Navigating Downtown Boise: Transportation, Parking, and Exploring
Downtown Boise offers a variety of transportation options, making it easy to navigate whether you're a local or a visitor. From convenient public transit and bike-friendly streets to electric scooters and pedestrian-friendly pathways, getting around is a breeze. Parking can be tricky during peak hours, but there are numerous garages, metered spots, and even free options if you know where to look. Rideshare services and the downtown circulator add to the ease of travel. Once parked or settled in, exploring downtown Boise is a treat, with vibrant shops, restaurants, parks, and cultural hotspots all within walking distance. Whether you're commuting, visiting for an event, or just enjoying a day downtown, this guide will help you move around efficiently and stress-free.
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Transportation
ValleyRide Bus – Public Transit in Downtown Boise
ValleyRide is the primary public bus system in Boise, serving both Ada and Canyon counties with fixed routes, intercounty connections, and flexible transportation options.
Services & Routes:
Fixed-Route Buses: Multiple bus lines serve Downtown Boise and surrounding areas, providing reliable transportation for residents, workers, and visitors.
Intercounty Routes: Buses connect Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, and other cities, making ValleyRide a great option for commuters.
On-Demand & Specialized Services: Some areas have shuttle or demand-response services for more flexible transportation needs.
Fares & Accessibility:
Affordable Pricing: ValleyRide offers single fares, day passes, and monthly passes, with discounts for seniors, students, and individuals with disabilities.
Bike & ADA Accessibility: All buses are ADA-compliant and equipped with bike racks, allowing easy transport for cyclists.
Real-Time Bus Tracking: Riders can use VRT’s online tools and mobile apps to track buses, plan trips, and access schedules.
Downtown Transit Hub: Main Street Station (777 W Main St) serves as a major bus transfer point.
Lime E-Scooters
Lime E-scooters are widely available throughout Downtown Boise. Users can locate and rent the nearest scooter using the Lime app. After reaching their destination, riders should park the scooter responsibly, ensuring it doesn't obstruct sidewalks or pathways.
Pricing:
Standard Rate: $1 to unlock, plus $0.36 per minute of use.
Lime Prime: For $5.99 per month, subscribers receive unlimited free unlocks.
Ride Passes: Options include 60 minutes for $9.99, 100 minutes for $16.99, and 240 minutes for $39.99, all valid within three days.
Student Discount: Students with a valid ID receive a 15% discount on full-price rides.
Lime Access: Eligible low-income residents receive a 70% discount on rides.
Equity Zone Pricing: Trips starting in designated neighborhoods, such as Borah, Central Bench, Liberty Park, Vista, West Boise, and West Bench, automatically receive a 50% discount.
Availability:
E-scooters are widely available throughout Downtown Boise. Users can locate and rent the nearest scooter using the Lime app. After reaching their destination, riders should park the scooter responsibly, ensuring it doesn't obstruct sidewalks or pathways.
Safety and Regulations:
Helmet Use: While not legally required in Idaho, wearing a helmet is strongly recommended.
Where to Ride: E-scooters can be ridden on streets, bike lanes, sidewalks, and the 25 miles of Greenbelt paths managed by the City of Boise. Riders should always yield to pedestrians and adhere to traffic laws.
Age Requirement: Riders must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid driver's license.
Uber & Lyft
In Downtown Boise, Uber and Lyft offer convenient and flexible transportation options for residents and visitors. Both services operate throughout the Treasure Valley, providing 24/7 ride availability.
Uber:
Availability: Uber operates continuously in Boise, allowing users to request rides at any time via the Uber app.
Pricing: Fares vary based on factors such as ride type, distance, duration, and current demand. To obtain an accurate fare estimate, enter your destination in the "Where to?" box within the Uber app; the estimated price for each ride option will be displayed.
Lyft:
Availability: Lyft also provides round-the-clock service in Boise, with ride requests managed through the Lyft app.
Pricing: Lyft's fare structure includes a base fare of $1.33, a per-mile charge of $0.99, and a per-minute fee of $0.14. Additional fees, such as a service fee of $3.50, may apply. Actual fares can vary based on ride specifics and prevailing conditions.
Additional Information:
Cashless Transactions: Both Uber and Lyft process payments exclusively through their respective apps, eliminating the need for cash transactions.
Airport Services: At Boise Airport, designated pick-up and drop-off zones are available for rideshare services. The pick-up location is situated at the Upper Curb on the East End, while drop-offs occur at the Upper Curb on the West End.
Parking
ParkBOI – Downtown Boise Parking Services
What is ParkBOI?
ParkBOI provides safe, convenient, and affordable parking in Downtown Boise. The service operates multiple parking garages strategically located throughout the downtown area, offering short-term and long-term parking options for residents, employees, and visitors.
