Free and Paid Parking in Belfast in 2024 with Google Map Marking

Parking in Belfast

Let’s first talk about Belfast and then, we will explore the best parking spots there, both free and paid.

Belfast, known as the cultural “Athens” of Ireland, is the capital city of Northern Ireland and the 12th largest city in the United Kingdom, with a population of 345,000 people. It’s on Northern Ireland’s east coast, where the Lagan River meets the Irish Sea. There are car ferries to and from Liverpool, and the world-famous Titanic cruise ship was built in the Harland and Wolff shipyards before its fateful voyage to the depths of the Atlantic Ocean.

Belfast was founded in the 17th century, but there was a Bronze Age settlement nearby. Interestingly, the ‘Giant’s Ring’ Neolithic henge dates back to around 2700 BC, making it older than the pyramids. It is located in Shaw’s Bridge, just south of the city, and is well worth a visit. According to one theory, it was a Neolithic religious site and burial ground.

Belfast played an important role in the industrial revolution, and the shipbuilding yards were an important part of the British Empire’s industrial strength. At the beginning of the nineteenth century, Belfast was the world’s largest producer of linen, with other major industries including rope production and tobacco processing. Belfast experienced massive unrest during the British-led partition of Ireland in 1920 and again in the 1990s, but things have calmed down and no one should be concerned about visiting this wonderful city. Today, to get the full picture, go to Belfast’s People’s Museum of the Troubles and Peace.

Belfast has two major airports and three universities, as well as a wide range of cultures. If you’re looking for a fun night out, you’ll find it here, whether it’s a traditional Irish pub with a pint of Guinness and some Irish folk music, or something totally modern and cutting edge. The John Hewitt Bar for some wicked live jazz, or The Tipsy Bird & Brewers Yard for original touring bands, are two of Belfast’s most vibrant live music venues. Every night of the week, there’s something to keep you entertained in this bustling city.

The Titanic Belfast is a truly unique museum from the outside and inside, covering the Titanic’s first and final voyages. The museum, on the other hand, isn’t all doom and gloom, and it provides a fantastic insight into what it would have been like to be on the ship, with interactive displays and recreated spaces. There’s a lot of really good information presented in an engaging manner, including how the wreck was discovered. It’s a guaranteed good time for all ages.

If you enjoy beautiful parks and open spaces, Belfast has 40 public parks and a magnificent botanical garden on the left bank of the Lagan River in the city’s south.

Belfast Castle is another popular tourist destination, with hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. With an estimated 1.5 million tourists visiting each year, parking in Belfast can be a nightmare. We scoured the city center for every free residential street parking location, as well as all other paid and short-term commercial parking options. Get out there and explore without having to worry about finding a parking spot.

Important Note:

While UKFreeParking.com takes every step to ensure that the parking information provided is accurate at the time of writing, local ordinances, parking availability, parking prices, and parking regulations change with time.

UKFreeParking.com accepts no responsibility for any fines or tickets received as a result of using our website.

Please ensure that you park your vehicle safely and responsibly every time, making sure to adhere to local parking rules, signs, and regulations.

Free Parking in Belfast

Free, unrestricted streetside parking

All of the addresses listed below have free street parking, giving you unlimited time to park in Belfast and potentially saving you a lot of money. We discovered the streets closest to the center and wrote some additional interesting information about things to see in different areas of Belfast, including walking distances to Belfast City Hall. Walking is the perfect antidote to a long drive; stretch your legs and soak up some vibes on your way to your destination!

You will not be breaking any rules if you use the addresses below, but make sure you follow all of the common sense parking rules. Never park too close to other vehicles, on road bends, or in someone’s driveway. Another factor to consider is the residents, particularly at night. Nobody wants to hear music or the revving of load engines. Keep an eye out for any parking signs left by residents or any new restrictions imposed by the council, just in case. Finally, trust your instincts: if a street feels unsafe, or you are concerned about valuables in your car, you may want to consider paid parking options with CCTV cameras and barriers in place.

North

It would be a travesty to miss the Giant’s Causeway coastal path if you are driving into Belfast from the northern Ballymena or Antrim directions along the M2. If you do not want to walk down, there are plenty of organized tours available from the city center. On your way to the center, you can take a short detour to see the impressive St Anne’s Cathedral. You can see it from Buoy Park and then explore The Mac, a fantastic modern arts space with a variety of performances and even comedy nights.

  • Plunkett Court BT13 1AZ â€“ 0.9 miles
  • Arnon Street BT13 1BD â€“ 0.9 miles

East

Will you travel up the A2 from Bangor? That route will take you directly past IKEA and Belfast’s George Best Airport. We highly recommend visiting Victoria Park, which has incredible nature, lakes, duck ponds, pedestrian bridges, and great kids play parks. There are some great parking spots right next to the river, so walk past the left embankment before heading into the center.

