Do you need a car?
Skip a car for a downtown-only weekend with rideshare for one east-side dinner, but use one for parks, a wider brewery route, or several outer-neighborhood stops.
Local transport guide
How to Get Around Grand Rapids
Downtown is compact enough for a walking-first hotel stay, while Meijer Gardens, Eastown, the West Side parks, and airport transfers add cross-town distance.
Arriving
Gerald R. Ford International Airport is the commercial airport for Grand Rapids; Experience Grand Rapids says it is about 16 minutes from downtown. Confirm your arrival transfer close to travel.
Getting around locally
DASH is a free downtown shuttle. Its route, hours, and event changes are operational details, so use the city or Downtown GR information on travel day.
Parking
Downtown garages and meters are generally paid, while parking is often easier outside the core. Check current event restrictions before driving to a downtown evening.
Local transport guidance checked 2026-09-15. Confirm current schedules, fares, and access before departure.
Confirm current details with Official Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park information before departure.
Travel conditions, access, and reservations can change. Check official sources close to departure.