Last updated October 14, 2026 · By Magnolia Megan
Don't pay for parking at the NC State Fair before reading this. Official fair parking is free, there are two free park and ride lots with shuttles, and you can even take the train right to the gate. Here is every option for 2026.
Quick answer
- Free: parking on State Fair, Carter Finley Stadium, and Lenovo Center property.
- Exception: Lenovo Center parking is reserved and paid on Wednesday, Oct. 21.
- Park and ride: two free lots with free shuttles to Gate 7 and Gate 8.
- Train: NC By Train stops right outside Gate 1 (station code NSF).
- Fairgrounds address: 4285 Trinity Road, Raleigh, NC 27607.
Free parking at the fairgrounds
The fair offers free parking on State Fair, Carter Finley Football Stadium, and Lenovo Center property. The one exception in 2026 is Wednesday, Oct. 21, when Lenovo Center parking is reserved and paid. These lots fill up fastest on weekends and in the evenings, so arrive early if you want to park close.
Free park and ride locations
| Lot | Address | Shuttle drops you at |
|---|---|---|
| Bandwidth (Dogwood) Lot | 4501 Reedy Creek Road, Raleigh 27607. Enter off Reedy Creek Road near Edwards Mill Road. | Gate 8, across Trinity Road on the Carter Finley side |
| Cardinal Lot (NC 54) | 5766 Chapel Hill Road, Raleigh 27607, just past I 40 Exit 290 | Gate 7, off Youth Center Drive |
Both lots and their shuttles are free, and the shuttles run continuously. The fair had not posted 2026 shuttle hours when we checked. In past years they ran from the time the fair opened until one hour after the gates closed, so check the official Getting Here and Parking page before you go.
Accessible parking
More than 100 accessible spaces are in the paved lot at Blue Ridge Road and Trinity Road near Gate 10. You need a valid permit, and overflow goes to Carter Finley Stadium. On Senior Citizens' Day (Oct. 20), there is also accessible parking outside Gate 10. The fair's accessibility guide has more details for visitors with disabilities.
Yard parking in the neighborhoods
During the fair, neighbors around the fairgrounds turn their yards into small parking lots. These are not run or controlled by the fair, and they usually charge. They can be convenient, but you do not need them to park free.
Take the bus
- GoRaleigh from Dorothea Dix Park: shuttles run from Dix Park (Hunt Drive, Lot A) to Gate 1 every 30 minutes, 8:30 a.m. to closing. Round trip is $5, one way is $4. Seniors 65 and up and riders with disabilities pay half fare, and kids under 40 inches ride free.
- GoDurham: a free express bus runs hourly from Durham Station (515 W. Pettigrew St.) to Gate 1, from 8 a.m. to closing. Seating is limited.
Take the train to the fair
Yes, you can take a train right to the NC State Fair. NC By Train makes special stops at the fairgrounds, right outside Gate 1, from Oct. 15 to 25.
- Opening day, Oct. 15: three stops.
- Oct. 16 to 25: five stops a day, with arrivals around 10:06 a.m. and 1:47 p.m. heading east and 1:03 p.m., 3:43 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. heading west. Times can change.
- When you book, choose station code NSF for the fair stop, and make sure your return leaves from NSF, not Raleigh Union Station.
- Be at the Amtrak hospitality tent at least 20 minutes before your train, and get a hand stamp so you can get back in. Tickets are only good for the train on your reservation.
The Piedmont trains serve cities between Charlotte and Raleigh. Check stops and fares on NC By Train.
Tips for arriving and leaving
- Go early on weekdays. Gates open at 9 a.m. most days (noon on opening day), and weekday mornings are the calmest.
- Remember the 9:45 p.m. cutoff. You must be inside the gates by 9:45 p.m., and there is no reentry after that.
- Save your spot. Drop a pin where you parked and note your gate number. The fairgrounds are big.
- Families: strollers and small wagons are allowed, and rentals are available near Gates 1, 7, 8, 9, and 10.
Now that you know how to get there, see our 2026 NC State Fair guide for tickets and hours, or our money saving guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is parking free at the 2026 NC State Fair?
Yes. Parking on State Fair, Carter Finley Stadium, and Lenovo Center property is free. The exception is Wednesday, Oct. 21, when Lenovo Center parking is reserved and paid.
Where is free parking for the NC State Fair?
In the official fair lots and at two free park and ride lots: the Bandwidth (Dogwood) Lot at 4501 Reedy Creek Road and the Cardinal Lot at 5766 Chapel Hill Road, with free shuttles to Gates 8 and 7.
Can you take the train to the NC State Fair?
Yes. NC By Train stops right outside Gate 1 from Oct. 15 to 25. Book to station code NSF.
Is there a bus to the NC State Fair?
Yes. GoRaleigh runs a shuttle from Dorothea Dix Park to Gate 1 ($5 round trip), and GoDurham runs a free hourly express bus from Durham Station.
Where is accessible parking at the NC State Fair?
Near Gate 10 at Blue Ridge Road and Trinity Road, with more than 100 accessible spaces. A valid permit is required.
What is the NC State Fair address?
4285 Trinity Road, Raleigh, NC 27607.
Our 2026 NC State Fair series
