If you’ve ever visited York, you will know that finding a suitable parking space isn’t easy unless you have pre-planned where you will park. Whilst there are a multitude of council run car parks, these often come with hefty charges that can be off-putting to locals and those travelling from further afield for the first time.
We have taken all the effort out of finding a parking space and listed the places you can park for free in and around York city centre.
You will find it difficult to park for free inside the York City Walls, but if you can cope with a ten minute walk, then there are free parking options available in York without restrictions. These free parking spots are suitable for those looking to visit most of the key attractions in the city, including York Minster and York Dungeons.
Where to Park for Free in York 2026
You can park for free in York on a number of streets near to the city centre, including Hospital Fields Road, Knavesmire Road, Hamilton Drive East, Bishopthorpe Road (2 hours free or after 11am), Heslington Road, Campleshon Road and Albemarle Road.
As someone who was born and bred in York, I have spent the past 10 years looking for the best free parking spots in York, close to the city centre.
In this time, i’ve never paid to park in York, so I wanted to share with you the free parking spots I use when visiting York, so you too can save money.
York is one of the most expensive cities in the UK when it comes to parking charges and driving through the city isn’t for the faint hearted either, so if you’re looking to save money and avoid the city centre traffic, you’ve come to the right place.
It’s hard to say which is the best free parking spot in York as it will entirely depend which direction you are coming from, but the one I use the most is Hospital Field’s Road as it’s a nice walk down the river into the city.
All these free parking spots are within a 1 mile walk from York City Centre, meaning it should take no longer than 15-20 minutes depending on your ability. I always try to use Hospital Fields Road as it is a nice 10-15 minute walk along the river into the centre of the city (you will arrive at Clifford’s Tower).
Alternatively, if walking isn’t your preferred option, there’s a great bus network so you could hop on one of the local buses into the city centre.
For example, if you park at Knavesmire Road, you can catch the bus from Tadcaster Road which will get you into the city in less than 5 minutes.
What to consider when parking free in York
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 in York
If you would rather park closer to the city centre, but don’t fancy forking out for council run car parks, I found the cheapest car park in York to be Premier Inn Blossom Street car park, which costs just £1.75 per hour. You can use this car park even if you are not a customer using the store – but it must be pre-booked via Your Parking Space, you cannot just turn up.
You can also choose to book this car park all day (9am – 5pm) for just £4.95, so it’s a great option for commuters or those visiting York for the full day.
Cheapest monthly parking in York
If you are commuting into York on a regular basis and want long term parking, I found the cheapest car park for monthly parking in York to be Morrisons Supermarket car park, which costs from £186 per month and is just a 5 minute walk into the city centre.
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, although you must pre-book.
Free parking near York Railway Museum
York Railway Museum is one of the most visited attractions in the city, especially popular with younger children. It’s free to enter and you can spend hours exploring. Here’s the closest free parking options for York Railway Museum:
- Stamford Street East – 14 min walk
- Bright Street – 15 min walk
- Garfield Terrace – 15 min walk
- Hamilton Drive East – 18 min walk
Free parking near York Minster
As York Minster is located right in the city centre, you won’t find free parking right on the doorstep, but you can park for free at the following locations when visiting York Minster:
- Heslington Road – 15 minute walk
- Hospital Fields Road – 20 minute walk
York Minster is free to visit during a service, but if you want to explore further, tickets cost £12 per adult and children go free with a paying adult. You can also book to enter York Minster and go up the tower which costs £17 per adult and £5 per child.
York residents can enter York Minster free of charge, but proof of address is required.
Free parking near York Station
York Train Station is located just a stones throw outside of the city walls, meaning parking is a premium, especially if you are just heading out of the city for the day. The on site car park costs around £6 per 2 hours or £12 if you are heading away for the weekend (10am on Friday until 2pm on Monday).
If you’re catching a train and want free parking near York Station within a 15 minute walk away, here’s your best options:
- Hamilton Drive East – 15 minutes
- Albemarle Road – 15 minutes
Free parking York Dungeons
York Dungeons is located quite close to the city centre so most parking nearby is pay and display, however, the following free parking spots are available within a 10-15 minute walk:
- Hospital Fields Road
Free parking near Cliffords Tower
Cliffords Tower is one of the most visited attractions and one of the most recognisable images of York. Located close to the city centre and the river, Cliffords Tower is great if you want to get some excellent views of the city.
