your appointment information.
Best first step: check your building.Memorial Hermann
Medical Plaza Garage, Sterling Garage, and TMC Garage 4 are the main connected options. However, the most convenient choice depends on your pavilion.
Best first step: match the pavilion.Texas Children’s
Garage 1, Garage 2, Garage 16, Garage 21, and Pavilion for Women options serve different buildings.
Best first step: confirm the tower.Ben Taub
The visitor garage is beside the hospital. Therefore, use TMC entrance marker 21 for the parking garage.
Best first step: use marker 21.Houston VA
Parking on VA grounds is free for qualifying visitors and staff. In addition, free parking-area shuttle service is available.
Best first step: follow VA lot signs.Houston Methodist Hospital Parking
Houston Methodist’s Texas Medical Center campus has five self-parking options listed for visitors. Three garages are managed by the hospital, while two are managed by the Texas Medical Center.
Therefore, confirm who operates your chosen garage before assuming the price will be the same.
Methodist-Owned Garage Rates
Houston Methodist currently lists the following rates for its hospital-managed garages: 0–20 minutes free, 21 minutes to 1 hour $7, 1–3 hours $9, 3–7.5 hours $12, and 7.5–24 hours $15.
In addition, the current lost-ticket charge is $25. Therefore, keep your entry ticket safe during the appointment.
TMC Garage 1 and Garage 7
TMC Garage 1 is near Dunn and Main Towers, while Garage 7 serves Walter Tower and nearby Neurosensory/Jones areas.
Their current Methodist-listed TMC pricing ranges from $5 for up to one hour to $15 for 9–24 hours, plus tax. As a result, these garages can have a different rate structure from Methodist-owned facilities.
Houston Methodist Valet
Several valet locations serve the campus. For example, Dunn Tower valet currently operates 24 hours a day.
Current valet pricing is $15 for up to three hours and $20 for three to 24 hours. Therefore, valet can be worth comparing when mobility or time matters more than the lowest parking price.
MD Anderson Parking: Match the Garage to the Building
MD Anderson uses several large buildings within the Texas Medical Center. Therefore, the appointment location should decide which garage you choose.
Garage 10 for the Main Building
Garage 10 operates 24 hours and connects to the Main Building through a skybridge. Current parking costs range from $5 for one hour or less to $19 for up to 24 hours.
In addition, the current lost-ticket charge is $25. Therefore, take your parking ticket with you rather than leaving it in the car.
Garage 2 for the Pavilion Area
Garage 2 is another 24-hour TMC facility. It sits near the Acute Cancer Care Center and serves the Pavilion entrance area.
Current rates also range from $5 to $19. Consequently, the building location rather than the parking price often decides between Garage 2 and Garage 10.
Mays Clinic and Duncan Building Garage
The Mays Clinic Garage serves Mays Clinic and the Duncan Building. Current rates range from $3 for up to one hour to $13 for up to 24 hours.
Therefore, patients visiting Mays should not automatically drive to Garage 10 simply because it is well known.
MD Anderson Valet
Valet is available at several entrances. For example, the Aquarium Entrance currently lists a $20 flat valet fee.
However, hours differ by entrance. For that reason, confirm the valet location before planning an early or late appointment.
Memorial Hermann-TMC Parking
Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center has three garages that connect directly with the hospital campus. Therefore, patients can often choose parking based on their pavilion or clinic.
Memorial Hermann Medical Plaza Garage
The Medical Plaza Garage is at 6400 Fannin Street. It provides skybridge access to the hospital and currently lists a maximum self-parking fee of $20 per day.
In addition, the patient guide lists a $10 evening rate from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. and a $10 weekend rate during the published weekend period.
Sterling Garage
Sterling Garage is at 1400 Ross Sterling Avenue. It connects to the hospital on the second floor.
The current patient guide lists a maximum self-parking fee of $19. Therefore, this garage can be useful for Jones, Sarofim, Robertson, and Children’s Memorial Hermann destinations.
TMC Garage 4
Garage 4 is at 1406 Cambridge Street and also connects at the second floor level. Current patient information lists a maximum fee of $19.
As a result, Garage 4 and Sterling Garage can both be practical choices for several main-hospital destinations.
Memorial Hermann Valet
The hospital’s main valet is on Fannin Street. Current hospital information lists a $17 flat daily valet rate.
