Free Parking in Oxford

If you are familiar with Oxford, you will know that parking, and most definitely free parking in Oxford can be difficult due to the restrictions, so we show you the best options for free parking in Oxford without restrictions.

3 places to park for free in Oxford (2025)

You can park for free in Oxford on the following streets near to the city centre:

These free parking spots are between 1 -2 miles away from Oxford city centre, so you can expect a 30-40 minute walk, or you can hop on the local bus service which runs regularly.

You should always check for any newly installed restriction signs before leaving your car.

What to consider when parking free in Oxford

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

Free parking near Oxford University

Oxford University is one of the most prestigious and well known across the world. If you’re visiting, you can use any of the free parking spots on the following streets; Yarnells Hill, Hazel Road and Seacourt Road.

The University grounds are spectacular and the architecture around you is worth taking your time to enjoy.

Free parking near Oxford Castle

Oxford Castle is a fantastic place to visit, with the option to pay to climb the hill which offers fantastic views of the city. The walk should only take around 5 minutes and the route is well laid out.

Remember to take your camera for a great panoramic shot over the city. You can park at any of the following free parking spots for Oxford Castle; Yarnells Hill, Hazel Road and Seacourt Road.

Free car parks in Oxford

If car parks are your preferred method of parking, you can park for free in the following car parks across Oxford during the specified times:

Car Park	Free Parking
Port Meadow North, OX2 8PU	All Day
Port Meadow South, OX1 1AF	All Day
Cutteslowe & Sunnymead Park, OX2 8LH	6pm – 10am

Oxford Park & Ride Sites

Oxford has five park and ride sites so you can easily access the city without worrying about parking.

One thing to note is that parking is not free at these park and ride sites, so they are best used when visiting Oxford for longer than just a few hours (up to 72 hours is just £12) or if you are visiting as a family (a combined parking and bus ticket for 2 adults and up to 3 children costs just £5).

Park and Ride Site	Address	Spaces	Height Restriction
Oxford Parkway Park & Ride	OX2 8HA	758	2.1m
Pear Tree Park & Ride	OX2 8JZ	1,035	2.3m
Redbridge Park & Ride	OX1 4XG	1,412	2.1m
Seacourt Park & Ride	OX2 0HP	794	2.2m
Thornhill Park & Ride	OX3 8DP	1,335	2.1m

Free overnight parking in Oxford

On-street council parking in Oxford is free between 10pm and 8am, so this is the best option for overnight parking. Free overnight on-street parking in Oxford can be found on the following streets:

• Merton Street
• King Edward Street
• Cromwell Street
• Beaumont Street
• St Giles
• Keble Road
• Blackhall Road
• Museum Road
• Parks Road
• Broad Street

Coach parking in Oxford

Coach parking in Oxford is available at Redbridge Coach and Lorry Park (OX1 4XG). Prices up to 4 hours are £5, or you can stay for 24 hours for only £12.50.

If you are simply looking for coach drop-off in the city centre, you want to use:

• St Aldates South (northbound) – just south of the Combined Court OX11TL
• Beaumont Street (westbound) – just outside the Playhouse OX1 2LW
• St Giles’ (northbound) – in the lay-by by the Taylorian OX1 3NA

Residential parking permits in Oxford

If you are a resident in Oxford where parking 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 for a one year permit is £70. Additional permits may be purchased but they do incur additional charges.

We always recommend looking out for newly installed road signs as permitted parking can change quickly.