Getting Around & Parking
It's easy to get around Downtown Des Moines (DSM) by car, bike, bus or on foot. Whatever your preferred way to get from one place to another, we've got you covered!
Parking | Uber and Lyft | Trails
BCycle Bike Sharing | Skywalk | DART Bus
Visiting Downtown DSM soon? Download a map to make the most of your experience!
One of the great conveniences of living, working, exploring or doing business in Downtown DSM is parking. Unlike other cities in the Midwest, parking options in Downtown DSM are readily available and reasonably priced. There are approximately 30,000 public parking spaces in Downtown DSM, including more than 3,500 parking meters for long- and short-term parking needs and more than 900 free parking spaces in Downtown DSM.
Where to Park in Downtown Des Moines
Downtown DSM is growing faster than ever. Drivers can park their ride in any of the more than 3,500 parking meters in Downtown DSM. With such a vibrant downtown, you might think that parking would be a pain. Fortunately, that’s not the case.
Getting to Downtown DSM is easy, and there are plenty of parking options within walking distance of major attractions. Drivers can park their ride in any of the more than 3,500 metered spots spread throughout Downtown DSM. And that’s not all. There’s plenty of structured parking available depending on where you're heading in Downtown DSM:
- Historic Court District: Park in the Third Street and Court Avenue ramp, or the Science Center of Iowa parking garage in Downtown Des Moines. After 5 p.m. and on weekends free parking is available on the Court Ave bridge and in the Polk County Amin and Election Office Lots.
- Des Moines Civic Center: Park your car next door at the Fourth Street and Grand Avenue parking ramp or the Third Street and Court Avenue parking ramp. Valet parking available curbside during Civic Center shows.
- Wells Fargo Arena: Park in the Fifth Avenue and Keo Way ramp, Fourth Street and Grand Avenue parking ramp or the Center Street Park and Ride ramp on Seventh Street.
- Western Gateway Park: Park at Davis Brown Tower on 10th Street and Mulberry Street ramp, the Ninth Street and Locust Street ramp or the Nationwide Insurance ramp at 13th Street and Mulberry Street.
- Historic East Village: Park at East Second Street and East Grand Avenue ramp. There is also free parking in Downtown Des Moines at the ramp located at East Grand Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue.
Standard rate for all City of Des Moines parking garages is $1 per hour.
Parking Meters in Downtown Des Moines
Parking meters in Downtown DSM run Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Look at the parking spot sign for information on what hours you need to pay the meter. Meter rates range from $0.25 to $1.25 per hour. Tip: Follow signage for free parking in Polk County lots during evening and weekends. Learn more about meters, ramps and free parking in Downtown Des Moines.
Park DSM
Residents and visitors can pay for parking via the Downtown DSM parking app, Park DSM, or at a parking kiosk.
To pay on the app:
After you have the app, follow the instructions for paying for parking. You can also extend your parking session from your phone.
To pay at the kiosk:
- Remember the six-digit number on the stall marker that you are parked next to.
- Locate a kiosk nearby and follow the instructions to pay for parking.
- The kiosks accept coins or credit cards for payment.
- Receipts are sent via email or text.
Visit the City of Des Moines website for more details and tips for using the app and kiosks.
Green placards on the parking meters
Located conveniently throughout Downtown DSM, these special meters allow for a short duration of free parking. Instead of inserting coins into the meter, there is a button you push which gives you 15 minutes of parking. There is, however, a 30-minute limit on parking at these meters.
If you’re heading to Downtown DSM for work or play, consider using Uber or Lyft. Enjoy the convenience of finding a ride in one touch while finding the best fares in town. Additionally, various local taxi cab companies also service Downtown DSM and the surrounding region.
DSM has plentiful trails and Downtown DSM is no exception. Run, bike or walk through our connected city and enjoy the scenery of Downtown DSM. For more interactive trail information, try the Iowa By Trail app. The Central Iowa Trail Association updates trail conditions daily for Center Trails such as Greenwood/Ashworth Park, located on the western edge of Downtown DSM. There are more than 800 miles of connected walking, biking and running trails in the region, with Downtown DSM as the culminating point for many of these area trails. Additionally, mountain biking and hiking trails are nearby as well. Many Downtown DSM festivals, markets and events offer free bike valet services, as well, for those that use the trail system to navigate to their favorite events.
Want a bicycle to ride around Downtown DSM? Choose BCycle, a next-generation bicycle sharing program. BCycle members can pick up a bike at any B-station and return it to the same or different station when they’re finished. A 15-minute ride starts at just $4.50! Or try the pay-as-you-go option, which costs $1 to unlock the bike plus 10 cents for each minute of use. For more information, visit Des Moines BCycle.
Biking and Walking Tours
Want to really get a feel for Downtown DSM? Try a biking or walking tour! Getting out of the car and into the city is a great way to experience what all the buzz is about. There are tours for all types of interests and groups. The Des Moines Bicycle Collective has a great listing of biking and walking tours.
The Downtown Des Moines Skywalk provides a convenient and easy way to get around all year round. The Skywalk system is more than four miles of connected climate-controlled walkways in Downtown DSM above street level. Learn more about the Skywalk system on the City of Des Moines website.
Riding the bus around Downtown DSM is simple with the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART). For the most up to date routes, check out DART's interactive map and bus stop finder.