Indianapolis Downtown Parking Guide
Updated March 7, 2026
Don't overpay. Here's how locals park downtown — even during the biggest events.
The #1 rule: Pre-book your parking online before event days. Walk-up rates at Convention Center garages can hit $50+ during Gen Con, FFA, and NFL Combine weeks. Booking ahead on SpotHero often saves 30-50%.
Quick Decision Guide
Not sure where to park? Start here.
Just a few hours, non-event day?
Circle Centre Garage — $2 for up to 3 hours. Best short-term deal downtown. 5 min walk to Convention Center via skywalk.
Circle Centre Garage — $2 for up to 3 hours. Best short-term deal downtown. 5 min walk to Convention Center via skywalk.
Full day, willing to walk 8-10 minutes?
Market District Garage — $8 max daily. The cheapest garage downtown. Closed Sundays.
Market District Garage — $8 max daily. The cheapest garage downtown. Closed Sundays.
Full day, close to Convention Center?
Union Station Garage — $18 max/24 hrs. Best daily rate within 5 minutes of the Convention Center.
Union Station Garage — $18 max/24 hrs. Best daily rate within 5 minutes of the Convention Center.
Event day (Gen Con, FFA, Colts game)?
Pre-book on SpotHero. Walk-up rates double or triple. Or park further out and use the skywalk system to walk indoors.
Pre-book on SpotHero. Walk-up rates double or triple. Or park further out and use the skywalk system to walk indoors.
Evening or weekend only?
Regions Tower Garage — $4 flat after 4 PM and all weekend. 10 min walk.
Regions Tower Garage — $4 flat after 4 PM and all weekend. 10 min walk.
Garage Rates Comparison
All 14 major downtown garages, sorted by distance from the Convention Center. Rates are standard non-event pricing — expect 2-3x during major conventions.
| Garage | Distance | Daily Max | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capitol Commons | Adjacent | $53 | Closest possible, short visits |
| Pan Am Plaza | 3 min | $$$ | Between CC and Lucas Oil |
| Court Street | 4 min | $$ | IRT & Claypool Court access |
| Blue Garage | 5 min (skywalk) | $30 | Skywalk access to CC |
| Circle Centre | 5 min (skywalk) | $22 | $2 for 3 hrs (non-event) |
| Plaza Park | 5 min | $35 | Near Lucas Oil Stadium |
| Union Station | 5 min | $18 | Best value near CC |
| Washington Street | 5 min | Varies | Skybridge to JW Marriott |
| Express Park | 7 min | $20 | $15 early bird (in by 9 AM) |
| Market District | 8 min | $8 | Cheapest downtown (closed Sun) |
| Market Tower | 8 min | $24 | Near Monument Circle |
| Virginia Avenue | 8 min | $$ | Skywalk to Gainbridge |
| City Park | 10 min | $20 | 24-hour automated access |
| Regions Tower | 10 min | $13 (early bird) | $4 flat evenings/weekends |
Best Budget Picks
If you're willing to walk 8-10 minutes, you can save significantly.
Best overall value: Market District Garage — $8 max daily. 8 min walk to Convention Center. Closed Sundays.
Best for short visits: Circle Centre Garage — $2 for up to 3 hours on non-event days. Connected to Convention Center via skywalk.
Best for evenings/weekends: Regions Tower Garage — $4 flat after 4 PM and all day weekends. 10 min walk.
Best daily rate near CC: Union Station Garage — $18 max/24 hrs. 5 min walk.
Street Parking (Meters)
If you're comfortable parallel parking and want to save money, street meters can be a great option.
Meter Rules
- Rate: $2-3/hour depending on zone
- Enforced: Monday-Saturday, 7 AM to 9 PM
- Free on Sundays and holidays
- Time limits: Most meters are 2-3 hour max during enforcement hours
- Payment: ParkIndy app or credit card at meter
Local tip: If you're visiting on a Sunday, street parking is completely free throughout downtown. This is the best-kept secret for Sunday convention days and Colts games.
Parking Apps
Three apps cover most of downtown Indianapolis parking.
SpotHero — Best for pre-booking garage spots
Compare rates across garages, book in advance, guaranteed spot. Often 30-50% cheaper than walk-up during events. Search Convention Center parking
Compare rates across garages, book in advance, guaranteed spot. Often 30-50% cheaper than walk-up during events. Search Convention Center parking
ParkMobile — Best for street meters
Pay for metered street parking from your phone. Extend time remotely without walking back to your car. Zone numbers are posted on each meter.
Pay for metered street parking from your phone. Extend time remotely without walking back to your car. Zone numbers are posted on each meter.
ParkIndy — City's official meter app
Alternative to ParkMobile for street meters. Same functionality, slightly different interface.
Alternative to ParkMobile for street meters. Same functionality, slightly different interface.
Event Day Survival Tips
During major conventions and Colts games, parking gets competitive. Here's how to handle it.
Book ahead. Seriously. SpotHero reservations for Gen Con week often sell out a month before the event. Don't wait until the day-of.
Arrive early. Garages closest to the Convention Center fill up by 9 AM during major events. If you're arriving after 10 AM, plan for a 10+ minute walk.
Park further out, walk in. Market District ($8) and Regions Tower ($4 evenings) rarely sell out even during the biggest events. The 8-10 minute walk is worth the savings.
Use the skywalk. Park at Blue Garage or Circle Centre and walk to the Convention Center through the indoor skywalk system — no weather exposure.
Consider skipping the car. If your hotel is within a mile of the Convention Center, walk or rideshare. Downtown Indy is more walkable than most visitors expect. See our getting around guide.
Free Parking Options
Sunday street parking — All meters are free on Sundays and city holidays.
After 9 PM street parking — Meters are not enforced after 9 PM. Free overnight, but check for event-specific restrictions.
White River State Park lot — Free parking at the Eiteljorg Museum lot (limited spaces, fills up). About 8 min walk to Convention Center.
Parking for specific venues
Looking for parking near a specific venue? Each venue page includes walking distances from major garages and landmarks.