Despite the intense business atmosphere of the UK capital city and on-street parking in London’s center a rarity, many parking garages are available. Wherever you park, be sure to check the signs, as information about restrictions can vary from double yellow lines to pay-and-display signs with site-specific information. Fines and penalties are vigorously enforced and can be relatively expensive.
Where to Find On-Street Parking
In Central London, there is no guarantee you will find a parking space and the lucky few will have to pay and display a parking ticket from a machine, most probably with a maximum time allowance. That said, you can have luck after 6.30 p.m., when, for the most part, parking restrictions end and there are more free spaces available. Outside of Central London, on-street parking becomes easier. Just look out for signage for “residents only” areas where you need a permit to park there.
Where to Find Parking Garages
There are many parking garages in Central London, mostly operated by Q-Park and NCP. You can book online in advance to guarantee a space and find out fees before you travel. To search online before you go, Parkopedia is a great resource and there are a few free and lower-priced parking lots throughout the city. If you want to save money you are better off looking outside of Central London and near an underground train station that can transport you where you need to go in no time!
Where to Park for Free
Free parking is hard to come by but in the outer districts, you can find free spaces close to an underground station. These are often in supermarket parking lots such as Sainsbury’s in Whitechapel or Tesco in Vauxhall.
Park & Ride Locations
Transport for London operates a number of parking lots close to underground stations but there is no official park and ride system and the parking lots are not free. You can also find parking lots at Amersham, Burnt Oak, Hammersmith, Pinner, Richmond, Upminster, West Ruislip, and Wimbledon underground stations.
