HOUSTON – A trip to one of Houston’s most recognizable shopping destinations is about to come with an additional cost.
Beginning Nov. 2, The Galleria will begin charging visitors to park in its garages, ending the longstanding practice of offering complimentary self-parking to shoppers.
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The change comes as the shopping center prepares to introduce what its operator, Simon Property Group, describes as a “modern parking system” intended to make parking more convenient to visitors.
The new fees will affect a shopping destination that attracts both Houston-area residents and tourists, with hundreds of stores, restaurants and entertainment options.
How much will parking cost at The Galleria?
According to Simon, visitors will pay the following rates:
- Up to four hours: $2
- Four to seven hours: $5
- Up to 24 hours: $25
For shoppers making a quick trip, the new system means paying at least $2 to use the mall’s parking garages.
Those planning to spend more time at the shopping center, whether dining, shopping or enjoying attractions such as the indoor ice-skating rink, could face higher fees depending on the length of their visit.
The Galleria has not specified whether there will be a grace period for drivers who enter and leave a garage without parking or how visitors will pay the new fees.
Which parking garages will be affected?
The Galleria currently advertises free self-parking in several garages throughout the property, including its Yellow, Brown, Green, Orange and Red garages.
The shopping center also offers paid express parking in select surface lots along Westheimer Road and on Level 3 of the Yellow Garage. Valet parking is available at several locations.
According to the mall’s website, The Galleria has approximately 13,000 parking spaces across seven garages.
Will shoppers still have options for free parking?
Some shoppers may still be able to avoid paying parking fees.
Simon said individual retailers may offer parking validation at their discretion, potentially allowing customers to have their parking costs covered.
However, the company has not announced which stores will participate or whether customers will need to make a purchase to qualify.
Employees will continue to park for free in designated areas, according to the company.
Why is The Galleria charging for parking?
Simon has not provided a detailed explanation for the decision beyond describing the new system as an effort to provide more convenient parking.
In a statement to KPRC 2, a Simon spokesperson said:
“Beginning November 2, The Galleria will introduce a modern parking system designed to provide convenient parking for guests visiting to shop, dine, and enjoy the center. A flat parking rate will apply in The Galleria garages: $2 for up to four hours, $5 for four to seven hours, and $25 for up to 24 hours. Select retailers may offer parking validation at their discretion, and employees will continue to park free in designated areas.”
Simon spokesperson
The company has not disclosed how much revenue it expects to generate from the new parking fees or how that money will be used.
The Galleria is one of the largest shopping centers in Texas. According to Simon, the property spans approximately 2.4 million square feet and features about 400 stores and restaurants, two hotels and three office towers.
Its attractions include an indoor ice-skating rink, dozens of dining options and major department stores, making the center a destination for visitors beyond traditional retail shopping.
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