Find Out Where to Park at Saratoga Race Course
2026 Horse Racing Season Parking Details
Driving to (or even just past) the track near post time can get a little chaotic. To help you beat the gridlock, we've put together a breakdown of the best tips, tricks, and options for finding parking at Saratoga Race Course this season.
Important 2026 Track Rule: All official NYRA parking lots are completely cashless. Be sure to have a credit card, debit card, or mobile payment option (like Apple Pay) ready when you arrive.
Where To Park At Saratoga Race Course
Free General Parking (Oklahoma Lot)
The Oklahoma Training Track lot is completely free every live racing day. To access it, turn off Union Avenue onto Potato Chip Lane. Follow the lane down, and you will see the open parking areas and a large grassy field where attendants will direct you into the correct rows.
- The Walk: Because this lot is a bit of a distance from the track, NYRA provides a complimentary shuttle service that runs continuously to and from the Union Avenue drop-off point, right across the street from Gates A and B.
Preferred Parking: East, Madison, and Rec Hall Lots
If you want to guarantee a spot close to the action, NYRA offers three premium Preferred Parking lots that allow for pre-paid online reservations:
- The East Lot: Located at the corner of Union and East Avenues, directly across from the track's main entrance.
- The Madison Lot: Situated further north at the western end of the Oklahoma Training Track.
- The Rec Hall Lot: Located in the northeast area of the race course grounds.
Note: The Madison and Rec Hall lots require a noticeably longer walk to the gates than the East Lot. Once you cross Union Avenue from any of these lots, you will have immediate access to Gate A (Grandstand) and Gate B (Clubhouse).
Silver Trackside Parking
This is the premier priority parking area at the track. Because these lots are located on the exact same side of Union Avenue as the race course, you won't have to cross any busy streets. The walk to the entrances is incredibly short.
This lot is closest to Gate B, though Gates A, C (General Gate), and D (Clubhouse Gate) are just a short distance away. Pre-paid reservations are highly recommended for Trackside spots.
Visit NYRA's website for more parking information >>
Neighborhood Lawn Parking
A staple of the Saratoga experience! Many local residents on surrounding streets (like Union, Nelson, and East Avenues) open up their yards and private lots for a fee. These spots are often highly convenient and can make it much faster to exit the area after the final race ends. Tip: Bring cash if you choose this option, as independent homeowners rarely accept digital payments.
Valet & 1863 Club Parking
For premium access or those attending track events in style, limited daily valet service and designated 1863 Club parking are available. These areas are accessible exclusively by entering through the Nelson Avenue Gate.
Accessible / Handicapped Parking
All official NYRA lots (General/Oklahoma, Preferred, and Trackside) have designated accessible parking available for guests with disabilities. These spaces are strictly reserved for vehicles displaying a valid, state-issued disability placard or license plate.
Key Tips & Tricks for Parking at the Track
1. Know your options
You can park at the track in one of several official lots, or you can opt for one of the many private yards and lawns open for a fee during racing season. Keep in mind that proximity is everything: the closer you get to the track gates, the more you are going to pay.
2. The early bird gets the parking spot
The earlier you get to the track area, the better your parking experience will be. Arriving early gives you the best pick of the free spaces in the Oklahoma lot and helps you avoid the bumper-to-bumper gridlock on Union Avenue as post time approaches.
3. If you see something, say something
Parking is at an absolute premium, especially on popular giveaway days or major stakes weekends. This is not the time to hunt around in hopes of finding a slightly better spot. If you spot an available space, tell the driver and take it immediately.
4. Keep an eye out for pedestrians
During racing season, the streets surrounding the track are filled with thousands of visitors, including small children. Be vigilant as a driver. Don't get so distracted hunting for a parking space that you miss a child chasing a runaway ball or an adult walking with their nose buried in their phone.
5. Skip the car wash
Most of the parking options around the track—including the free general lot and neighborhood lawns—are on dirt, grass, or gravel. Save your money and skip the car wash until after your trip to the track.
6. Take the CDTA Trolley or park downtown
The race course is a little over a mile from Broadway, making downtown a great alternative. You can park in the city and take the convenient CDTA Trolley straight to the gates.
Keep in mind that Saratoga Springs utilizes a seasonal paid parking system in city-owned garages and surface lots during the summer meet, though on-street parking remains free.
7. Take advantage of ridesharing and taxis
If you want to skip the hassle of parking, utilizing a professional ride or car service is highly convenient. Options like Uber and Lyft are popular, but if you want to avoid surge pricing and cellular delays after the final race, you can schedule a pickup with a local taxi service.
Because you cannot simply hail a cab on the street in Saratoga, you will need to call and book your ride well in advance. Keep in mind that whether you use an app or a traditional car service, all drivers are required to use the designated drop-off and pick-up zone on East Avenue.
Visit NYRA's website to learn more »