Therefore, valet may be useful when a patient has limited mobility, a surgical appointment, or a difficult walking route.
Texas Children’s Hospital Parking
Texas Children’s serves several buildings in the Medical Center. Therefore, the best parking garage depends on the tower or clinic listed on your appointment.
Main Texas Children’s Garage Options
Current hospital guidance lists Garage 1 at 6519 Fannin Street, Garage 2 at 1151 E. Holcombe Boulevard, Garage 16 at 6701 Fannin Street, and Garage 21 at 6652 Main Street.
In addition, Pavilion for Women has its own parking access. Consequently, families should confirm the destination before driving into the campus.
Valet Parking
Several valet locations are available. For example, West Tower, Pavilion for Women, and Legacy Tower currently list 24-hour valet service.
Other valet points use shorter weekday hours. Therefore, check the hospital’s current page before relying on valet for an early-morning or evening appointment.
Off-Site Parking and Transit
Texas Children’s also points visitors toward the METRO Fannin South Transit Center as an off-site transportation option.
In addition, a complimentary Texas Medical Center shuttle operates within the Medical Center campus. As a result, some visitors can avoid driving directly into the busiest garage areas.
Ben Taub Hospital Parking
Ben Taub Hospital has a visitor parking garage next to the hospital. Therefore, the parking process is simpler than some multi-building hospital campuses.
Use TMC Entrance Marker 21
The garage entrance uses Texas Medical Center entrance marker 21. Meanwhile, marker 22 serves emergency patient and family drop-off.
Consequently, entering the correct driveway can prevent an unnecessary loop around the hospital.
Current Ben Taub Parking Rates
Current rates are $5 for up to one hour, $8 for one to two hours, $10 for two to four hours, $15 for four to six hours, and $30 for six to 24 hours.
Cash and credit cards are accepted. In addition, the current lost-ticket fee is $20.
Houston VA Hospital Parking
The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center is one of the few major Medical Center facilities where parking is currently free.
Specifically, the VA says parking is free for Veterans, visitors, and staff with VA business. Therefore, do not assume you need a paid TMC garage when your destination is the VA campus.
Visitor Parking Lots
The VA currently lists Lots I, J, N, R1, R2, and O for Veterans, visitors, and others with VA business.
However, parking areas can change because of construction or operations. Therefore, follow current on-site signs when you arrive.
Free Valet for Veterans With Appointments
Valet parking is currently free for Veterans with appointments at the main entrance. The listed weekday hours are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., excluding federal holidays.
Free Parking-Area Shuttle
A free shuttle operates between parking areas and the medical center. Current service runs Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Therefore, a more distant VA lot may still work well for a patient who prefers to avoid a long walk.
Accessible Hospital Parking in Houston
Accessible hospital parking requires more planning than simply finding the nearest garage. For example, a garage can look close on a map but still require a long indoor route.
TMC Garage Accessible Spaces
Texas Medical Center says its garages provide spaces for people with disabilities. In addition, these wider spaces are generally located near garage elevators.
Hospital-Specific Accessibility
Memorial Hermann also confirms accessible parking in TMC garages. Meanwhile, the Houston VA provides clearly marked handicap spaces for qualifying plates and placards.
Ask About the Best Patient Entrance
Before leaving home, call the clinic when mobility is a concern. For example, ask which entrance works best for a wheelchair, walker, stroller, oxygen equipment, or post-surgery patient.
Therefore, accessibility should influence the garage choice before parking price does.
TMC Value Passes for Repeated Hospital Visits
A patient who visits the Texas Medical Center repeatedly may benefit from a prepaid Value Pass. Therefore, compare a pass with paying the standard daily rate on every visit.
Current TMC Value Pass Options
TMC currently lists a $52 prepaid pass loaded with $60 in parking value. In addition, a $100 pass is loaded with $115 in value.
Unlimited In-and-Out Privileges
Value Passes include unlimited in-and-out privileges at eligible facilities. As a result, they can be useful for families who need to leave the Medical Center and return later.
Check Which Garage Accepts the Pass
Not every parking facility uses the same pass. Therefore, confirm that your normal garage accepts the TMC or Texas Children’s Value Pass before buying it.
Build a Low-Stress Hospital Parking Plan
Hospital visits often take longer than expected. Therefore, add time for check-in, elevators, security, labs, imaging, pharmacy stops, and discharge instructions.
