You will be lucky to find on-street parking in Manchester, especially in the city center, but there are many large parking garages that offer reasonable rates. In Manchester, there are four parking zones with different maximum time limits. Wherever you park will be well signposted so be sure to check how long you can stay, as even the metered spots have time limitations. As in the rest of the UK, parking on double yellow lines is forbidden.
Where to Find On-Street Parking
On-street parking is available throughout the city but spots become more limited as you enter the more congested zones. You can usually park for free at the metered spots between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m., which is handy if you’re making a visit in the evening or an overnight stop off.
Where to Find Parking Garages
Many of the parking garages in the city center are operated by NCP and you can book in advance online to secure your place and know where to go. The parking garages are readily available and located in the heart of Manchester giving you easy access to shopping centers and attractions such as The Arndale Centre, Manchester Art Gallery, and Bridgewater Hall.
Where to Park for Free
There is no free parking in the Manchester city center during the day but here are some tips to keep your costs down.
- If you park in a spot where you pay and display a ticket and it’s after 8 p.m., you can usually park for free all night.
- There are some cheaper all day parking spots in the city center such as the Red Bank parking lot just a 5-minute walk from Victoria Station.
Park & Ride Locations
There are countless park and ride stations throughout the city making it super simple to reach the center quickly by bus, train, or tram. Be aware that most of the park and ride lots do not offer overnight parking, but on the plus side they offer free parking, meaning you just pay your train, tram, or bus fare.
