Bath Park and Ride: Prices, Routes, Times & Map
Bath Park and Ride can make a city-centre visit much easier. Instead of searching for a central parking space, you can leave the car outside the busiest streets and continue by bus. Therefore, choosing the right site before you travel can save both time and stress.
RIDE SITES
Quick Answer: How Bath Park and Ride Works
Bath has three main Park and Ride sites: Newbridge, Lansdown, and Odd Down. Because each site serves a different approach to Bath, the best choice usually depends on where you are driving from.
Newbridge uses route 21, while Lansdown uses route 31. Meanwhile, Odd Down is served by routes 41 and 4. All three sites provide frequent connections toward central Bath.
Services run up to every 15 minutes on the main Park and Ride routes. In addition, the car parks remain open 24 hours a day. Therefore, you can still collect your vehicle after the final bus.
The Three Main Options
Newbridge
Newbridge suits many drivers approaching from the west. In addition, route 21 can reach central Bath in as little as 10 minutes.
Lansdown
Lansdown is a natural choice from the north. Moreover, route 31 finishes around Milsom Street.
Odd Down
Odd Down is useful when arriving from the south. Meanwhile, route 41 heads toward SouthGate.
Bath Park and Ride Prices for 2026
First Bus currently displays an Adult Return fare of £3.70. In addition, a two-adult return is listed at £5.50 from Monday to Friday after 9:30am.
Although these fares remain on the live operator pages, prices can change. Therefore, check the First Bus app before a time-sensitive trip.
Current Published Bus Fares
Children and Family Travel
Up to five children under 16 currently travel free with each fare-paying adult on Park and Ride services. As a result, families can often keep the total bus cost lower.
Children aged four and under are also covered by the current operator guidance. However, normal child fares are not sold specifically for the Park and Ride services.
Concessionary Passes
English National Concessionary Pass holders can use the services free during eligible periods. Specifically, First Bus currently permits use after 9am Monday to Friday and throughout Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays.
Nevertheless, pass rules can change. Therefore, check the current concession information before an early weekday journey.
When Is Bath Park and Ride Parking Free?
Parking is free when you use the Park and Ride bus and collect the vehicle on the same day. Therefore, a normal day visitor usually pays only for the bus journey.
Parking Without Using the Bus
If you do not use the bus, a separate parking charge applies. From October 2026, the council’s up-to-24-hour charge for non-bus users is £4.
By contrast, the short-stay charge of up to three hours remains £2. As a result, these sites should not be treated as general free long-stay car parks.
Overnight Parking
Overnight parking is allowed at all three Bath Park and Ride sites. However, charges apply when a vehicle stays overnight.
First Bus directs overnight users to MiPermit for payment. Therefore, check the current MiPermit charge before leaving a vehicle beyond the normal same-day visit.
Bath Park and Ride Routes
Each Park and Ride site connects with a different part of central Bath. Therefore, the best route depends on both your driving direction and your final destination.
Newbridge
Route 21 connects Newbridge with Westgate Buildings. In addition, the journey can take as little as 10 minutes.
Lansdown
Route 31 links Lansdown with Milsom Street. Moreover, the journey can be as short as 10 minutes.
Odd Down
Route 41 connects Odd Down with SouthGate. Meanwhile, service 4 also serves the Park and Ride site.
Route 21: Newbridge
Newbridge sits west of Bath city centre. Therefore, it is often the simplest choice when you approach from that side of the city.
Route 21 ends at Westgate Buildings. In addition, passengers travelling toward the centre can leave at several permitted intermediate stops.
Route 31: Lansdown
Lansdown sits north of Bath. As a result, drivers approaching from the north can avoid crossing much of the city before parking.
Route 31 operates as a regular bus service along Lansdown Road. Therefore, passengers can use intermediate stops under the normal route rules.
Routes 41 and 4: Odd Down
Odd Down serves the southern side of Bath. Route 41 is the dedicated Park and Ride-style connection toward SouthGate.