1. Confirm the Exact Building
First, check the clinic, tower, floor, and entrance on your appointment information.
2. Match the Parking Facility
Next, choose the garage or valet location that serves that building. Therefore, avoid picking parking only by price.
3. Add a Delay Buffer
Labs, imaging, elevators, and waiting rooms can add time. Consequently, choose a parking plan that can handle delays.
4. Save the Return Route
After parking, photograph the garage name, level, row, ticket, and nearby elevator.
5. Keep Your Parking Ticket
Finally, take the ticket with you when the garage uses a pay station. In addition, save the receipt after payment.
Hospital Parking Payment Tips
Payment problems often happen when a visitor is already tired or rushing to leave. Therefore, understand the garage process before walking into the hospital.
Keep the Entry Ticket With You
Many garages use pay stations inside hospital or garage lobbies. Consequently, leaving the ticket in the vehicle can create an extra walk before you can pay.
Keep a Receipt
After payment, request or save the receipt. For example, it may help if a gate does not recognize a paid ticket.
Do Not Assume Every Garage Takes Cash
Payment systems vary by operator. Therefore, carry a credit or debit card even when another garage accepted cash on a previous visit.
Exit Soon After Paying
Some TMC facilities allow only a short period to exit after payment. As a result, pay when you are ready to return to the vehicle rather than long before you leave.
When Hospital Valet Parking Can Be Worth It
Valet parking costs more than some self-parking options. However, price is only one part of a hospital visit.
Useful for Mobility Needs
A patient using a walker or wheelchair may benefit from a shorter entrance route. Therefore, valet can reduce both walking distance and wayfinding stress.
Useful for Surgery and Treatment Days
Surgery, cancer treatment, and long appointments can leave patients tired. In addition, a family member may need to stay close to the patient rather than search for the car.
Check Valet Hours First
Valet locations often use different schedules. Consequently, confirm that the desk will still be open when you expect to leave.
METRORail, Shuttles, and Alternatives to Parking
Driving is not the only way to reach the Texas Medical Center. In fact, rail and shuttle options can be useful when parking cost or garage traffic is a concern.
METRORail
METRORail serves the Texas Medical Center area. Therefore, visitors who can use park-and-ride or transit may avoid the busiest hospital garages.
Texas Medical Center Shuttles
TMC also provides campus transportation options. In addition, some hospitals operate their own patient shuttles between buildings.
MD Anderson Shuttles
MD Anderson ground shuttles can move patients between several campus destinations. As a result, one parked car may still work when a patient has appointments in more than one building.
Texas Children’s and Fannin South
Texas Children’s points visitors toward the Fannin South Transit Center as an off-site option. Therefore, families who prefer not to drive deep into the Medical Center can compare that route.
Emergency Department Parking Needs a Different Plan
An emergency visit should not be planned like a normal clinic appointment. Therefore, follow the hospital’s emergency entrance and drop-off signs first.
Do Not Search for the Cheapest Garage During an Emergency
When urgent care is needed, use the correct emergency entrance. Afterward, another family member can handle longer-term parking if necessary.
Ben Taub Emergency Access
Ben Taub uses TMC entrance marker 22 for emergency patient and family drop-off. Meanwhile, entrance marker 21 serves the parking garage.
Memorial Hermann Emergency Valet
Memorial Hermann’s patient guide lists a 24-hour ER valet at 1290 Cambridge Street. Therefore, that option can be useful when emergency drop-off and parking need to happen together.
Houston Hospital Parking Checklist
Before You Leave Home
After You Park
Houston Texas Medical Center Parking Map
Use the map below to understand the Medical Center area. However, a general TMC map does not replace the exact garage address for your appointment.
Therefore, save the specific parking facility after you confirm your hospital building.
Houston, Texas 77030 Open Google Maps
Official Houston Hospital Parking Resources
This guide helps you compare the main parking choices. However, rates, valet hours, entrances, and construction routes can change.
Therefore, use the relevant official source for the final check before travel.
Texas Medical Center Parking
Houston Methodist Parking
MD Anderson Parking
Memorial Hermann Parking
Texas Children’s Parking
Ben Taub and Houston VA
Houston Hospital Parking FAQs
The questions below are grouped by topic. As a result, each FAQ section stays shorter and easier to scan.