Free and Paid Parking in O2 Arena (2025)

Finding affordable parking near the O2 arena can be challenging, especially with London’s premium location pricing. Whether you’re wondering “can you park at the O2” or searching for the best parking near O2 arena alternatives, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about O2 arena parking in 2025.

O2 Arena Parking

Understanding The O2 Arena Location and Parking Challenges

The O2 Arena is part of a larger entertainment complex known as ‘The O2’ and is strategically located on the northernmost tip of the Greenwich Peninsula on the southern banks of the River Thames. This world-renowned venue attracts millions of visitors annually for international events, concerts, and entertainment experiences.

Given its prime location on some of London’s most valuable real estate, parking for the O2 comes at a premium. Before exploring your options, it’s crucial to understand the additional costs that may affect your journey, including ULEZ and Congestion Zone charges that can significantly impact your total parking expenses.

Important Considerations Before You Drive

When planning your trip to find parking near the O2, consider these essential factors:

• ULEZ Charges: The O2 is within the Ultra Low Emission Zone, meaning older vehicles or those not meeting ULEZ standards will incur an additional £12.50 charge
• Congestion Charge: If approaching from the west through central London’s Congestion Zone (roughly bounded by the inner ring road), expect an extra £15 fee depending on the time of day
• Traffic Conditions: Check for roadworks or accidents on major routes like A12, A13, A1261, or A102, which can significantly increase travel time on event days

For comprehensive information about these charges, refer to our detailed Congestion Charge and ULEZ guide.

Official O2 Arena Parking: Rates and Booking Options

Event Day Parking at The O2

O2 arena parking rates vary significantly between pre-booked and on-the-day pricing. Here’s the current pricing structure for 2025:

*Pre-booking more than 3 weeks in advance reduces the price to £25

Expert Recommendation: For events at The O2 or Indigo at The O2 (the 2,750-capacity live music club), we strongly recommend pre-booking through the official O2 website to secure the best rates and guarantee your parking spot.

Non-Event Day Parking at The O2

The O2 London parking operates with hourly rates in car parks 2 through 4 during non-event days. The pricing structure for regular parking is:

Money-Saving Discounts at The O2

Several discount opportunities can help reduce your O2 arena car park costs:

• Cineworld Discount: Visit Cineworld and get 4 hours free parking by presenting your unpaid ticket and cinema stub to the parking office opposite car park 2
• Icon Outlet Shopping: Spend £35 or more at Icon Outlet shopping centre and receive 4 hours free parking by showing your receipt at The O2 Welcome Desk

Free and Affordable Parking Alternatives Near The O2

Streetside Parking Options

For visitors willing to walk a reasonable distance, several free parking options exist around Greenwich. These solutions work best for able-bodied visitors without small children or large shopping requirements.

Completely Free Parking (24/7)

These locations offer unrestricted free parking at any time:

• Lombard Wall SE7 7SW – 1.4 miles from The O2
• Vanbrugh Park Road SE3 7NJ – 2 miles from The O2

Free Evening/Night Parking (6:30 PM – 9:00 AM)

These streets offer free parking outside business hours but require pay-and-display during daytime:

• Hoskins Street SE10 9LU – 1.6 miles from The O2
• Chevening Road SE10 0LB – 1.5 miles from The O2
• Pelton Road SE10 0AA – 1.6 miles from The O2

Safety Tip: When using street parking, always keep valuables out of sight and ensure your vehicle doesn’t impede traffic flow.

Alternative Car Parks Within Walking Distance

For those preferring secure car park facilities over street parking, several options offer competitive rates:

• Park Row Car Park SE10 9NL – £3.60/hour, Free after 6:30 PM (1.8 miles)
• The Royal Standard SE3 7JQ – £1/hour, 3-hour maximum stay (2.3 miles)
• Millennium Leisure Park – 5 hours free for customers only, maximum 5-hour stay (1.3 miles)

Important Note: Always keep purchase receipts when using customer-only parking facilities as proof of legitimate use.

Strategic Park and Ride Options

Canary Wharf: Premium Park and Ride

Parking near the O2 London becomes more economical when combining affordable parking with public transport. Canary Wharf offers the nearest metro station with substantial parking facilities – approximately 2,500 public spaces across several underground car parks.

Journey Time: Just 3 minutes from Canary Wharf to North Greenwich station via the Jubilee Line.

Canary Wharf Parking Rates

Canada Square Car Park E14 5EW and Jubilee Place Car Park E14 5NY:

• 0-2 hours: £4.80
• 2-3 hours: £6.50
• 3-4 hours: £9.00
• 4-5 hours: £13.00
• 5-6 hours: £14.00
• 6-24 hours: £24.00

Westferry Circus Car Park E14 4HD:

• 0-2 hours: £4.80
• 2-3 hours: £6.50
• 3-4 hours: £9.00
• 4-5 hours: £13.00
• 5-24 hours: £18.00

Pro Tip: Arrive early on event days, as these facilities fill up quickly when major events are scheduled at The O2.

