Let’s first talk about Oxford and then, we will explore the best parking spots there, both free and paid.
Oxford is a city in southern England best known for its university; founded in 1096, it is the world’s oldest English-speaking university and one of the most prestigious. Oxford has a population of only 152,000 people, but the city attracts approximately 7 million tourists each year, owing primarily to the historical architecture and university campuses in the city center.
Many famous authors, most notably J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, are associated with Oxford and the university. Oxford also has numerous museums and art galleries, including the world’s first university museum (the Ashmolean) and the UK’s largest university library system. The city is rich in history, culture, and education, making it a popular tourist destination.
Parking in Oxford city centre, like in many others, can be difficult and expensive. However, if you know where to look, you can find free parking. We have compiled a list of all the free parking spots in Oxford. The map below provides a quick overview of the options, but continue reading for more information, including the cheapest paid parking.
Now let’s explore, where we can find Free and Paid Parking Spaces in Oxford!
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 Oxford
Free Residential Streetside Parking
Parking on a residential street and walking into the city center is your best bet for free parking in Oxford. Be mindful of the people who live on residential streets when parking. Keep the usual on-street parking rules in mind, such as keeping entrances and driveways clear. Do not park on double yellow lines. Keep noise to a minimum, especially at night. Always remember that parking on residential streets is at your own risk, and always check for any signs indicating restrictions before leaving your vehicle.
If you are unfamiliar with a city, finding available on-street parking can take time, and you are not guaranteed to find it unless you know where to look. We have organized all of the residential streets with free parking in Oxford based on which direction they are from the center, with postcodes and walking distances included.
North Oxford
Free parking in the northern residential streets of Oxford is a bit more of a walk into the city centre. However, they are convenient if you want to visit a couple of the beautiful green spaces like Port Meadow and the University Parks (where you can find Tolkien’s Bench). You will also hit the Museum of Natural History and the Ashmolean Museum before getting into the city centre proper, not to mention the many university colleges, including St Catherine’s and Magdalen, and the huge Bodleian Library. The famous Bridge of Sighs is near the end of this route.
- Gouldland Gardens OX3 9DQ – 2.5 miles
- Westlands Drive OX3 9QR – 2.5 miles
- Fairlawn End OX2 8AR – 2.7 miles
- First Turn OX2 8AH – 2.7 miles
- Foxwell Drive OX3 9QA – 2.8 miles
- David Walter Close OX2 8NJ – 2.9 miles
East Oxford
Visitors to the John Radcliffe Hospital may find it more convenient to park in an easterly direction, depending on the distance. Along the way to the center of Oxford, there are also many university recreation grounds, parks, and the Parsons’ Pleasure bathing place. The route also passes through many of Oxford University’s campuses and buildings, making for a lovely architectural stroll.
Check local signage to ensure that you are not exceeding the maximum stay periods on these residential streets. There are three options: no maximum stay, two-hour maximum stay, and three-hour maximum stay. Furthermore, many of these streets have residents-only restrictions after 6:30 p.m.
- Cowley Place OX4 1DX – 0.7 miles
- Whitson Place OX4 3DD – 1.5 miles
- Essex Street OX4 3AW – 1.5 miles
- Hertford Street OX4 3AJ – 1.5 miles
- Catherine Street OX4 3AH – 1.5 miles
- Sidney Street OX4 3AG – 1.5 miles
- Ridgefield Road OX4 3BZ – 1.6 miles
- Kenilworth Avenue OX4 2AW – 1.6 miles
- Belvedere Road OX4 2AZ – 1.6 miles
- Drove Acre Road OX4 3DF – 1.6 miles
- Boundary Brook Road OX4 4AW – 1.6 miles
- Cumberland Road OX4 2DA – 1.7 miles
The streets below are further south-easterly and a longer walk from the center, but they are much closer to the Templars Square shopping center. On your way to the center, you will also pass through several parks and green spaces. These streets are also more accessible to the o2 Academy Oxford and the Botanic Garden.
- Clive Road OX4 3EJ – 2.3 miles
- Temple Road OX4 2HL – 2.3 miles
- Gaisford Road OX4 3LQ – 2.7 miles
- Atkyns Road OX3 8RA – 2.8 miles
- Herschel Crescent OX4 3TT – 3 miles
South Oxford
Parking south of the city center will put you near a variety of parks and green spaces, such as Iffley Meadows and Hinksey Park. You will also cross the River Thames via the Folly Bridge and pass by the Westgate shopping mall.
Check the local signs to ensure you do not exceed the time limit on these residential roads. There are no time limits, but there are 2-hour and 3-hour maximum stays. Furthermore, after 6:30 p.m., several of these roads impose residents-only restrictions.
- Lake Street OX1 4RP – 0.9 miles
- Oswestry Road OX1 4TL – 1.3 miles
- Augustine Way OX4 4DG – 1.9 miles
- Marsh Road OX4 2HH – 2.1 miles
- Vicarage Road OX1 4RB – 1 mile
- Norreys Avenue OX1 4ST – 1.1 miles
- Sunningwell Road OX1 4SZ – 1.1 miles
- Lincoln Road OX1 4TB – 1.2 miles
- Monmouth Road OX1 4TD – 1.2 miles
- Northampton Road OX1 4TG – 1.2 miles
- Iffley Road OX4 1SD – 1.2 miles
- Wytham Street OX1 4TN – 1.3 miles
- Chatham Road OX1 4UY – 1.3 miles
- Warwick Street OX4 1SZ – 1.4 miles
- Peel Place OX1 4UT – 1.4 miles
- Quartermain Close OX4 4AP – 1.6 miles
- Meadow Lane OX4 4BJ – 1.6 miles
- Woodhouse Way OX4 4JN – 2.1 miles
- Bay Tree Close OX4 4DT – 2.1 miles
- Tree Lane OX4 4EY – 2.1 miles
- Abberbury Road OX4 4ES – 2.2 miles
- Rymers Lane OX4 3JX – 2.2 miles
- Stone Quarry Lane OX4 4HE – 2.3 miles
- Church Hill Road OX4 3SE – 2.4 miles
- St Lukes Road OX4 3JD – 2.6 miles
- Littlemore Road OX4 3SS – 2.6 miles
West Oxford
To the west of the city, there are fewer parking options. Walking to Oxford centre from this direction, on the other hand, will take you across the Thames, past Oxford train station, and into the city via the Oxford Castle & Prison. You will also pass by Nuffield and St Peter’s colleges.