There are several steps up to the tower itself and once inside, there are steps up to the top part of the tower, where you will get your fantastic views.
You can park free near Cliffords Tower on Hospital Fields Road, which is around a 10 minute walk.
Free parking near York Hospital
York Hospital does have their own pay and display car park, as well as a number of council run car parks within walking distance, but there is also free parking nearby:
- Filey Terrace
- Scarborough Terrace
- Garth Terrace
- Shipton Street
- Cromer Street
These streets are residential so it’s important not to block access to any driveways or dropped kerbs.
From any of these streets, you can make your way to the railway bridge located on Scarborough Terrace and cross over to the hospital grounds.
Free car parks in York
You can park for free in York at either East Parade Car Park between 6pm and 8am.
If you are a York resident, parking is just £2 in most council car parks in York between 6pm and midnight, providing you have a Minster Badge.
- Monk Bar Car Park
- Castle Car Park
- Union Terrace Car Park
- St George’s Field Car Park
- Nunnery Lane Car Park
- Bishopthorpe Road Car Park
- East Parade Car Park
| Car Park | Address | Spaces | Free Parking | Charge Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monk Bar Car Park | St John’s Street, York, YO31 7QR | 253 | N/A | No |
| Castle Car Park | Tower Street, York, YO1 9SA | 317 | N/A | 2 |
| Union Terrace Car Park | Union Terrace, Clarence Street, York, YO31 7ES | 145 | N/A | 2 |
| St George’s Field Car Park | Castle Mills Bridge, York, YO10 4AB | 150 | N/A | No |
| Nunnery Lane Car Park | Nunnery Lane, York, YO23 1AA | 193 | N/A | 4 |
| Bishopthorpe Road Car Park | Bishopthorpe Road, York, YO23 1NA | 41 | N/A | No |
| East Parade Car Park | East Parade, Heworth, York, YO31 0XH | 14 | 6pm – 8am | No |
Free parking at York Park & Ride sites
There are six park and ride car parks in and around York that offer free parking, so if you don’t fancy parking in the city itself, you can simply use one of the park and ride sites and jump on the bus instead.
The car parks are easily accessible from all areas of York and journey times take between 12 and 20 minutes, so you don’t have to worry about long commuting times.
York park and ride car parks are free of charge providing you use the bus or cycle into York (there are signs explaining this on entry).
| Park and Ride Site | Address | Spaces | Use For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Askham Bar Park & Ride | YO24 1LW | 1,100 (including 10 for Campervans) | York Dungeons, Cliffords Tower |
| Designer Outlet Park & Ride | YO19 4TA | 600 (including 50 for Campervans and Coaches) | Jorvik Viking Centre, Cliffords Tower, National Railway Museum |
| Grimston Bar Park & Ride | YO19 5LA | 920 (including 20 for Campervans and Motorhomes) | Jorvik Viking Centre, Castle Museum |
| Monks Cross Park & Ride | YO32 9JU | 800 | National Railway Museum |
| Poppleton Bar Park & Ride | YO26 6QF | 600 (including 10 spaces for Campervans and Coaches) | York Dungeons, National Railway Museum |
| Rawcliffe Bar Park & Ride | YO30 5XZ | 1,000 (including 11 spaces for Campervans) | National Railway Museum |
Free overnight parking in York
The best option if you are looking for free overnight parking in York is to park in an on-street parking bay, as car parks are chargeable, even overnight, albeit at a reduced rate.
Lead Mill Lane offers free parking between 8pm and 8am and there is room for around 8 cars. Lead Mill Lane is just opposite Wetherspoons (Posterngate).
Other free overnight parking in York:
- Southland Road (free from 8pm)
- Blue Bridge Lane (free from 6pm) – no parking until Spring 2025
- Scarcroft Hill (free from 5pm)
York Car Park Pricing
If you would prefer to park closer to the city centre amenities, you can use one of the council run or privately run car park across York:
Bishopthorpe Road Car Park
Bishopthorpe Road car park is just a 5 minute walk from Clifford’s Tower and perfectly suited for those visiting from the South of York (A64).
The river and Rowntree Park are within a 5 minute walk and the Knavesmire can be reached within a 10 minute walk of Bishopthorpe Road car park.
