Parking in Cambridge can feel confusing for first-time visitors. The historic core is compact, heavily pedestrianised, and protected by traffic restrictions designed to preserve the city’s character. That’s great for walking — but it means choosing the right car park before you arrive makes a huge difference to how smoothly your day starts.
The good news is that Cambridge has several well-located car parks within comfortable walking distance of the historic centre. Each has a slightly different advantage: some are cheaper, some are closer to the colleges and museums, and others are easier to access from major roads.
Below is a practical guide to the best parking options, including approximate prices, nearby attractions, and realistic walking times into the heart of the city.
(Prices may change — always check signage or official sites on arrival.)
Grand Arcade Car Park
The most central large car park in Cambridge and the easiest option if your priority is immediate access to the main shopping streets and historic squares.
From here you step directly into the commercial heart of the city. Within minutes you reach Market Square, Great St Mary’s Church, and several college entrances.
This is one of the pricier choices, but the convenience is unmatched for central access.
Directions
- Address: Grand Arcade car park, Corn Exchange Street, Cambridge CB2 3QF.
- Nearby attractions: Cambridge Market Square and Great St Mary’s Church.
- Distance from Centre: 0.6km / under 10 min walk.
Price
- Weekdays (Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm): £2.70/hr
- Saturday (8am–6pm): £3.30/hr
- Sunday (10am–6pm): £3.30/hr
- Free: After 6pm
Open Hours & Capacity
- Open hours: 24 hours.
- Capacity: 953 spaces.
Queen Anne Terrace (Parkside)
One of Cambridge’s largest multi-storey car parks and a reliable option during peak tourist periods. Its size means availability is usually better than smaller central sites.
It sits beside Parker’s Piece, a large historic green where modern football rules were first formalised. From here, the walk into the centre is flat and straightforward.
This is often the best balance between price, space, and walking distance.
Directions
- Address: Queen Anne Terrace car park, Gonville Place, Cambridge CB1 1ND.
- Nearby attractions: Parker’s Piece.
- Distance from Centre : 1.3km / 15 min walk.
Price
- Weekdays (Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm): £2.30/hr
- Saturday (8am–6pm): £3.00/hr
- Sunday (10am–6pm): £3.00/hr
- Free : After 6pm
Open Hours & Capacity
- Open hours : 24 hours.
- Capacity: 527 spaces.
Grafton West Car Park
Located beside the Grafton Centre, this car park offers a pleasant walk into the historic centre across Midsummer Common.
It’s a practical alternative when central car parks are busy and provides a relaxed approach into the city.
A solid mid-distance option with green space on your walking route.
Directions
- Address: Grafton West car park, Fitzroy Lane, Cambridge CB1 1HE.
- Nearby attractions: Midsummer Common.
- Distance from Centre: 1.2km / 15 min walk.
Price
- Weekdays (8am–6pm): £2.50/hr
- Saturday (8am–6pm): £3.10/hr
- Sunday (10am–6pm): £3.10/hr
- Free: After 6pm
Open Hours & Capacity
- Open hours: 24 hours.
- Capacity: 279
Gwydir Street Car Park
A smaller, budget-friendly option suited to short visits. It’s located just off Mill Road, one of Cambridge’s most characterful streets, known for independent restaurants and international food shops.
The walk into the centre takes you through a lively local neighbourhood before joining the historic area.
Good for quick trips to Mil Road rather than full-day parking.
Directions
- Address: Gwydir Street, off Mill Road, Cambridge CB1 2LW.
- Nearby attractions: Mill Road cafés and independent shops.
- Distance from Centre: 1.5km / 20 min walk.
Price
- Mon–Sat: (8am–6pm): £1.80/hr
- Free: Evenings & all day Sunday.
Open Hours & Capacity
- Open hours: 24 hours.
- Maximum stay: 4 hours.
- Capacity: 38
Castle Hill Car Park
A small car park in one of Cambridge’s oldest neighbourhoods. It’s farther from the centre but often quieter than multi-storey options.
A good fallback when closer car parks are full.
Directions
- Address: Castle Hill, off Castle Street, Cambridge CB3 0AT.
- Nearby attractions: Castle Mound.
- Distance from Centre: 1.6km / 20 min walk.
Price
- Up to 2 hours: £2.80
- Up to 4 hours: £5.60
- + 4 hours: £8.90
- Sunday: 4.50 all day
Open Hours & Capacity
- Open hours: 24 hours
- Maximum stay: 5 hours
- Capacity: 111
Lammas Land Car Park
A quieter and more scenic parking option popular with families and walkers. The route into town passes through open green space and commons.
This is one of the most pleasant walking approaches into the city centre.
Ideal if you want to combine sightseeing with time outdoors.
Directions
- Address: The Driftway, Newnham Road, Cambridge CB3 9JJ.
- Nearby attractions: Lammas Land recreation ground and Coe Fen Common.
- Distance from Centre: 1.7km / 25 min walk.
Price
- Up to 2 hours: £2.30
- Up to 4 hours: £5.50
- Weekend maximum stay: 5 hours
- Free: Evenings (check signage)
Open Hours & Capacity
- Open hours: 8am – 9pm
- Maximum stay: 5 hours
- Capacity: 75
Beehive Retail Park
A large out-of-centre retail car park offering free short-stay parking. It’s much farther from the historic centre, but useful if you’re combining shopping with a city visit.
Better suited for short retail trips or bus access into town rather than walking.
Directions
- Address: Beehive Centre, Coldhams Lane, Cambridge CB1 3ET.
- Nearby attractions: Lammas Land recreation ground and Coe Fen Common.
- Distance from Centre: 3km / 25 min walk.
Price
- Free: Everyday
Open Hours & Capacity
- Open hours: 24 hours
- Maximum stay: 4 hours
- Capacity: 250 +
Park & Ride: The Easiest Option for Day Trips
If you’re arriving from outside Cambridge, Park & Ride is often the most stress-free solution. You park on the edge of the city and take a short bus journey into the centre.
Buses run frequently and drop you within walking distance of the historic centre.
- Return ticket: £3.50 per adult includes up to 3 children under 16
- Group ticket: £10.50 (up to 5 adults)
Sites serve all major approach roads:
- Milton (north)
- Newmarket Road (east)
- Madingley Road (west)
- Babraham Road (south-east)
- Trumpington (south-west)