  • McAuley Street BT7 2BW â€“ 0.6 miles
  • Stewart Street BT7 2DS â€“ 0.6 miles

South

If you are driving up from Lisburn in the south, you should consider stopping at the botanical gardens. You can also take a lovely walk along the Stranmillis embankment before continuing to the free residential street parking addresses listed below. You will walk right past the Game of Thrones Tours departure point, so if you are a fan of the legendary series (most of which was shot in Northern Ireland), this could be your chance to see those locations in person!

  • Pakenham Street BT7 1AB â€“ 0.5 miles
  • Westminister Street BT7 1LA â€“ 0.9 miles
  • Oak Way BT7 1JE â€“ 0.6 miles

West

We have found more great free residential parking spots for those of you driving in from Antrim in the west or after picking up a friend from Belfast International Airport. If you have children who need to burn off some energy after a long drive, Dunville Park may be the ideal solution before heading into the centre.

  • Cairns Street BT12 4NH â€“ 1.0 mile
  • Lisfaddan Drive BT12 4SH â€“ 0.7 miles
  • Lisfaddan Place BT12 4SJ â€“ 0.7 miles
  • Barrack Street BT12 4FZ â€“ 0.6 miles
  • Hamill Street BT12 4AA â€“ 0.6 miles

Free Car Parks

The following car parks are all free, free, free!

  • Andersonstown Road BT11 9BU
  • Dundela Crescent BT1 3BJ
  • Glenburn Rd Car Park BT17 9AQ
  • Grampian Avenue BT4 3AB
  • Northumberland Street BT13 2JR
  • Parkgate Avenue BT4 1JA
  • Ravenscroft Car Parking BT5 5BA
  • Sandown Road Free Car Park BT5 6GT
  • Slievegallion Drive BT11 8JN
  • Stranmills Road BT9 5DT
  • Wandsworth Road BT4 3PB
  • Westminster Avenue (North) BT4 1QQ
  • Westminster Avenue (East) BT4 1NS
  • Westminster Avenue (West) BT4 1NS
  • Whitla Street BT15 1JP

Free after 6pm/Sunday Car Parks

Many of these parking lots are also on the list above. The most cost-effective options are the council-run NCP car parks, which are free after 6 p.m. and on Sundays, but make sure you buy a ticket in advance or leave before 8 a.m. to avoid penalties.

  • Ashdale Street BT5 5AX
  • Charlotte Street Car Park BT7 1TS
  • Corporation Street Car Park BT15 1BH (Leave by 7pm!)
  • Cromac Street Car Park BT2 8JN
  • Dunbar Street Parking BT1 2LH
  • Exchange Street Car Park BT1 2LU
  • Kent Street Car Park BT1 2JA
  • Little Donegall Street Car Park BT1 2JD
  • Station Street Car Park BT3 9DA
  • Marlborough Avenue Carpark BT9 7GQ
  • Lancaster Street Car Park BT15 1AS

Free after 9pm/Sunday Car Parks

The following parking lots are all free on Sundays or after 9 p.m., but you must either buy a ticket in advance or leave before 8 a.m. on weekdays and Saturdays to avoid traffic wardens.

  • Hope Street North BT12 5EE
  • Little Victoria Street Car Park BT2 7JQ
  • Smithfield Car Park BT1 1JQ

Park and Ride Services

  • Northside Park & Ride BT15 1GD â€“ north of Belfast
  • Great Georges Street Park & Ride BT15 1GD â€“ north of Belfast       
  • Black’s Road Park & Ride BT10 0NA â€“ southwest of Belfast
  • Cairnshill Park & Ride BT8 7SH â€“ south of Belfast      
  • Dundonald Park and Ride BT16 1TT â€“ east of Belfast
  • Eastside Park & Ride BT5 4TB â€“ east of Belfast

Cheapest Paid Car Parks

We have compiled a list of the cheapest parking options in Belfast for your convenience. Remember to check the times and to pay and display your tickets.

  • Lancaster Street Car Park BT15 1AS â€“ £0.80 for 2 hours
  • Cromac Street Car Park BT2 8JN â€“ £1.20 for 2 hours
  • Station Street Car Park BT3 9DA â€“ £1.20 for 2 hours
  • Little Donegall Street Car Park BT1 2JD â€“ £0.80 for 2 hours
  • Charlotte Street Car Park BT7 1TS â€“ £1.40 for 2 hours
  • Northside Park & Ride BT15 1GD â€“ £1.20 for 2 hours
  • Eastside Park & Ride BT5 4TB â€“ £1.20 for 2 hours

Free & paid parking near St. George’s Market

Free & paid parking near Titanic Belfast

Free & paid parking near Crumlin Road Gaol Visitor Attraction and Conference Centre

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