Address: Bishopthorpe Road, York, YO23 1NA
Spaces: 41
Opening Times: 24 hours
Motorcycle Parking: No
Blue Badge spaces: 4
Payment options: Cash, RingGo
Prices
| Length of Stay | Price (Sun to Thu) | Price (Fri & Sat) |
| Up to 1 hour | £4.50 | £5.30 |
| Up to 2 hour | £9.70 | £10.60 |
| Up to 3 hour | £11.20 | £13.50 |
| Up to 4 hour | £14.90 | £17.50 |
| Up to 5 hour | £18.60 | £21.50 |
| Over 5 hour | £22.50 | £25.00 |
Bootham Row Car Park
Bootham Row Car Park is located very close to the city centre and just a 5 minute walk from York Minster, York Hospital and the registry office. The river can also be reached in under 5 minutes on foot from Bootham Row Car Park.
Address: Bootham Row, York, YO30 7BP
Spaces: 100
Opening Times: 24 hours
Motorcycle Parking: Yes (2 dedicated bays)
Blue Badge spaces: 13
Payment options: Cash, Card, RingGo
Prices
| Length of Stay | Price |
| Up to 1 hour | £3.40 |
| Up to 2 hour | £6.80 |
| Up to 3 hour | £10.20 |
| Up to 4 hour | £13.60 |
| Up to 5 hour | £17.00 |
| Over 5 hours | +£3.40 per hour |
Castle Car Park
Conveniently located next to Clifford’s Tower and just a 2 minute walk from the city centre, Castle Car Park is one of the most used car parks, but on an evening is much quieter.
Address: Tower Street, York, YO1 9SA
Spaces: 317
Opening Times: 24 hours
Motorcycle Parking: No
Blue Badge spaces: 30
Payment options: Cash, Card, RingGo
Prices
| Length of Stay | Price |
| Up to 1 hour | £3.40 |
| Up to 2 hour | £6.80 |
| Up to 3 hour | £10.20 |
| Up to 4 hour | £13.60 |
| Up to 5 hour | £17.00 |
| Over 5 hours | +£3.40 per hour |
Coppergate Centre Car Park
Located in the city centre, Coppergate Centre Car Park is a multi-storey car park right in the heart of the city. This car park is close to popular shops and restaurants as well as the Hilton York Hotel.
Address: Piccadilly, York, YO1 9NX
Spaces: 287
Opening Times: 8am – 8pm
Motorcycle Parking: No
Blue Badge spaces: 12
Payment options: Cash, Card
Prices
| Length of Stay | Price |
| Up to 1 hour | £3.40 |
| Up to 2 hour | £6.80 |
| Up to 3 hour | £10.20 |
| Up to 4 hour | £13.60 |
| Up to 5 hour | £17.00 |
| Over 5 hours | +£3.40 per hour |
East Parade Car Park
East Parade Car Park is one of the smaller car parks in the city and located around 10 minutes walking distance from the centre. East Parade car park is the cheapest car park in York at just 80p per hour. Parking for more than 2 hours is only permitted after 3pm.
Address: East Parade, Heworth, York, YO31 0XH
Spaces: 14
Opening Times: 24 hours
Motorcycle Parking: No
Blue Badge spaces: No dedicated bays, but can park in any bay free of charge
Payment options: Cash, RingGo
Prices
| Length of Stay | Price |
| Up to 1 hour | £3.00 |
| Up to 2 hours | £6.00 |
| Up to 3 hours | £9.00 |
Esplanade Car Park
Esplanade Car Park is located right by the river, next to York Railway Station and is in close proximity to the Principle Hotel York.
Address: West Esplanade, York, YO26 4ZP
Spaces: 75
Opening Times: 24 hours
Motorcycle Parking: Yes
Blue Badge spaces: 5
Payment options: Cash, Card, RingGo
Prices
| Length of Stay | Price |
| Up to 1 hour | £3.40 |
| Up to 2 hour | £6.80 |
| Up to 3 hour | £10.20 |
| Up to 4 hour | £13.60 |
| Up to 5 hour | £17.00 |
| Over 5 hours | +£3.40 per hour |
Foss Bank Car Park
Foss Bank car park is a multi storey car park just a 5 minute walk from the city centre and conveniently located close to York’s walls. You can park overnight, but the car park will be closed from 8.30pm.
