Google Maps will make it easier for users to find parking spots

Google Maps partners with SpotHero to simplify parking by allowing users to reserve spots in advance across North America.

In Short

• Google Maps is rolling out a new feature that will make finding parking spots
• This comes after Google partnered with SpotHero, a leading parking reservation platform
• SpotHero's integration with Google Maps first launched in April 2024 and has since been expanded to cover more locations

Google Maps is rolling out a new feature that will make finding parking spots much easier for drivers across North America. This comes after Google partnered with SpotHero, a leading parking reservation platform, to integrate SpotHero's parking solutions directly into Google Maps and Google Search.

With this new feature, users will be able to search for parking options near their destination and reserve a spot in advance. When searching for a location on Google Maps or Google Search, drivers will see a "Book Online" button next to parking options. This button will take them to SpotHero’s website, where they can complete their parking reservation securely. The feature allows users to filter parking spaces by date, time, and additional services such as electric vehicle (EV) charging, wheelchair accessibility, and valet services.

SpotHero's integration with Google Maps first launched in April 2024 and has since been expanded to cover more locations and event venues across the United States and Canada. The company, which has been operating since 2011, already works with over 8,000 parking facilities in 300 cities and has built partnerships with major sports venues and entertainment locations like Madison Square Garden and the Chicago Cubs.

Mark Lawrence, CEO and Founder of SpotHero, emphasised the benefits of this integration. “By tapping into Google Maps’ extensive user base consisting of millions of daily users, we can effectively support more drivers in North American cities seeking digital parking solutions with easy, affordable spots that fit their specific needs,” he said.

The new feature aims to make parking less stressful by helping users secure parking spots in advance, avoiding the hassle of searching for a space at the last minute. Additionally, parking operators partnering with SpotHero can manage their parking spaces more efficiently through data-driven insights provided by SpotHero’s machine learning-powered platform, SpotHero IQ.

SpotHero has been at the forefront of digital parking solutions and continues to expand its reach. The app has been downloaded by millions of users, making it the most popular parking reservation app in North America. Now, by teaming up with Google, SpotHero will provide even more drivers with seamless access to parking reservations, making city driving a little easier for everyone.The new Google Maps feature is expected to be fully available later this year as it continues to roll out to more destinations.