Planning a punting trip in Cambridge? One of the most important things to organise in advance is where to park. The city’s old streets and busy weekends can make finding a good parking spot difficult if you’re not sure where to look. To make your visit smoother, we’ve put together a guide to the best parking options near our punting departure point. Whether you’re here for a short visit or a full day of exploring, this will help you find the right spot. Read on to find the most convenient places to park and helpful tips to make your arrival stress-free.
Short Stay and Nearby Parking in cambridge
If you’re planning a short visit or arriving later in the day, there are several convenient parking spots just a short walk from our punting location. These are ideal if you’re popping in for a quick trip or a late-afternoon punt.
Chesterton Road
- A handy pay-and-display option allowing up to 2 hours of parking. It’s free after 5pm and only a 5–10 minute walk to our departure point, depending on where you park along the road.
Pound Hill
- Another good pay-and-display location for short stays (up to 2 hours), with free parking after 5pm. It’s roughly an 8-minute walk to us, making it a great choice for shorter visits.
Longer Stay Cambridge Car Parks
If you’re planning to spend more time in Cambridge—perhaps exploring the city before or after your punting tour—these car parks are ideal for longer stays. They’re all within walking distance of our punting location and offer more flexibility for extended visits.
Park Street Car Park
- Just a 5-minute walk away, this is one of the most convenient long-stay options. It’s well-located for both punting and city centre attractions.
Castle Hill Car Park
- A quieter option about a 12-minute walk from our departure point. Great for those happy to take a short stroll and often a bit less busy than some central spots.
Grand Arcade & Grafton Centre Car Parks
- These large multi-storey car parks are located in central Cambridge and are about a 15-minute walk from us. They’re well-signposted, easy to find, and perfect if you’re combining punting with shopping, dining, or sightseeing in the city.
cambridge Park & Ride Options
If you’re planning to spend the whole day in Cambridge, the Park & Ride service is a convenient, cost-effective alternative to city centre parking. It helps avoid traffic and the often limited parking availability in town—especially on weekends.
There are five Park & Ride sites around Cambridge, all with frequent buses heading to Drummer Street, which is about a 15-minute walk from our punting location.
For the easiest access, we recommend the Madingley Road Park & Ride, as its bus route includes a stop on Bridge Street, just a 5-minute walk away from us.
You can find more details about locations, fares, and timetables here:
Cambridge Park and Ride Information
Accessibility and Blue Badge Parking
Cambridge offers a number of dedicated parking options for Blue Badge holders, making it easier for visitors with disabilities to access the city centre and riverside areas.
Blue Badge holders can often park for free in designated bays, pay-and-display spaces, and on single or double yellow lines (where safe to do so).
For full details on where and how to use a Blue Badge in Cambridge, please visit:
Free Parking for Blue Badge Holders Information
Top Tips for Parking in Cambridge
Parking in Cambridge can be challenging—especially on weekends, during university events, or in the summer months—so it’s a good idea to plan ahead.
Here are a few helpful tips:
- Arrive early if you’re visiting on a weekend or during peak times.
- Allow extra time to find a space and walk to our punting departure point.
- Check signage carefully, as time limits and charges can vary by location.
- Consider Park & Ride to avoid the stress of city centre traffic and limited spaces.
A bit of forward planning goes a long way in making your visit as relaxed and enjoyable as possible.
More Information and Useful Links
To help make your trip to Cambridge as smooth as possible, here are a few helpful links:
- 🚗 Cambridge Parking Information – Cambridge City Council
- 🚌 Park & Ride – Official Site
- ♿ Disabled Parking Information – Blue Badge Holders
Once you’ve sorted your parking, you’re just a short walk away from one of Cambridge’s must-do experiences. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another scenic trip along the River Cam, our punting tours are the perfect way to take in the sights and soak up the history of this beautiful city.
We look forward to welcoming you aboard!