Address: Jewbury, York, YO31 7PL
Spaces: 316
Opening Times: 8am – 8pm
Motorcycle Parking: Yes
Blue Badge spaces: 4
Payment options: Cash, Card, RingGo
Prices
| Length of Stay | Price |
| Up to 1 hour | £2.30 |
| Up to 2 hour | £4.60 |
| Up to 3 hour | £6.90 |
| Up to 4 hour | £9.20 |
| Up to 5 hour | £11.50 |
| Over 5 hours | +£2.30 per hour |
Marygate Car Park
Marygate Car Park is conveniently located close to the river and just a 5 minute walk from York Minster. If you’re visiting the registry office or York Hospital, Marygate Car Park is close by.
Address: Frederic Street, York, YO30 7DT
Spaces: 350
Opening Times: 24 hours
Motorcycle Parking: No
Blue Badge spaces: Blue Badge parking is only available between the exit and entry areas (outside the car park)
Payment options: Card
Prices
| Length of Stay | Price |
| Up to 1 hour | £3.10 |
| Up to 2 hour | £6.20 |
| Up to 3 hour | £9.30 |
| Up to 4 hour | £12.40 |
| Up to 5 hour | £15.50 |
| Over 5 hours | £20.00 |
Monk Bar Car Park
Located close to the city centre, Monk Bar car park is also conveniently located close to York St John’s University and Double Tree by Hilton York hotel.
Address: St John’s Street, York, YO31 7QR
Spaces: 253
Opening Times: 24 hours
Motorcycle Parking: Yes
Blue Badge spaces: 19
Payment options: Cash, RingGo
Prices
| Length of Stay | Price |
| Up to 1 hour | £3.10 |
| Up to 2 hour | £6.20 |
| Up to 3 hour | £9.30 |
| Up to 4 hour | £12.40 |
| Up to 5 hour | £15.50 |
| Over 5 hours | £20.00 |
Moor Lane Car Park
Moor Lane Car Park is conveniently located to York College and Askham Bar Park and Ride, making it the ideal car park if you’re travelling in from the A64. The walk into the city will take around 30 minutes, but it is one of the cheapest car parks in York.
Address: Moor Lane, York, YO24 1LW
Spaces: 540
Opening Times: 24 hours
Motorcycle Parking: Yes
Blue Badge spaces: 7
Payment options: Cash, RingGo
Prices
| Length of Stay | Price |
| All Day | £4.00 |
Nunnery Lane Car Park
Nunnery Lane is closely located to York Railway Station and the city walls. There’s plenty of spaces but these spaces are quite tight, so probably not ideal for large vehicles.
Address: Nunnery Lane, York, YO23 1AA
Spaces: 193
Opening Times: 24 hours
Motorcycle Parking: Yes
Blue Badge spaces: 11
Payment options: Cash, Card, RingGo
Prices
| Length of Stay | Price |
| Up to 1 hour | £3.10 |
| Up to 2 hour | £6.20 |
| Up to 3 hour | £9.30 |
| Up to 4 hour | £12.40 |
| Up to 5 hour | £15.50 |
| Over 5 hours | £20.00 |
Rowntree Park Car Park
Located at Rowntree Park and close to the river, Rowntree Park Car Park is just a 10 minute walk from the city centre and ideal for those visiting the park.
Address: Terry Avenue, York, YO23 1JQ
Spaces: 60
Opening Times: 8am – Dusk
Motorcycle Parking: No
Blue Badge spaces: 2
Payment options: Cash, RingGo
Prices
| Length of Stay | Price |
| Up to 1 hour | £1.30 |
| Up to 2 hours | £2.60 |
| Up to 3 hour | £3.90 |
| Up to 4 hour | £5.20 |
St George’s Field Car Park
St George’s Field Car Park is just a stones throw from Clifford’s Tower and the river (prone to flooding so always check river levels before leaving the car park).
