Find Parking at the Saratoga Race Course
Editor's Note (12/3/2024): The following details are from the 2024 season. Stay tuned for 2025 updates!
Driving to (or even just past) the track nearing post time can get a little chaotic, so we've put together some tips and tricks for finding the best (and least expensive) parking at the Saratoga Race Course.
Where To Park At Saratoga Race Course
General Parking: Free
General parking lots are free every racing day. You can expect a long walk to the track and difficulty finding spots on popular race days. Gate A is the closest gate to the General Parking area and provides access to the Grandstand.
Oklahoma Parking: Preferred East, Madison, and the Rec Hall
There are three preferred parking lots track visitors can take advantage of.
The East lot is located just across from the track's main entrance at the corner of Union and East Avenues. The Madison lot is further north at the western end of the Oklahoma Training Track. The Rec Hall lot is located in the northeast area of the Race Course near the General Parking area. Both the Madison and Rec Hall lots require a more significant walk to the track's gates than the East lot.
Once visitors who park in any of the three preferred lots cross over Union Avenue, they'll have easy access to Gates A (located closer to the Grandstand) and B (located closer to the Clubhouse).
Trackside Parking
This priority parking area is available on the same side of Union Avenue as the Race Course, so crossing the street is not necessary. The walk to the gate is also much shorter than it is from the General Parking and Preferred Parking lots. The Trackside Parking lot is closest to Gate B, but Gates A, C (General Gate), and D (Clubhouse Gate) are just a short distance away.
Lawn Parking: Various lawns and lots on surrounding streets
Many residents offer lawn parking for a fee. These spots are sometimes your best bet and can make it easier to get out after racing ends.
Handicapped Parking: All NYRA lots (General, Oklahoma, and Trackside)
All NYRA lots at the track have accessible parking available for guests with disabilities. These spaces are designated for vehicles displaying a current state-issued disability placard or license plate.
Valet Parking
There is limited daily valet service available.
1863 Club Parking
There is limited 1863 Club parking available by the 1863 Club. Enter via the Nelson Avenue gate. See map >>
Tips & Tricks for Parking at the Track
1. Know your options
You can park at the track in one of several different lots, or plenty of people open up their yards or parking lots for a fee during track season. The closer you get to the track, the more you're going to pay.
2. The early bird gets the parking spot
The earlier you get to the track, the better your parking experience will be.
3. If you see something, say something
Parking is at a premium, especially on popular race days. This is not a time to hunt around for a better parking spot. If you see an available spot, say something to the driver and take it!
4. Keep an eye out for pedestrians
We're all guilty of being a clueless pedestrian every once in a while. During racing season, you will see lots of people (and small children!) walking around near the track. Be vigilant not just about looking for parking spaces, but also about keeping an eye out for little ones chasing a ball, or older ones with their noses in their phones.
5. Skip the car wash
Most of the parking is on dirt, grass, or gravel, so you don't have to bother washing your car before you head out to the track.
6. Take the CDTA Trolley or park downtown and walk
The track isn't that far from Broadway (a little over a mile), and parking downtown and taking the trolley or walking to the race course is convenient. Not only do you not have to worry about the traffic by the track, but you don't have to hunt for a spot downtown after the races are over for the day.
7. Take advantage of ride sharing
Ride sharing options like Uber and Lyft have a designated drop off/pick up spot just across Union Avenue from the Race Course. Skip the hassle of parking altogether when you opt for ride sharing.