Service 4 also serves Odd Down. However, unlike route 41, service 4 operates as a regular local bus and allows passengers to board or leave at stops along the route.
Bath Park and Ride Route Comparison
Newbridge and Lansdown offer the shortest published journey times. However, Odd Down may still be more convenient if you arrive from the south or want SouthGate.
| Site | Route | Journey | Main Destination |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newbridge | 21 | As little as 10 minutes | Westgate Buildings |
| Lansdown | 31 | As little as 10 minutes | Milsom Street |
| Odd Down | 41 / 4 | As little as 15 minutes | SouthGate |
Bath Park and Ride Times
Bath Park and Ride operates seven days a week, including Bank Holidays. In addition, extended evening funding continues to support later buses.
Monday to Saturday
Current council information says services continue until 11:30pm. Therefore, Park and Ride can work for dinner, theatre, shopping, and many evening events.
Even so, the exact final departure varies by route and stop. As a result, check the live timetable before a late return.
Sundays and Public Holidays
Sunday and Public Holiday services currently continue until 6pm. Consequently, your return journey needs more planning on those days.
If you expect to stay later, consider another return option. Alternatively, choose central parking if that suits the trip better.
Bus Frequency
First Bus lists the main Park and Ride services as running up to every 15 minutes. However, traffic and operational changes can affect a specific journey.
Therefore, use the live First Bus timetable rather than relying only on a general frequency.
Bath Park and Ride Locations
The three main sites are positioned around different sides of Bath. Therefore, choosing by approach direction can reduce unnecessary city driving.
Newbridge Park and Ride
Postcode: BA1 3NB
Newbridge is west of Bath and currently has 698 customer spaces. In addition, the site lists four EV charging points.
Route 21 travels toward Westgate Buildings. Because the journey can take as little as 10 minutes, Newbridge works well for many west-side arrivals.
Lansdown Park and Ride
Postcode: BA1 9BJ
Lansdown sits north of the city and has 878 customer spaces. Moreover, four EV charging points are currently listed.
Route 31 heads toward Milsom Street. Therefore, Lansdown can be especially convenient for destinations around the northern city centre.
Odd Down Park and Ride
Postcode: BA2 8PA
Odd Down is south of Bath and is the largest of the three sites. It currently provides 1,230 customer spaces and four EV charging points.
Route 41 heads toward SouthGate. As a result, the site can be useful for Bath Spa station and the southern shopping area.
Which Bath Park and Ride Site Should You Choose?
The shortest bus time should not be your only consideration. Instead, choose a site that matches the road you use to approach Bath.
Coming from the West
Newbridge is usually the first option to consider. Therefore, you can avoid driving farther across Bath.
Coming from the North
Lansdown is positioned for northern arrivals. In addition, route 31 serves Milsom Street.
Coming from the South
Odd Down is the logical starting point. Meanwhile, SouthGate is convenient for the station area.
Milsom Street Trip
Lansdown has a useful city-centre arrival point. Therefore, it can reduce your walk for northern shopping streets.
Bath Spa Area
Odd Down reaches SouthGate. As a result, the station is close to the city-centre stop.
Busy Event Day
Park and Ride avoids a central parking search. However, allow extra travel time when demand is high.
Vehicle Rules and Height Restrictions
Most ordinary cars can use Bath Park and Ride without difficulty. However, taller vehicles should check the individual site restrictions.
Newbridge Height Limit
Newbridge currently lists a 2.0-metre, or 6-foot-6-inch, vehicle height restriction. Therefore, taller vans and motorhomes should check their height first.
Lansdown Height Access
First Bus currently states that Lansdown has no height restriction. As a result, it may suit some larger vehicles better than Newbridge.
Nevertheless, parking bays and other site rules still apply. Therefore, confirm suitability before arriving in a large vehicle.
Odd Down Height Limit
Odd Down currently lists a 2.2-metre, or 7-foot-2-inch, height restriction. Consequently, some larger vans and motorhomes will not fit.
