Ground vs. Underground Parking in Germany

Ground parking

Benefits of ground parking

• Ground parking is generally less expensive due to lower construction costs and maintenance fees compared to underground and above-ground parking garages.
• Ground parking spaces are easily accessible, eliminating the need to navigate complex multi-level structures or to deal with steep inclines, narrow ramps, and confusing layouts.
• Unlike in places with an automated parking system, there usually are shorter waiting times when looking for a free spot since there isn't a queue system.
• Ideally, you can choose where to park on-site based on personal preference and convenience (e.g. closer to the shop/restaurant entrance), rather than being assigned a specific spot by a computerized system.
• Ground-level parking spots are typically larger and easier to maneuver than compact spaces in multi-story car parks.
• Ground parking facilities generally offer multiple entrances and exits, allowing you to enter and exit quickly without waiting for others to leave first.
• Ground parking takes up less land area per parking spot, potentially leaving more room for green spaces and other amenities. On top of that, there's also a tendency across German cities to incentivize the purchase of smaller vehicles by keeping on-street parking spots narrow and compact.

Downsides of ground parking

• Vehicles parked in open spaces are exposed to damage, vandalism, break-ins, and theft.
• Vehicles parked outside are also exposed to the elements: rain, snow, hail, and extreme temperatures (both high and low). As a result, weather-related damage is a real risk, and getting in and out of your vehicle can become a pretty unpleasant affair.
• Ground parking lots can fill up quickly during peak hours or in busy areas, potentially making it difficult to find a suitable parking spot close to your chosen destination.
• Unlike some indoor parking facilities that may offer amenities like restrooms, elevators, or charging stations, outdoor parking lots often lack these conveniences. Nonetheless, there's definitely progress as far as on-street charging goes.
• The condition of ground parking surfaces can deteriorate over time due to frequent traffic and exposure to the elements. This can result in potholes, uneven surfaces, and an accumulation of debris that may impact driver comfort and, in the worst case, cause vehicle damage. Don't we all “love” potholes?
• While natural lighting during the day is an undeniable perk of ground parking, insufficient lighting at night may be a safety concern for people (especially women and older people) walking to and from their vehicles in dimly lit areas.
• Ground parking contributes to urban sprawl by occupying valuable land that could be used for green spaces or other community amenities. Last but not least, open parking lots can significantly contribute to heat island effects in urban areas.

Ground parking best practices

Underground parking

Benefits of underground parking

• Underground parking offers convenient access to parking spaces without requiring lengthy searches or navigating congested city streets.
• Underground parking facilities often feature advanced security features like surveillance cameras, access control systems, and on-site personnel, ensuring the safety and security of parked vehicles.
• Vehicles parked underground are also shielded from the elements, such as rain, snow, hail, and sun exposure.
• Underground parking is often located near transportation hubs like train and subway stations, providing convenient parking options for public transit commuters.
  For more info on this, check out Park and Ride (P+R) guide.
• Underground parking facilities can be designed to accommodate a wide range of vehicle sizes and types, including cars, motorcycles, bicycles, electric vehicles, and RVs.
• Underground parking maximizes land use efficiency by utilizing the space beneath the ground. This is particularly relevant in densely populated urban areas where surface-level and above-ground space is limited — and expensive.
• By minimizing the need for sprawling surface parking lots, underground parking helps preserve green spaces, thus contributing to a more sustainable and cooler urban environment. Literally cooler.

Downsides of underground parking

• Underground parking facilities are susceptible to flooding, especially in areas with high water tables or inadequate drainage systems, posing risks to vehicles and infrastructure alike.
• Underground parking structures can be complex labyrinths, and it's often challenging to navigate these parking spaces — especially large parking facilities across multiple levels.
• Underground parking may not be accessible to all drivers, particularly those with mobility impairments. Equally, oversized vehicles may not be able to navigate narrow ramps or low-clearance entrances.
• Underground parking spaces can be prone to carbon monoxide buildup from vehicle emissions, posing health risks to drivers and requiring adequate ventilation systems to regulate air quality.
• Maintaining underground parking facilities requires ongoing servicing, including lighting, ventilation, cleaning, and structural maintenance, which can be costly and time-consuming.
• Despite numerous safety and security measures, underground parking facilities may still be vulnerable to theft, vandalism, and unauthorized access, especially during off-peak hours or in poorly lit areas.

Comparing underground parking space providers

Company	Logo
APCOA stands out for its strong presence across Europe, including a significant foothold in Germany. Using their mobile app Connect (iOS, Android) is easy, allowing you to quickly find nearby parking, check availability, make reservations, and pay — all from your smartphone. With digital payment solutions, you can conveniently pay digitally without needing cash transactions. The APCOA app also offers real-time updates on parking availability, allowing you to efficiently plan your parking and avoid unnecessary stress.
Q-Park, another major player in the parking management market, focuses on quality and customer satisfaction, providing fast support and assistance to drivers when needed. Q-Park facilities are designed to be accessible to all drivers, including people with disabilities, and have available parking spaces and amenities. The Q-Park app (iOS, Android) includes navigation features that help drivers find reserved parking spots within a facility, reducing the time spent searching for a space. It also offers drivers the convenience of pre-reserving parking spaces and making digital payments through the website.
Contipark, a subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn, uses its expertise to offer comprehensive parking services tailored to the needs of urban commuters and travelers. Contipark car parks are strategically located near transport hubs and city centers, offering a range of parking solutions including short-term, long-term, and event parking options. Additional services such as electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, bicycle parking, and car washes are also available at selected locations, enhancing the overall driver experience. Unlike other providers, Contipark does not have a mobile app, only a website.
ParkOne, although perhaps not as widely known as its competitors, is still a significant player in the German parking sector. Focusing on technology, ParkOne offers drivers intuitive mobile apps and digital payment solutions for seamless parking transactions — and a better overall parking experience. Additionally, there are loyalty programs and reward schemes for frequent parkers, encouraging repeat use of ParkOne's facilities and services. User-friendly interfaces and streamlined processes make parking fast and convenient for drivers, reducing hassle and stress.

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