Cambridge is a small , bustling city with plenty to see and do. However, in the city, parking can be a little costly. This is a consideration for those travelling to the city by car, or who opt to book a car or hire a van in Cambridge. Here are the main sites in Cambridge and also some lower cost options of where to park and how to get in to the city. Prices shown are for peak hours (8am-7pm Mon-Fri) but many of the car parks also have alternative tariffs for off-peak and weekend parking.
Grand Arcade:
Corn Exchange Street, Cambridge CB2 3QF
The Grand Arcade is the most central car park for the city centre and has 709 spaces. It is situated in the shopping centre so perfect for some retail therapy. Open 24 hours, 7 days a week, with peak prices at £3 for 1 hour, rising to £23 for over 5 hours parking. Evening and overnight parking is charged at £1.20 per hour.
Queen Anne:
Gonville Place, Cambridge CB1 1ND
Queen Anne car park is a short walk from the city centre, has 375 spaces, and is open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Peak prices are £2.10 (1 hour)-£13.50 (over 5 hours) per day, evening and overnight parking is charged at 80p per hour.
The Grafton Centre (East and West):
East- East Road, Cambridge CB1 1PS
West- Fitzroy Lane, off Maids Causeway, Cambridge CB1 1HE
Grafton Centre East is a multi-storey, short stay car park which is ideal for visits to the shopping centre or cinema. Open 24 hours, 7 days a week, it has 633 spaces. Peak prices are £2.80 (1 hour)-£28.30 (over 5 hours) per day, evening and overnight parking is charged at 80p per hour.
Grafton Centre West is smaller car park, with 184 spaces, situated just outside of the Grafton Centre. Open 24 hours, 7 days a week, peak prices here are £2.80 (1 hour)-£28.30 (over 5 hours) per day. However, evening and overnight parking is charged at 80p per hour.
Riverside Car Park:
Abbey Road, Cambridge CB5 8HH
Riverside car Park is a 15-20 minute walk to the city centre. The small car park has 11 spaces and is 60p for each 30 minutes of parking during peak times. It is free to park her after 7pm or Sundays.
The Castle Hill Car Park:
Castle St, Cambridge CB3 0AR
Castle Hill car Park is a cheaper alternative and is only a 15 minute walk from the city centre. The outdoor car park has 112 spaces and is open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Peak prices are £2.60 for up to 2 hours, then £8.20 for over 4 hours. However, there is a flat rate of £4.10 for Sundays and weekly tickets can be purchased.
Cambridge Station Car Park:
Cambridge Station, Station Rd, Cambridge CB1 2JW
This NCP Station car park has 441 spaces (24 disabled bays) and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Peak prices are a flat rate of £12.50 per day. Disabled parking is free.
Cambridge Leisure:
A trip to Cambridge leisure is a fun, family day out. Here you can enjoy the cinema, bowling, restaurants, live music and bars. The parking is very close to the amenities and priced from £1 for an hour, to £20 for the full day. Validate your ticket and receive a reduction in price.
Park and Ride:
There are 5 park and ride sites round Cambridge, taking you into the city centre in around 10-20 minutes. Parking is free for up to 18 hours so you will just pay £3 bus fare. There are also group and short hop rates – details can be found on the website. Buses are a frequent as every 10 minutes at peak time and drop you right in the centre of the city so really useful for accessibility.
St Ives park and Ride starts its journey further from Cambridge and take just under an hour.
How about hiring a bike in Cambridge to see the sights?
More things to see and do in Cambridge here.
