SDCC 2026 · Parking
Park Smart.
Skip the Chaos.
Official lots, ACE advance reservations, trolley park-and-ride tips, and backup options for getting to the San Diego Convention Center without wasting your morning.
ACE public sale
Jun 22, 10 AM PT
Preview Night
Jul 22, 2026
Main event
Jul 23–26, 2026
Key Date Alert
ACE Public Sale: June 22 at 10 AM Pacific Time
Lottery is closed. Public sale opens June 22 — subject to availability. No specific lot is guaranteed. Set your reminder now before it slips.
Parking at a Glance
Four options — ranked by reliability and proximity.
Official ACE Parking
Closest target lots
ACE advance permits are the main lots most attendees try first. Public sale opens June 22 at 10 AM PT, subject to availability. Buy at space.aceparking.com/events.
Third-Party Reservations
Backup plan
Apps like ParkWhiz may show reservable garages near Gaslamp and the Convention Center. Always double-check the date, time window, address, walking distance, and refund rules.
Park & Ride + Trolley
Skip downtown traffic
Park at an MTS Trolley station outside downtown, then ride toward Gaslamp. Old Town Transit Center is a solid option. Check current MTS Comic-Con service before you leave.
Drive-Up Parking
Last resort
Some lots may offer day-of spaces, but availability is not guaranteed and lots fill fast. Arrive very early and save multiple backup garages before you go.
Target Lots
Availability changes quickly — these are targets, not guarantees.
Lot / Garage
Demand
Convention Center Garage
On-site
Hardest
Hilton Bayfront Garage
Bayfront
Hardest
Padres Parkade
East Village
Strong
Tailgate Park
East Village
Strong
Diamond View Towers
East Village
Strong
MTS / Triangle Lots
Convention area
Backup
Rules to Know Before You Buy
No in-and-out privileges — if you leave the lot, your space can become available to another drive-up customer
No overnight parking — cars left after 2 AM may be towed at the owner's expense
One Comic-Con permit per account per day
Vehicles over 18 feet are not accepted, even with a valid permit
ADA spaces are first-come, first-served
Refunds allowed only until 10 days before Comic-Con (with a $10 fee) — no refunds within 10 days
Advance ACE permits are sold through the online system only — space.aceparking.com/events
Before You Buy Third-Party
Verify the correct SDCC date and entry/exit time window
Confirm the garage address and walking distance to the Convention Center
Check height limits (some garages restrict taller vehicles)
Confirm self-park vs valet, and whether a QR code or app is required
Read the refund and cancellation policy before purchasing
Search ParkWhiz for backup options near Gaslamp, Petco Park, and the Convention Center
Park & Ride + MTS Trolley
Park at an MTS Trolley or Rapid station outside downtown, then ride toward Gaslamp / Convention Center
Old Town Transit Center is a solid example — trolley access + station parking
Park only in painted spaces in paved lots — MTS station parking is generally limited to 24 hours
Vehicles parked longer than 24 hours may be ticketed or towed
No overnight parking for RVs or campers at MTS stations
Check sdmts.com/rider-info/events/comic-con for current Comic-Con transit schedules
FanCon Parking Game Plan
Three phases — before the sale, on the day, and if ACE sells out.
Before June 22
Create an ACE account at space.aceparking.com/events
Decide which SDCC days you need parking
Rank your target lots
Save backup garages
Review ParkWhiz and other third-party options
Set a reminder for June 22 at 10 AM Pacific Time
On June 22
Log in early
Buy your highest-priority days first
Don't spend too long chasing only the Convention Center Garage
If close lots are gone, grab a walkable backup
Confirm date, lot, and permit details before checking out
If ACE Sells Out
Check third-party reservation apps
Consider MTS Park & Ride
Arrive very early for drive-up parking
Save multiple backup garages
Avoid circling downtown without a plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy official SDCC 2026 parking now?
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What is the closest SDCC parking lot?
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Is there in-and-out parking?
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Can I park overnight?
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What if I miss ACE parking?
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Is the trolley a good option for SDCC?
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Can I leave my car at an MTS station all weekend?
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