Parking in Cambridge for Punting

A stone bridge over the river Cam, as viewed from the river.

If you’re coming punting with us then these are our top recommendations for parking – based on price and proximity.

Looking forward to seeing you on the river!

Cambridge Park & Ride

Firstly, as in most cities, Cambridge is best navigated using the Park and Ride services. This alternative to driving and queuing for expensive spots within the city centre can be avoided entirely whichever direction you approach the city.

Cambridge offers 5 Park and Ride options, all located around the borders of the city. Parking is free for up to 18 hours with buses operating every 10 minutes within peak times.

Find out more on the Cambridge Park & Ride website.

Stylised map showing Cambridge, the surrounding towns and the main roads that lead into Cambridge.

Castle Hill Car Park

Castle Hill Car Park Castle Street Cambridge CB3 0AR

A 5 minute walk from our punting pontoon and moorings on Jesus Green. A short 15 minute walk from the city centre.

This car park is open Monday to Sunday, 24 hours a day. Parking is free outside the chargeable hours. Note that weekly passes can be bought for £35.80. There are 4 Blue Badge spaces and your first 3 hours are free.

A table showing charges for Castle Hill car park. Monday through Friday 8am to 7pm for up to 2 hours is £2.60, up to 4 hours is £4.90, and over 4 hours is £8.20. Saturday 9am to 7pm charges are the same as above. Sunday 10am to 5pm the charge is £4.10 all day.

Pound Hill Pay & Display Parking

Pound Hill Cambridge CB3 0AE

Pound Hill is located next to Kettles Yard, which is around 5 minutes away from the river, perfect for a short stay option.

It costs £0.80 for a half hour with a maximum two-hour stay (four hours on Sundays). Parking is free in the evening.

Chesterton Road Pay & Display Parking

Chesterton Lane Cambridge CB4 1AA

Chesterton Road is located across the lock bridge, which is less than 5 minutes away from the pontoon, perfect for punting.

It costs £0.80 for a half hour with a maximum two-hour stay (four hours on Sundays). Parking is free in the evening (after 5pm).

Grand Arcade Car Park

Grand Arcade Car Park Corn Exchange Street Cambridge CB2 3BJ

Located within Cambridge’s main shopping centre, the Grand Arcade is just 10 minutes walk to go punting.

Open Monday to Sunday, 24 hours a day. Evening and overnight parking is charged at £1.20 per hour. Blue Badge holders park for free for up to 3 hours. Day time parking tariffs fluctuate with peak and off peak times on different days. Check here for current tariffs.

Park Street Car Park – Now Closed

Park Street Car Park Park Street Cambridge CB5 8AS

The car park closed for redevelopment at midday on 4 January 2022. We expect the redeveloped car park to reopen in August 2024.

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