Your Guide to Parking in Cambridge
Cambridge is renowned for its picturesque riverbanks, historic colleges, and, of course, its iconic punting tradition. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, nothing quite captures the charm of the city like a leisurely punt along the River Cam. However, before you set off to enjoy the views, you’ll need to navigate one of the most common challenges in the city: finding parking.
To help make your journey to the river as smooth as possible, we’ve put together a short-list of Cambridge car parks, sorted by their distance from our punt station on Jesus Green.
Queen Anne Terrace (Parkside)
Multi Story carpark located near the Grafton Centre, popular option if you’re visiting both the city centre and Jesus Green.
Address: Queen Anne Terrace car park, Gonville Place, Cambridge CB1 1ND
Distance from the river: 0.5 miles (10-minute walk)
Day rate during peak hours: £20. Free parking available after 6pm.
Grafton West
Just a short walk from Midsummer Common and Jesus Green, this car park offers a perfect starting point for a leisurely stroll along the river. Enjoy the scenic views as you pass by the college boathouses, making your way to our punt station.
Address: Grafton West car park, Fitzroy Lane, off Maids Causeway, Cambridge CB1 1HE
Distance from the river: 0.6 miles (12-minute walk)
Day rate during peak hours: £30.80. Free parking available after 6pm.
Gwydir Street
A budget-friendly car park with reasonable rates, particularly for short stays. Maximum stay of 4 hours. Situated along Mill Road, a vibrant area known for its independent restaurants, community shops, and coffee spots.
Address: Gwydir Street, off Mill Road, Cambridge CB1 2LW.
Distance from the river: 0.7 miles (15-minute walk).
Charges: £1.80 per hour with a maxim stay of 4 hours between 8am – 6pm (mon – sat).
Grand Arcade
Located within the historic city centre, this is a good option if you’re also planning to explore the city or colleges. However, it is on the pricier side compared to other car parks in the area.
Address: Grand Arcade car park, Corn Exchange Street, Cambridge CB2 3QF.
Distance from the river: 0.7 miles (15-minute walk).
Day rate during peak hours: £33.10. Free parking available after 6pm.
Click here for more information on the Grand Arcade car park.
Lammas Land
The Lammas Land Car Park is located near Coe Fen Common, a picturesque area perfect for a family outing. With a children’s play area, beautiful walking trails, and easy access to the river, it’s an ideal spot for leisurely activities during your visit to Cambridge.
Address: The Driftway, Newnham Road, Cambridge CB3 9JJ.
Distance from the river: 1 mile (20-minute walk)
Charges: £2.30 for 2 hours, £5.50 for 4 hours. Maximum stay of 5 hours during weekends
Castle Hill
Street-level car park located north of the river. Named after the nearby mound where the Normal castle once stood.
Address: Castle Hill, off Castle Street, Cambridge CB3 0AT.
Distance from the river: 1.2 miles (25-minute walk).
Day rate: £8.90. Free parking available after 6pm.
Street Parking
In addition to car parks listed above, there is limited street parking close to our punt station. If you’re feeling luck and arrive early enough, free street parking can be found at the following locations:
Pound Hill – Cb3 0AE (8min walk)
Northampton Street – Cb3 0AE (7min walk)
Chesterton Road – CB4 1AA (9min walk)
Lady Margaret Road – CB4 0BJ (10min walk)
Cambridge Park & Ride
Don’t feel like waiting in traffic or searching for a spot? Avoid the congestion and hassle of finding parking by taking the Park and Ride bus, which offers a stress-free, convenient way to reach the city centre. There are a number of Park & Ride options available with regular buses to Cambridge city centre bus station, which is just a 14 min walk from our punt station.
Return tickets cost £3.50 per adult, including up to 3 kids under the age of 16.
Large group tickets are available for £10.50, allowing up to 5 adults.
Milton Park & Ride for drivers entering the north of Cambridge via the A10.
Newmarket Road Park & Ride for drivers entering the east of Cambridge via the A14, or Madingly Road Park & Ride via the A428.
Babraham Road Park & Ride for drivers entering the south east of Cambridge via the A1307.
Trumpington for drivers entering south west Cambridge via the A10.
Conclusion
Finding parking near the River Cam doesn’t have to be stressful. With a range of convenient options just a short walk from the river, you’ll be ready to enjoy your punting experience without hassle. So, park up, take a scenic stroll, and start your Cambridge adventure by booking your punting tickets today.