Denver Downtown with car

Question

I’ll be spending two days in Denver and would like to know if it's easy to travel by car in the downtown area and the RiNo neighborhood. I prefer to stay at a hotel outside the city with parking, as it tends to be cheaper. What’s the average cost for parking in those areas?

Answer

Driving in downtown Denver and the RiNo (River North) neighborhood is generally manageable, especially if you are used to city driving, but there are some points to consider. Traffic can be moderate to heavy during weekday rush hours (roughly 7–9 AM and 4–6 PM), and parking in both areas can be limited and expensive. Downtown streets are a mix of one-way and two-way streets, so it’s useful to have a GPS or navigation app handy.

RiNo has become a trendy arts and dining district, and while driving there is straightforward, streets can be narrower and parking can be tricky, particularly on weekends or during events. Some streets have metered parking, and private lots are also common.

If you prefer to stay outside the city, many suburban hotels offer free or discounted parking, which can save money and reduce the stress of urban parking. Popular areas just outside downtown include Lakewood, Wheat Ridge, and parts of the Denver Tech Center. From these locations, you can drive in for sightseeing or use public transportation for convenience.

Street parking in downtown Denver typically costs $2–$4 per hour, with time limits of 2–4 hours in many areas.
Parking garages in downtown can range from $15–$35 per day depending on location, with some offering early bird or evening specials.
RiNo private lots or meters may cost $2–$3 per hour, with flat rates of $10–$20 for a day in some lots.

Tips for driving and parking:

Arrive early if you plan to park in popular areas to get the best spots.
Check your hotel’s parking policy and rates; some downtown hotels offer packages that include parking.
Consider using apps like ParkMobile or SpotHero to reserve parking in advance and compare rates.
Be aware of street cleaning schedules and signage to avoid tickets.

Overall, having a car in Denver gives you flexibility, especially for trips to neighborhoods like RiNo or areas outside downtown, but expect to pay for parking and plan around traffic during peak times.