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Wichita on the Cheap

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Paid Parking Downtown Wichita: How to Get a Free Hour

Paid Parking in downtown Wichita has officially begun (started July 1, 2025). Whether you live, work, or play downtown, here’s what you need to know to avoid surprises.

Installation of paid parking signs and equipment for Phase 3 will begin on September 2. This phase will cover many of the remaining streets in the downtown area, and installation is expected to take several weeks.

Be sure to download the ParkMobile or PayByPhone apps in advance so you’re ready to go!

Where Does Paid Parking Apply?

New parking equipment has been installed in these areas:

  • Douglas Avenue – from Market to Santa Fe
  • Emporia and St. Francis – from William to 1st Street

Good news: Paid parking does NOT apply to Old Town or Delano at this time.

When Is Paid Parking in Effect?

  • Monday–Thursday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Friday–Saturday: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
  • Sundays & evenings: FREE (unless marked as Event Parking)

Rates for Wichita Paid Parking

Unless special event rates are posted, here’s what you’ll pay:

  • $1 per hour on public streets and lots
  • $5 daily for public parking lots
  • $10 daily for public parking garages
  • Monthly options may be available for lots and garages, depending on availability

Free Hour of Parking with App Use

Here’s a budget-friendly perk for app users!

From July 1 through August 1, 2025, when you pay for one hour of parking through either the ParkMobile app or PayByPhone, you’ll get one extra hour FREE — every day.

That’s 2 hours of parking for just $1 in public spaces, as long as you:

  • Use the app to pay
  • Park within the downtown paid parking zone
  • Stay in the same session (the free hour doesn’t roll over)
  • Note: This offer doesn’t apply to public garages.

How to Pay for Parking in Wichita?

Download one of the following mobile apps to pay easily from your phone:

You can also pay at the parking equipment installed throughout the downtown zone.

Love it or not, paid parking is here!

Stay up-to-date on changes or future expansions by visiting ParkWichita.com.

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