Stratford: North London’s Best Option

For visitors approaching from North London via the A12, Stratford offers excellent park and ride facilities with a 14-minute journey to North Greenwich.

Stratford Parking Options

Stratford Multi-Storey Car Park E15 1BB:

• 0-2 hours: £4.60
• 2-3 hours: £5.80
• 3-4 hours: £9.20
• 4-6 hours: £17.30
• 6-10 hours: £23.00
• 10-24 hours: £28.80

Stratford International Car Park E20 1YY:

• 0-4 hours: £7.00
• 4-24 hours: £8.45

Woolwich Arsenal: Budget-Friendly Choice

The most economical park and ride option is Woolwich Arsenal, featuring APCOA station parking at exceptional rates:

• Daily Rate: £6.40 (weekdays)
• Sunday Rate: £3.50
• Address: SE18 8EU

This option provides excellent value for money, though journey times are slightly longer than other alternatives.

JustPark: Private Parking Solutions

JustPark offers privately rented parking spaces, including driveways on the Isle of Dogs near Canary Wharf. Rates start around £6.00 for 4-hour stays, providing another cost-effective alternative combined with a short walk to Canary Wharf station and a 2-minute metro journey to The O2.

Expert Tips for Finding the Best Parking

Timing Your Arrival

• Early Arrival: Arrive 2-3 hours before major events to secure the best parking spots
• Non-Event Days: Visit during weekdays or non-event periods for significantly lower rates
• Evening Events: Consider free evening parking options if attending late shows

Cost-Effective Strategies

1. Pre-book Official Parking: Save £7 by booking official O2 parking in advance
2. Combine Shopping and Parking: Use discount opportunities at Cineworld or Icon Outlet
3. Consider Park and Ride: Often cheaper than on-site parking, especially for longer visits
4. Check Event Schedules: Avoid major event days for better parking availability and pricing

Alternative Transport Considerations

Before committing to driving, consider London’s excellent public transport links to The O2:

• Thames Clippers: River transport services
• Jubilee Line: Direct connections from central London
• Bus Services: Multiple routes serve the Greenwich Peninsula

For visitors staying in London hotels, explore our guides to free and paid parking in Greenwich and free and paid parking in Canary Wharf for additional options.

Additional London Parking Resources

If you’re visiting other London attractions, check out our comprehensive guides for:

• Free and paid parking in Wembley Stadium
• Tottenham Hotspur Stadium parking
• Emirates Stadium parking options
• Hyde Park parking solutions

For airport parking needs, explore our detailed guides for Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted airports.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you park at the O2 for free?

While The O2 doesn’t offer free on-site parking, motorcycles can park free in official car parks. However, several free street parking options exist within walking distance, including 24/7 free parking at Lombard Wall and Vanbrugh Park Road.

What are the cheapest parking options near the O2 Arena?

The cheapest options include free street parking (if you don’t mind walking 1-2 miles), Woolwich Arsenal park and ride at £6.40 daily, or JustPark private spaces starting around £6.00 for 4 hours.

How much does official O2 Arena parking cost?

Official parking ranges from £20-37 depending on the event and booking method. Standard pre-booked parking costs £30 (£25 if booked 3+ weeks ahead), while on-the-day parking costs £37. Valet parking is available for £50-60.

Is it better to pre-book O2 Arena parking?

Yes, pre-booking saves £7 per visit and guarantees your parking spot. Booking 3+ weeks in advance provides additional savings, reducing costs to £25 instead of £37 for on-the-day parking.

What are the ULEZ and Congestion Charge implications for driving to the O2?

The O2 is within the ULEZ zone, costing £12.50 for non-compliant vehicles. If driving from west London through the Congestion Zone, expect an additional £15 charge during operating hours.

Which park and ride option offers the best value for O2 Arena visitors?

Woolwich Arsenal offers the best value at £6.40 daily (£3.50 Sundays), though Canary Wharf provides the shortest journey time at just 3 minutes to North Greenwich station.

Are there any parking discounts available at the O2?

Yes, visitors can get 4 hours free parking by watching a film at Cineworld or spending £35+ at Icon Outlet shopping centre. Show your cinema ticket/receipt at the designated locations.

What’s the maximum stay for alternative parking options near the O2?

Most street parking has no maximum stay restrictions, but some car parks have limits: The Royal Standard (3 hours max), Millennium Leisure Park (5 hours max for customers only).

How early should I arrive to find parking near the O2 Arena?

For major events, arrive 2-3 hours early to secure the best spots. Park and ride options like Canary Wharf fill up quickly on event days, so early arrival is especially important.

Can I find parking near the O2 Arena on event days?

Yes, but availability decreases and prices increase on event days. Pre-booking official parking or using park and ride facilities provides the most reliable options during major events.