Free parking in Aberdeen can be difficult, but thanks for Free Parking Spots, we show you exactly where to park without restrictions when visiting Aberdeen.
5 places to park for free in Aberdeen (2026)
You can park for free in Aberdeen on the following streets near to the city centre, which have no restrictions at any time of the day:
Parking for free is often overlooked as a way to keep the costs down, especially when visiting busy cities like Aberdeen, which charge hefty parking charges.
City centre car parks and on-street parking are always the most expensive option when visiting Aberdeen, although these are the most convenient options.
As you are looking for free parking in Aberdeen, it can be assumed that you are more concerned about saving money than convenience.
Let’s be honest, you are not going to find a free parking spot in the centre of Aberdeen, but there are free parking spots within a 20 minute walk of the city centre (and it also means you don’t need to drive into the city centre!).
I last travelled to Aberdeen on 16th September 2025 and noted down the best free parking spots.
You should always check for any newly installed restriction signs before leaving your car.
In 2022, the council introduced a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) across Aberdeen, however, charges will not be enforced until 2024. It’s worth taking this into account when planning your visit to Aberdeen.
What to know about parking free in Aberdeen
When parking, please be considerate of others:
- Ensure you don’t block any driveways
- Tuck your car as close to the kerb as possible.
- Don’t double park as you may be parked on a bus route
Cheapest all-day parking
We found the cheapest car park in Aberdeen to be Mercure Aberdeen Caledonian Hotel car park, which you can book even if you are not a customer – but it must be pre-booked.
You can pre-book this car park from just £2.50 per hour, so it’s a great option for commuters or those visiting Aberdeen for the full day.
Cheapest monthly parking
We found the cheapest car park for monthly parking in Aberdeen to be Aberdeen Tesco South car park, which costs £30 per month, making it ideal for commuters.
You can use this car park 7 days a week, including overnight, and leave and re-enter the car park as many times as you need to, but it must be pre-booked.
Free parking near Aberdeen Art Gallery
If you are visiting Aberdeen Art Gallery for a day of culture and exploring, you can park nearby for free at Elmfield Avenue, Elmbank Terrace and Pittodrie Place.
These free parking spots are located on streets around 1 mile from Aberdeen Art Gallery, or a 25 minute walk.
Free car parks
If you would rather park in a secure car park, you can park for free all day at the following car parks in Aberdeen:
| Car Park | Address | Free Parking |
|---|---|---|
| Crombie Road Car Park | AB11 9LY | Free all day |
| Viewfield Road Car Park | AB15 7XL | Free all day |
| Tanfield Walk Car Park | AB24 4AQ | Free all day |
| Dunmail Avenue Car Park | AB15 9LW | Free all day |
Free evening parking in Aberdeen
If you are looking for a secure car park for the evening, you can park for free at the following car parks in Aberdeen, after 8pm Mon – Sat, before 1pm and after 5pm Sunday.
| Car Park | Address | Free Parking |
|---|---|---|
| Gallowgate Car Park | AB10 1ZU | Mon – Sat: After 8pm Sunday: Before 1pm and after 5pm |
| Frederick Street Car Park | AB24 5HY | Mon – Sat: After 8pm Sunday: Before 1pm and after 5pm |
| Summer Street Car Park | AB10 1SD | Mon – Sat: After 8pm Sunday: Before 1pm and after 5pm |
| Broomhill Road Car Park | AB10 6JA | Mon – Sat: After 6pm Sunday: All Day |
| Fonthill Road Car Park | AB11 6UP | Mon – Sat: After 6pm Sunday: All Day |
| Chapel Street Car Park | AB10 1TF | Mon – Sat: After 8pm Sunday: Before 1pm and after 5pm |
| West North Street Car Park | AB24 5AR | Mon – Sat: After 8pm Sunday: Before 1pm and after 5pm |
| Denburn Car Park | AB25 1PU | Mon – Sat: After 8pm Sunday: Before 1pm and after 5pm |
| Virginia Street Car Park | AB11 5AY | Mon – Sat: After 8pm Sunday: Before 1pm and after 5pm |
Free on-street parking
If you would prefer to park in one of the on-street parking bays close to Aberdeen city centre, you can park for free in the following zones at certain times of the day:
| Street | Free Parking |
|---|---|
| Inner Central | Before 8am and after 8pm (Mon to Sat) Before 1pm and after 5pm (Sunday) |
| Outer Central | Before 8am and after 8pm (Mon to Sat) Before 1pm and after 5pm (Sunday) |
Free parking at park and ride sites
There are three park and ride sites that serve Aberdeen Bridge of Don Park and Ride, Ellon Park and Ride and Kingswells Park and Ride.
Bridge of Don Park and Ride
Bridge of Don Park and Ride is open 24 hours a day and has 650 free parking spaces, although there are no electric vehicle charge points.
Buses to and from Bridge of Don Park and Ride are every 30 minutes. A single ticket into Aberdeen will cost you £1.95 (free if you are a concession card holder).
Ellon Park and Ride
Ellon Park and Ride has around 300 free parking spaces, including 4 electric vehicle charge points. As Ellon Park and Ride is further away from the city, a day rider will cost you £8.60.
Kingswells Park and Ride
Kingswells Park and Ride has around 915 free parking spaces, including 6 electric vehicle charge points. A single journey into Aberdeen will cost £3.20.
Motorhome parking
The following car parks have no height restrictions and are therefore appropriate for motorhomes or campervans:
- Saint Machar Drive, AB24 5SP
- Crombie Road, AB11 9LY
- Duthie Park, AB11 7SL
- Viewfield Road, AB15 7XL
Alternatively, you can use one of our recommended free spots in and around Aberdeen.
Free disabled parking
If you have a Blue Badge, you are entitled to park in the following car parks in Aberdeen free of charge:
- Gallowgate Car Park
- Market Stance Car Park
- Golden Square Car Park
- Beach Leisure Centre
Free Motorcycle parking
If you are visiting Aberdeen by motorcycle or moped, you might want to plan where you are going to park.
The following car parks have dedicated motorcycle parking bays that are free of charge:
- Union Square Car Park
Residential parking
If you are a resident in Aberdeen where permits are required, you can apply for a residents parking permit.
In order to apply, you will need to prove you are a resident, so will be required to provide proof of address and proof of vehicle. Prices start at £60 for the year.
Visitor parking permits can be purchased as yearly permits.
About the Author
Hi, my name is Amber and I’m here to help find you suitable free parking in towns and cities across the UK.
When I visit new towns and cities, I always take note of where you can (legally) park for free, whether this be on-street parking bays or council run car parks, which offer free parking during certain hours of the day.
Although I take every effort to ensure this information is up to date and correct, if you notice an issue, please get in touch so I can rectify it for everyone.
Amber
Information was last updated on April 1st, 2025