Best parking garages in downtown Denver
Downtown Denver's best-rated structured parking garages, ranked by value and location:
| Garage / Lot | Daily Rate | Monthly | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denver Pavilions Garage | $12–$22 | $170–$200 | 16th & Glenarm, central location |
| 16th & California Garage | $10–$20 | $160–$190 | Near RTD light rail stops |
| 1550 Glenarm Place Garage | $10–$18 | $150–$180 | Good value, slightly off-core |
| Spire Denver Garage | $12–$25 | $175–$210 | Modern, near Convention Center |
| Theater District Garage | $10–$20 | $140–$170 | Near DCPA, Buell Theatre |
Rates are approximate and vary by day, time, and events. Pre-book on SpotHero or ParkWhiz for the best rates — often 20–40% cheaper than drive-up.
Street parking in downtown Denver
On-street metered parking is available throughout downtown, but spots are competitive during business hours. Key facts:
- Rates: $2–$4/hr in the core, $0.75–$1.50/hr in neighborhood commercial zones
- Hours: Enforced Mon–Sat 8am–8pm (some blocks until 10pm)
- Time limits: 2 hours max on most downtown blocks — even if you pay for more
- Free times: All day Sunday, and all federal holidays citywide
- Payment: ParkMobile app (official), credit card at newer meters, coins
Cheapest downtown Denver parking
To find the lowest rates for downtown Denver parking:
- Use SpotHero or ParkWhiz: These apps aggregate garage and lot inventory and often offer pre-paid rates 20–40% below drive-up prices.
- Arrive before 8am: Many downtown garages offer early-bird rates ($8–$12 flat) for vehicles that enter before 8am and exit by a certain time in the evening.
- Surface lots east of Colfax: Just outside the premium core, surface lots in the Capitol Hill and Uptown areas typically charge $8–$12/day — walkable to most downtown destinations.
- Sunday is always free: All on-street meters are unenforced — ideal for weekend visits without worrying about the clock.
Parking near popular destinations
Ball Arena (formerly Pepsi Center)
For Nuggets, Avalanche, or concert events at Ball Arena, expect $20–$40 for nearby lots on event nights. Pre-book on SpotHero or arrive early. The RTD light rail drops you one block from the arena — taking transit from Union Station is often faster than driving on event nights.
Coors Field
Rockies game parking ranges from $15–$40 for nearby lots. The Union Station A Line platform is a 10-minute walk from Coors Field — a convenient option for fans coming from the suburbs. See our full Rockies game parking guide for more details.
Colorado Convention Center
The Convention Center is served by several nearby garages — the Spire Denver Garage and Denver Pavilions Garage are both within a 5-minute walk. For conventions, book parking in advance through the convention's official parking page or SpotHero to avoid sold-out lots.
Denver Art Museum
The Art Museum is in the Civic Center district, a short walk from several surface lots on Bannock and Cherokee Streets. Free street parking is available in surrounding residential areas on evenings and weekends.
Going to DIA from downtown? Park near Union Station
If you're flying out of DIA, consider parking near Denver Union Station and taking the RTD A Line directly to the airport. The train runs every 15 minutes during peak hours, takes exactly 37 minutes, and costs $10.50 one-way. No traffic, no shuttle wait, and you board in a covered terminal.
Parking near Union Station runs $14–$25/day for structured garages. For a 7-day trip: $17/day × 7 = $119 + $21 round-trip train = $140 total. Compare to off-airport DIA lots at $9–12/day. The downtown option costs more but offers a different set of conveniences — particularly for LoDo residents or travelers departing from the office.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest parking in downtown Denver?
The cheapest parking in downtown Denver is typically in surface lots east of Broadway and Colfax, which often run $8–12/day. Using apps like SpotHero or ParkWhiz to pre-reserve a spot can save 20–40% versus driving in and paying on the spot. Arriving before 8am often unlocks early-bird rates at downtown garages.
How much does it cost to park in downtown Denver?
Downtown Denver parking costs vary widely: street meters run $2–$4/hr, parking garages charge $10–$25/day for daily parking, and premium garages near 16th Street Mall can reach $30/day on event days. Surface lots on the edges of downtown are typically $8–$15/day. Monthly contracts in LoDo run $120–$200/month.
Where can I park for free in downtown Denver?
Free parking in downtown Denver is limited. Street meters are free on Sundays and federal holidays. Some residential streets just outside the meter zone offer free parking after 6pm on weekdays. Cherry Creek North has some 2-hour free validation lots. Arriving on Sunday avoids meter fees entirely.
Can I park downtown Denver and take the train to DIA?
Yes. Park near Denver Union Station and take the RTD A Line commuter rail to Denver International Airport in 37 minutes. Trains run every 15 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes off-peak. One-way fare is $10.50. This is a great option for travelers who prefer to park in a familiar downtown location rather than driving to DIA.
What are the best parking garages in downtown Denver?
Top parking garages in downtown Denver include Denver Pavilions Garage (16th & Glenarm), the 16th & California Garage, 1550 Glenarm Place Garage, Spire Denver Garage, and the Theater District Parking Garage. Daily rates typically range from $10–$25. Pre-booking on SpotHero or ParkWhiz usually offers the best rates.