EV Charging and Site Facilities
All three main sites currently list EV charging points. In addition, each site has general facilities for Park and Ride users.
EV Charging
Newbridge, Lansdown, and Odd Down each list four EV charging points. However, charging and parking fees can apply separately.
If you charge without using the bus, parking charges also apply. Therefore, check both the charging tariff and parking requirement.
Toilets and Cycle Parking
First Bus lists public toilets and cycle parking at the sites. As a result, the facilities can also support Park and Cycle trips.
Park and Cycle users still need to pay the applicable parking charge. Therefore, do not assume cycle onward travel qualifies for free parking.
Security
The sites have CCTV coverage and lighting. Even so, vehicles remain parked at the owner’s risk.
Therefore, lock the vehicle and remove visible valuables.
Accessible Travel on Bath Park and Ride
Bath Park and Ride buses are designed for accessible boarding. For example, buses provide step-free entrances that can lower toward the kerb.
Wheelchairs and Buggies
Designated wheelchair and buggy spaces are available on board. In addition, drivers can use a fold-out ramp when required.
Priority Seating
Priority seating is provided for passengers with mobility needs. However, space can become limited on busy journeys.
Therefore, allow extra time if you need a specific accessible space.
How to Use Bath Park and Ride
The basic process is straightforward. Nevertheless, a few simple checks can make the journey smoother.
1. Choose Your Site
First, match Newbridge, Lansdown, or Odd Down to the direction from which you are approaching Bath.
2. Park in a Marked Bay
Next, use an appropriate marked bay. However, check the signs if you need an EV or accessible space.
3. Buy Your Bus Ticket
Then, pay using the First Bus app, contactless, Tap On Tap Off, or another accepted option.
4. Note the Return Stop
After arriving in Bath, confirm where your return bus departs. As a result, you avoid searching for the correct stop later.
5. Check the Last Bus
Finally, review the live timetable before a late evening return.
How to Pay for the Park and Ride Bus
First Bus provides several payment methods. Therefore, most visitors can choose the option that suits them best.
First Bus App
Park and Ride tickets can be purchased in the First Bus app. First, select Bath as your area. Then, search for Bath Park and Ride tickets.
Contactless and Tap On Tap Off
Contactless payment is accepted on the buses. In addition, Tap On Tap Off can automatically calculate eligible First Bus fare caps.
Paying the Driver
You can also buy specific tickets from the driver. Currently, First Bus says both contactless and cash are accepted.
However, payment policies can change. Therefore, the app remains useful for checking current ticket options.
Bath Park and Ride Checklist
A small amount of planning can prevent most travel problems. Therefore, use this checklist before driving to Bath.
Before Leaving Home
Before Returning
Bath Clean Air Zone and Park and Ride
Bath has a Clean Air Zone. However, ordinary private cars and motorcycles are not currently charged under the standard scheme.
Vehicles That Need More Attention
Some vans, taxis, coaches, buses, HGVs, and other vehicle types can face a charge depending on their emissions category. Therefore, commercial and larger vehicle drivers should check first.
Park and Ride can help reduce city-centre driving. Nevertheless, your route to the site may still matter for a chargeable vehicle.
Bath Park and Ride Map
Use the map below for general orientation. However, enter the exact site postcode when navigating by car.
Useful Postcodes
Newbridge uses BA1 3NB, while Lansdown uses BA1 9BJ. Meanwhile, Odd Down uses BA2 8PA.
Therefore, save the correct postcode before reaching Bath.
Newbridge • Lansdown • Odd Down Open Google Maps
Official Bath Park and Ride Resources
Fares and timetables can change. Therefore, check an official source before a time-sensitive journey.
First Bus
First Bus publishes the current route details, facilities, fares, and live travel information. In addition, its app can show journey updates.
Bath and North East Somerset Council
The council publishes parking rules and transport updates. Therefore, council information is useful for parking-charge changes and longer-term service decisions.