- Arthray Road OX2 9AA – 1.9 miles
- Hazel Road OX2 9LF – 2 miles
- Seacourt Road OX2 9LN – 2 miles
- Finmore Road OX2 9AE – 2 miles
- Conifer Close OX2 9HP – 2.1 miles
- Montagu Road OX2 9AQ – 2.1 miles
- Crabtree Road OX2 9DU – 2.2 miles
- Cope Close OX2 9AJ – 2.2 miles
- Hutchcomb Road OX2 9HL – 2.2 miles
Free after 5pm/Overnight/Weekend Streetside Parking
When you need parking in the evening, overnight, or on the weekend, consider the streets in this section. Residents-only restrictions are in effect between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., but feel free to park your car on these streets outside of these hours. Remember to park responsibly and with consideration for the locals.
- Gorse Leas OX3 9DJ – 2.5 miles
- John Buchan Road OX3 9QN – 2.6 miles
- Meaden Hill OX3 9QJ – 2.6 miles
- Halliday Hill OX3 9PY – 2.6 miles
- Upway Road OX3 9QH – 2.7 miles
- Steep Rise OX3 9QG – 2.7 miles
- Harefields OX2 8HG – 2.8 miles
- Holt Weer Close OX2 8NW – 2.8 miles
- Kendall Crescent OX2 8NE – 2.9 miles
- Priors Forge OX2 8NN – 2.9 miles
- Sparsey Place OX2 8NL – 2.9 miles
- Pennywell Drive OX2 8NB – 2.9 miles
- Templar Road OX2 8LT – 2.9 miles
- Coniston Avenue OX3 0AW – 2.2 miles
- Derwent Avenue OX3 0AR – 2.2 miles
- Snowdon Mede OX3 7TQ – 2.3 miles
- Bowness Avenue OX3 0AJ – 2.3 miles
- Eden Drive OX3 0AB – 2.3 miles
- Stansfield Close OX3 8TH – 2.8 miles
Free after 6:30pm/Overnight/Sunday Streetside Parking
The same as in the previous section, but parking on these streets is only free after 6:30 p.m. and on Sundays. Remember to keep an eye on local signage for any changes in regulations.
- The Grates OX4 3LJ – 2.7 miles
- Napier Road OX4 3HZ – 2.7 miles
- Liddell Road OX4 3QU – 2.8 miles
- Dodgson Road OX4 3QS – 2.8 miles
Oxford Park & Ride Services
The 5 Park & Rides serving Oxford centre are a less expensive option that isn’t technically free. Parking your car at any of these locations is simple and inexpensive (starting at £2 for up to 11 hours), with only a bus fare to pay for all-day access to the city. Park & Ride is also convenient for overnight stays in Oxford because you can leave your car for up to 72 hours and the car parks are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The Park & Ride sites in Oxford are:
- Oxford Parkway (758 spaces) – north of city
- Pear Tree (1035 spaces) – north of city
- Redbridge (1412 spaces) – south of city
- Seacourt (794 spaces) – west of city
- Thornhill (1335 spaces) – east of city
Park & Ride fees offer exceptional value for money with:
- 16 hours of parking + return ticket to Oxford for 1 adult + 3 children = £4.00
- 16 hours of parking + return ticket to Oxford for 2 adults + 3 children = £5.00
- 1-16 hours parking only = £2.00
- 16-24 hours parking only = £4.00
- 24-48 hours parking only = £8.00
- 48-72 hours parking only = £12.00
2 Hours Free Parking/Customers Only
Oxford has a few secure parking lots where you can park for up to two hours. Typically, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, and retail parks will offer this as an option if you purchase something. For the price of a cup of coffee, parking? That appears to be a good deal.
- DFS Oxford OX2 0HD
- Botley Road Retail Park OX2 0HY
- Templars Shopping Park OX4 3JP
- Oxford retail park OX4 6NG
Cheapest Paid Parking near Oxford city centre
If you prefer the security and convenience of a car park, there are some paid options that won’t break the bank. We’ve compiled a short list of the cheapest car parks within a 30-minute walk of the city center. Remember to use our free companion map at the top of the page to find the most convenient parking for your trip.
- Hinksey Park Car Park OX1 4PZ – £2.10 for 2 hours
- St Clement’s Car Park OX4 1AR – £2.70 for 2 hours
- Oxpens OX1 1RQ – £5 for 2 hours
- Westgate OX1 1SL – £4.80 for 2 hours
- Worcester Street Car Park OX1 2BQ– £7.20 for 2 hours
- Gloucester Green Car Park OX1 2BN– £7.20 for 2 hours
If you arrive unprepared, parking in Oxford can be a nightmare. We hope that the information on this page will assist in making parking free (or at least less expensive) and easier. With the money you save, you will be able to enjoy more of what this beautiful, ancient city has to offer.
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.