Wichita on the Cheap

Live the Good Life for Less & Never Miss a Deal

Paid Parking Downtown Wichita: How to Get a Free Hour

Sharing is caring!

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.

Latest Articles from Wichita on the Cheap:

Playing Across the Park: Wichita Symphony Free Concert

Playing Across the Park: Wichita Symphony Free Concert

Musicians from the Wichita Symphony have partnered with Wichita Park & Recreation to bring you a FREE, family-friendly, all-ages event called Playing Across the Parks,

Boats & Bikes – Rent Kayaks, SUPs, bicycles and more on the Arkansas River

Boats & Bikes – Rent Kayaks, SUPs, bicycles and more on the Arkansas River

Boats and Bikes is an outdoor rental company located at River Vista on the Arkansas River and operated by WSU's Shocker Rowing. You can cool

Earth Day Events & Activites to do in Wichita 2026

Earth Day Events & Activites to do in Wichita 2026

Earth Day in Wichita! Our planet is fantastic, but it needs our help to thrive! Each year, on April 22, more than a billion people

Discounted Zoo Admission for Twilight Tuesdays in July 2026

Discounted Zoo Admission for Twilight Tuesdays in July 2026

You will want to mark your calendars for Twilight Tuesdays at the ZOO! On Tuesdays in July, the Sedgwick County Zoo stays open late and

Tacos & Tequila in Wichita: Free Event

Tacos & Tequila in Wichita: Free Event

Tacos & Tequila in Wichita is an event where everyone can get FREE admission. The event will be held at the Boathouse in downtown Wichita.

Toddler Tuesdays at Towne East Mall: Free Family Event

Toddler Tuesdays at Towne East Mall: Free Family Event

Towne East Square Toddler Tuesdays will start this May. Bring your little one to the play area outside of Scheeld from 10 a.m. to 11:30

Scroll to the top