Address: Castle Mills Bridge, York, YO10 4AB
Spaces: 150
Opening Times: 24 hours
Motorcycle Parking: No
Blue Badge spaces: 6
Payment options: Cash, Card, RingGo
Car Prices
| Length of Stay | Price |
| Up to 1 hour | £3.10 |
| Up to 2 hour | £6.20 |
| Up to 3 hour | £9.30 |
| Up to 4 hour | £12.40 |
| Up to 5 hour | £15.50 |
| Over 5 hours | £20.00 |
Coach Prices (1st April – 31st Dec)
| Up to 1 hour | £7.80 |
| Up to 3 hours | £16.00 |
| Up to 5 hours | £18.50 |
| Over 5 hours | £27.00 |
| 6pm – 11pm | Free |
Coach Prices (1st Jan – 31st March)
| Up to 1 hour | £8.50 |
| Up to 3 hours | £16.00 |
| Over 3 hours | £27.00 |
| 6pm – 11pm | Free |
Union Terrace Car Park
Union Terrace Car Park is close to York Hospital so the ideal alternative if the on-site car park is full. You can also walk to York Minster in just 5 minutes.
Address: Union Terrace, Clarence Street, York, YO31 7ES
Spaces: 145
Opening Times: 24 hours
Motorcycle Parking: Yes
Blue Badge spaces: 13
Payment options: Cash, Card, RingGo
Car Prices
| Length of Stay | Price |
| Up to 1 hour | £3.10 |
| Up to 2 hour | £6.20 |
| Up to 3 hour | £9.30 |
| Up to 4 hour | £12.40 |
| Up to 5 hour | £15.50 |
| Over 5 hours | £20.00 |
Coach Prices (1st April – 31st Dec)
| Up to 1 hour | £7.80 |
| Up to 3 hours | £16.00 |
| Up to 5 hours | £18.50 |
| Over 5 hours | £27.00 |
| 6pm – 11pm | Free |
Coach Prices (1st Jan – 31st March)
| Up to 1 hour | £8.50 |
| Up to 3 hours | £16.00 |
| Over 3 hours | £27.00 |
| 6pm – 11pm | Free |
Cheap On Street Parking in York
If you prefer to park in on-street parking bays when visiting York, rather than council run car parks, you can take advantage of cheap parking at the following on-street parking locations:
| Location | Hourly Charge |
| Skeldergate | £3.10 |
| Cromwell Road | £1.20 |
| Cumberland Street | £1.20 |
| Garden Street | £1.20 |
| Huntington Road | £1.20 |
| Lowther Street | £1.20 |
| Carmelite Street | £3.10 |
| Lawrence Street | £3.10 |
| Lord Mayors Walk | £3.10 |
Residents parking in York
If you are a resident in York and live in a permit parking area, you can apply for a residents parking permit. There are different permits available depending on your circumstances and prices differ accordingly.
Permit pricing is worked out based on the type of permit you need and the length of time you want it for (3, 6, 9 or 12 months).
You will need proof of address and proof of vehicle details to apply for a parking permit.
About York, UK
York is a true gem of the North, offering a glimpse into the history of the city around ever corner, combined with the modern shops and bars making York a popular city to visit. If you are visiting York as a family, there are plenty of attractions to suit all ages.
Alternatively, if you are looking for a romantic break, York has so much to offer from restaurants, bars and hotels to quirky hangouts. As York is such a bustling, tourist city, parking can be difficult and expensive, but if you know where to look, there is free parking available with easy access to the city.
Be aware, you are going to have to walk around 1 mile from your free parking spot, but if you are in York for a weekend, or even longer, you’ll appreciate free parking spots during your stay.
Even with the stroll from your free parking spot to the city centre, you will admire a range of stunning architecture, beautiful parks and quaint little shops on your way.
York is a very accessible city so walking around is easy, with plenty of pedestrian areas so if you are in the city with family, you can be sure that your walk around the city is as safe as possible, leaving you to explore.
Alternatively, you may work in the centre of York and be looking for a free parking spot to save you paying extortionate public car parking fees. The cities bus infrastructure is great, so if you can find a free parking spot, you can easily jump on a bus into the centre of town for just a couple of pounds.
Whether you are looking for free parking near York Dungeons or near York Minster, we show you the best spots for easy, quick access to this beautiful city.
Is York easy to get around?
York has a lot of one way road systems which might seem confusing if you have never visited. We recommend using one of our free parking spots and walking into the centre for a stress free experience.
Is free parking available near York Railway Station
Yes, the closest free parking near the Railway Station is Hamilton Drive East. You can expect a 15-20 minute walk so make sure you get there in good time. Hamilton Drive East is a residential street so ensure you park considerately.
Other towns and cities nearby
If you’re visiting the area for a short trip or just looking for things to do nearby, you can explore these towns and cities that are near to York:
Information was last updated on May 18th, 2025