What ParkBOI Offers:
Secure and well-maintained parking facilities
Convenient locations near restaurants, businesses, and attractions
Multiple payment methods, including online and mobile payments
Monthly parking permits for commuters and downtown workers
Short-term and event parking options
Transactions & Convenience:
Payments can be made via kiosks, credit/debit cards, or through mobile apps such as ParkMobile.
Contactless payment options are available for added convenience.
Monthly parking permits provide a hassle-free experience for regular commuters.
Parking validation is offered by some businesses, allowing customers to receive discounted or free parking.
Availability & Hours:
ParkBOI garages are open 24/7, making them accessible at any time.
Availability varies based on demand, but real-time parking information can often be checked online.
Special event parking may have designated areas and rates, particularly during large downtown events.
Pricing:
Hourly Rates: Typically range from $2.50 per hour, depending on the location.
Daily Max Rates: Generally range between $12-$15 per day.
Monthly Parking: Costs vary by location, averaging between $120-$160 per month for reserved and unreserved spots.
Special Event Parking: Pricing may fluctuate based on demand and event size.
ParkBOI Offers your first hour FREE!
ParkBOI Garage Locations:
Capitol & Main Garage – 805 W Main St.
9th & Main Garage – 901 W Main St.
8th & Main Garage – 702 W Idaho St.
Grove Street Garage – 234 S 10th St.
City Centre Garage – 320 W Main St.
Myrtle Street Garage – 451 S Capitol Blvd.
BODO Garage – 280 S 6th St.
On-Street Parking Meters First 20 Minutes Free!
BikeBOI – Secure Bicycle Parking in Downtown Boise
What is BikeBOI?
BikeBOI is a dedicated bicycle parking facility located in downtown Boise, designed to offer cyclists secure and convenient parking options. Situated within the 9th & Main parking garage, BikeBOI accommodates up to 42 bicycles and provides various amenities to enhance the cycling experience.
Offerings and Amenities:
Secure Parking: Access is controlled via key-card entry, ensuring only authorized users can enter the facility.
Safety Features: The facility is equipped with safety lighting and video camera surveillance to enhance security.
Changing Facilities: Cyclists have access to 18 lockers and seating areas for changing in and out of biking gear.
Maintenance Support: A bike repair station and air pump are available for public use, allowing for on-the-spot maintenance.
Transactions and Convenience:
To utilize BikeBOI, cyclists must obtain a membership, which is available to the general public on a first-come, first-served basis. The initial setup fee is $20, with no recurring monthly charges. Access is granted via a key-card system, providing 24/7 entry to the facility.
Availability and Hours:
BikeBOI is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ensuring that cyclists can park and retrieve their bicycles at any time. The facility's ample capacity and round-the-clock availability make it a convenient option for both daily commuters and occasional visitors.
Pricing:
A one-time setup fee of $20 is required to obtain a BikeBOI membership, which includes the key-card for facility access. There are no additional monthly fees associated with the membership.
Location:
BikeBOI is located within the 9th & Main parking garage at 805 W Main St, Boise, ID. The street-level entrance provides easy access for cyclists navigating downtown Boise.
Current Downtown Boise Projects and Road Closures
Stay Informed: Daily Road Closures in Downtown Boise
Navigating Downtown Boise can sometimes be tricky due to daily road closures. Whether you're commuting, visiting, or planning an event, it's helpful to know ahead of time which streets will be impacted. Stay up-to-date on all current and upcoming road closures by visiting Downtown Boise Road Closures to plan your routes and avoid disruptions in your travels!
Current Projects in Downtown
The Broadstone Saratoga: New Mixed-Use Development
The Broadstone Saratoga, a seven-story mixed-use apartment complex, is under construction at 1201 W. Grove St. in downtown Boise. The development will feature 305 residential units, ground-floor retail spaces, and two levels of parking. Residents will enjoy amenities like a pool, club room, BBQ areas, and a courtyard.
Project Timeline:
Completion is expected by Spring 2025.
Impact on Downtown Boise Traffic:
The construction will impact traffic around the 1200 block of W. Grove St., as well as nearby streets like W. 12th St. and W. Myrtle St. Expect lane closures and detours in the area throughout the project’s duration.
This development is part of the River Myrtle Urban Renewal District and will bring modern housing and retail to downtown Boise.
The Arthur: A New Luxury Apartment Building
The Arthur, a 26-story luxury apartment building, is currently under construction at 1115 W. Idaho Street in downtown Boise. Developed by Oppenheimer Development Corporation, White Oak Realty Partners, and Ponsky Capital Partners, the building will feature 298 residential units along with ground-floor retail spaces and a rooftop amenity deck. Construction is expected to be completed by early 2025.
Project Timeline:
Completion is expected by Spring 2025.
Impact on Downtown Boise Traffic:
Areas Affected: The project will primarily impact traffic around the intersection of W. Idaho Street and 12th Street, including nearby streets such as 11th Street, 13th Street, and Main Street.
Traffic Adjustments: Drivers should expect lane closures and detours in these areas during construction.
