Brighton is one of the most popular seaside towns on the South Coast so visiting for the day can get costly, particularly if you have driven there.
If you’re leaving Brighton by train, the best option is to use a free parking spot to save on pricey charges. Finding parking might seem like a challenge, but knowing where free parking spots without restrictions are makes the experience more enjoyable.
4 places to park for free in Brighton 2025
- Ticehurst Road
- Wiston Road
- Whitehawk Crescent
- Marlow Road
If you are a regular visitor to Brighton, you will know just how expensive parking in the seaside town can be. Most of the convenient parking close to the beach is council run and therefore you are paying a premium.
As you have been looking for free parking in Brighton, it can be assumed that you are more concerned with saving money than finding the most convenient parking.
These free parking spots involve a 15-20 minute walk, but it can save you a good amount of money in the long run.
Brighton is quite limited when it comes to where you can park for free so expect a fair walk of around 20 minute down to the seafront and a further 20 minutes to walk over to the pier. This free parking spot is in walking distance to Brighton Marina.
The closest free parking spot to Brighton Marina is Marlow Road, which is just a 20 minute walk away. If you’re heading down to Brighton Pier, it’s more like a 30 minute walk, but in the summer months, it’s quite enjoyable.
Free Parking near Brighton Marina
Brighton Marina is a large and modern harbour complex located in the eastern part of Brighton, UK. It is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike, offering a wide range of activities, shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
The marina features over 1,500 berths for boats and yachts, as well as various watersports and boating facilities. Visitors can also enjoy shopping at the various retail outlets, watching movies at the cinema, playing at the casino, or dining at one of the many restaurants and cafes.
Additionally, the marina hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Brighton Marina Food Festival and the Brighton Marina Yacht Club Regatta.
You can park close to Brighton Marina on the following streets which offer free parking: Ticehurst Road, Wiston Road, Whitehawk Crescent and Marlow Road.
Free Car Parks
If parking on the side of a residential street is not your thing, you can instead park for free in Brighton at Black Rock Car Park between 8pm and 9am, meaning you can grab the last few hours of sunlight during the Summer months.
There are no car parks in Brighton that offer free parking during the day time.
| Car Park | Address | Spaces | Free Parking | Disabled Bays |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Rock Car Park | Madeira Drive, Brighton, BN2 1DZ | 61 | 8pm – 9am | Yes |
Free On-Street Parking
If you would rather park in one of the on-street parking bays in Brighton (which are often closer to the amenities), you can park for free in the following zones, between 8pm and 9am:
| Zone | Area | Free Parking |
|---|---|---|
| Zone A | Preston Park Station | 8pm – 9am |
| Zone B | Coldean | 8pm – 9am |
| Zone D | Moulsecoomb | 8pm – 9am |
| Zone E | Preston Park Station North | 8pm – 9am |
| Zone F | Fiveways | 8pm – 9am |
| Zone G | Hollingbury Road/ Ditchling Gardens | 8pm – 9am |
| Zone H | Kemp Town and Hospital | 8pm – 9am |
| Zone I | Craven Vale | 8pm – 9am |
| Zone J | Preston Circus | 8pm – 9am |
| Zone K | Preston Village | 8pm – 9am |
| Zone L | West Hove | Midday – 6pm and 7pm – 11am |
| Zone P | Hove Park | 10am – 1pm and 2pm – 9am |
| Zone X | South Portslade | Midday – 6pm and 7pm – 11am |
Cheapest Parking in Brighton
Whilst there are plenty of free parking options, you may feel more comfortable parking somewhere with added security, especially if you are leaving your car for a longer period of time.
Luckily, there are other options, such as booking through Your Parking Space for cheap parking in and around Brighton for under £13 per day, which can reduce the cost drastically, particularly if you are looking for monthly parking.
Park & Ride Sites
Brighton park and ride is a public transportation service in Brighton, UK that provides a convenient and affordable way to travel to and from the city centre.
It operates from two locations outside the city: Withdean Stadium and Brighton Racecourse. Both locations offer free parking and frequent bus service to and from the city centre.
The park and ride service is a popular option for visitors to Brighton who want to avoid the hassle and expense of driving and parking in the city centre.
Buses run every 15 or 20 minutes until around 11.30pm, meaning you can enjoy a full day of fun for the cost of a bus ride.
| Park and Ride Site | Address | Use For |
|---|---|---|
| Withdean Sports Complex Park & Ride | BN1 5JD | Brighton Seafront, Brighton Attractions |
Park & Ride Bus Ticket Prices
| Ticket Type | Price |
| City Saver | £5.00 (app)/ £5.50 (driver) |
| 2 Adults, 3 Children | £11.00 |
Overnight Parking
Madeira Drive Car Park in Brighton is suitable for overnight parking, including motorhomes and is accessible 24 hours a day. It is located right on the seafront so you are within easy access of the local amenities. Charges apply between 9am and 8pm.
Coach Parking
There is coach parking available in Brighton at Madeira Drive Car Park, however, there is a charge for coach parking during the day at this location, but parking is free after 8pm.
If you are planning to keep your coach parked up at Madeira Drive car park, charges are £12.70 for 4 hours or £20.10 for up to 8 hours.
If you are simply dropping off passengers, you can use the Brighton Palace Pier location.
Residential Parking
Residents of Brighton can apply for a residents parking permit so you can park on the streets surrounding your home.
In order to apply, you must prove that you are a resident and that you own your car.
Permits cost anywhere from £60 to £210 for the year depending on the emissions of your vehicle.
We always recommend looking out for newly installed road signs as permitted parking can change quickly.