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Sixt Magazine / Guides & Tips / Your Guide to Parking in Kansas City, From Garages to Free Lots

Your Guide to Parking in Kansas City, From Garages to Free Lots

Known for its legendary barbecue and thriving jazz scene, Kansas City is a great destination for a road trip. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or longer, renting a car in Kansas City gives you the freedom to explore the city and beyond. You can pick up your ride as soon as you land at Kansas City Airport and hit the road. Recognized as one of the US cities with the best drivers, Kansas City offers an easy driving experience for visitors. This guide to parking in Kansas City offers helpful tips for navigating local roads and finding parking.  

General Tips for Parking in Kansas City

Kansas City streetcar on Main Street with no-parking signs and downtown buildings in the background.
Keep parking rules in mind near Kansas City’s streetcar tracks and use the Park KC app for easy payments.

Here are some handy tips for parking in KC.

  • City parking apps: Kansas City parking is managed through the Park KC app for city garages and on-street meters, and you can also pay using the ParkMobile and PayByPhone apps.  
  • Strict line rules: If you park on the street along the streetcar tracks, your car must sit entirely inside the painted white lines.  
  • Overnight parking: Free overnight parking is generally allowed until meter enforcement resumes the next morning.  

Where Can I Find Parking Garages and Lots in Kansas City?

Ornate blue Plaza Parking sign with wrought iron details on a brick wall in Kansas City.
Find convenient parking garages and lots across Kansas City’s key neighborhoods, from Downtown to the Crossroads Arts District.

You can access parking in Kansas City at garages and lots in the following areas.

Downtown

  • KC Live Garage: Charges $7 per hour on weekdays and $9 per hour on weekends, with daily maximums of $42 and $45, respectively. 
  • H&R Block Garage: Charges $4 per hour up to a daily maximum of $25.  
  • Three Light Garage: Charges a flat $6 per hour up to a daily maximum of $25.  
  • City of Fountains Lot: Hourly charges start at $4.50.  

Crown Center 

  • Crown Center Parking Garage: Charges $7 for the first hour, with a $24 maximum.  
  • Central Parking Garage: Charges a flat rate of $1 per hour for stays of 8 hours or less; after 8 hours, it converts to a $15 flat daily rate.  

Crossroads Arts District and Power and Light

  • Arts District Garage: Parking costs $2 per hour with a maximum of $13 per day.  
  • Crossroads Parking Garage: Standard daily parking averages $4 to $6 per hour.  
  • Webster Garage: Operates on a flat rate system of $15 per entry/day.  
  • Baltimore Ave Lot: Charges $8 for up to 3 hours, pushing up to $15 for 10 hours, or a $30 maximum for 24 hours.  
  • 1700 Main St Lot: Charges $4-$6 per hour, with a typical 2-hour stay costing around $8.  
  • Crossroads Parking Lot: Hourly charges start at $3.  

SIXT Pro Tip: Use mobile apps to pre-book parking to save more compared to drive-up rates. 

Where Can I Find Street Parking in Kansas City?

Cars parked on both sides of a tree-lined residential street.
Street parking is available across Kansas City’s key neighborhoods, from Downtown to Westport and the River Market District.

Street parking in Kansas City typically costs between $1 and $4 per hour, with a standard 2-3 hour time limit.  

You’ll find street parking in these areas: 

  • Downtown: Look for curbside spaces along Grand Boulevard, Walnut Street, Baltimore Avenue, and 12th Street.  
  • Crossroads Arts District: Ample parking lies on Oak Street, Cherry Street, Central Street, and Southwest Boulevard.  
  • River Market District: On-street spots can be found framing the City Market perimeter (5th & Walnut) and along surrounding streets.  
  • Westport: You’ll find curbside parking on Westport Road, Pennsylvania Avenue, and neighboring residential cut-throughs.  

SIXT Pro Tip: Metered street parking is free after 6 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends. 

Where Can I Find Free Parking in Kansas City?

Large outdoor parking lot with cars near Kansas City's downtown office buildings under a blue sky.
Take advantage of Kansas City’s free parking options.

You can find free parking in KC on certain days or for a limited time in some areas. The most popular is the free 2-hour parking provided in the main City Market Square on weekdays. There are also free public lots available at 7th & Main on weekends. Metered on-street parking is usually free in Kansas City after 6 p.m. and all day on Saturdays and Sundays.  

SIXT Pro Tip: Park at Crown Center Garage and get your ticket validated at any shop or restaurant for up to 3 hours of free parking, with no minimum purchase required.  

Where Can I Find Park & Ride Lots in Kansas City?

Aerial view of a large outdoor parking lot with rows of cars in the sun.
Use Park & Ride lots for free parking near major highways and easy transit connections into downtown Kansas City.

KC Park & Ride lots offer free parking near major highways for buses and MAX BRT public transport into downtown. These lots are for same-day commuter use only; overnight stays are not allowed.

Northland

  • 72nd & Prairie View Lot 
  • N Boardwalk Avenue Lot 
  • Antioch Crossing Lot 

Midtown and South Kansas City

  • 3-Trails Transit Center 
  • Red Bridge Park & Ride 
  • KCATA/Gregory & Wornall Lot 

East Side, Kansas City

  • Highway 40 Park & Ride  

SIXT Pro Tip: Download the RideKC Transit App to track buses in real time so you don’t have to wait long at the stop.