How much is parking at Kansas City’s River Market now? See the free and paid options
It’s much busier at the River Market during this time of year. When the skies are clear, you will often see hundreds, if not thousands, of people pass through the City Market looking for local produce or hanging out with friends at the restaurants or shops in the area.
The number of people in one area can cause quite a traffic jam for drivers looking for a place to park. Nearby lots fill up fast, and free parking is limited during the busiest hours.
Other changes, like moving from free parking during the week to paid parking every day in February 2023, continue to add to the confusion visitors face when heading to the district.
Before you plan your next trip to Betty Rae’s Ice Cream or Pigwich, here’s what you need to know about finding a spot to park at the River Market.
Where can I park to go to the River Market?
Free parking lots are available at 7th and Main streets on Saturday and Sunday. The lots are a one-stop ride on the streetcar or a 10-minute walk to the City Market.
There are a few paid surface parking lots surrounding the River Market for people to park, according to a map created by the City of Kansas City. Parking meters are also available for street parking.
You can find the paid parking lots on these streets:
20 W. 5th St.
200-350 W. 4th St.
520 Main St.
801 Main St.
518 Walnut St.
110 E. Missouri Ave.
E 4th St.
201 Delaware St.
301 Grand Blvd.
20 E. 5th St.
You can also park farther away from the City Market and ride the streetcar to your destination. Take a look at the streetcar stops online and find the closest parking lot to where you plan to get on.
How much does it cost to park at the River Market?
The parking lots and meters are divided into two zones at the River Market: one-hour and two-hour. You can park there for longer, but your rates will increase.
If you park in a one-hour zone, your first hour will cost $1, and then the rate increases to $3 for the second hour and $3.75 for every hour after.
If you park in a two-hour zone, your first two hours will cost $1 each, the rate increases to $3 for the third hour and $3.75 for every hour after.
You have to pay to park in these zones every day, but they are free before and after these times:
- One-hour zone: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Two-hour zone: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Some two-hour zones in the area are not free from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
You can check the zones for each lot and meter using the Park KC app or the ParkKC text-2-park service. The lots will cost $10 starting four hours prior to kickoff on days when the KC Current play at CPKC Stadium.
The system is meant to make more room for short-term visitors to the River Market, the city has said.
“On-street spaces are not meant for long-term parking; the City’s objective is to find a balance that promotes turnover while also giving customers options,” the city said in a blog post.
Some areas on the street will have meters and kiosks, or some may be mobile pay only. Mobile pay only zones are set up to keep the sidewalks less cluttered, the city said.
You can pay using the app or texting service, and some zones with parking meters allow for credit cards or coins. On-street parking systems like Way and IAccess may also work at locations at the River Market.
Have more questions about parking in Kansas City? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.
This story was originally published July 9, 2024 at 3:08 PM.
