Find Your Coventry Parking Space Before You Drive In
Coventry city centre parking is easier when you choose a car park near your destination. First, decide whether you are visiting the shops, Coventry Cathedral, the university or the railway station. Then compare the total cost of your stay.
In addition, check free-parking rules, Blue Badge exemptions and height limits. This guide brings the main options together so you can plan your visit without unnecessary driving.
UP TO 1 HOUR
Check live tariffs before travelling
Coventry City Centre Parking: Quick Answer
For shopping around the central precinct, start by comparing West Orchards and Salt Lane. Both have published council tariffs beginning at £1.20 for up to one hour. However, West Orchards has restricted building access, so check your planned return time.
For Coventry Cathedral or the university area, Gosford Street and Grove Street are worth comparing. Meanwhile, Far Gosford Street has a lower published long-stay tariff, although it is farther from some central destinations.
If you have a valid Blue Badge, most council-owned car parks provide free parking. However, West Orchards is an important exception because normal charges apply there.
Coventry City Centre Parking Prices in 2026
Parking prices vary according to the location and length of your stay. For example, Salt Lane has a lower first-hour tariff than Gosford Street Car Park. However, a different location may be more convenient for your final destination.
The following prices come from the council’s published individual parking pages. They are the displayed tariffs for planning purposes, not a guarantee of live availability.
| Car park | Up to 1 hour | Up to 4 hours | Longer stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salt Lane | £1.20 | £4.80 | £13 up to 24 hours |
| West Orchards | £1.20 | £4.80 | £13 up to 24 hours; check access hours |
| Gosford Street | £2.40 | £6 | £11 up to 24 hours |
| Grove Street | £2.40 | £6 | £11 up to 24 hours |
| Far Gosford Street | £0.70 | £2.50 | £6 up to 24 hours |
These prices are taken from Coventry City Council’s current individual car-park listings. Nevertheless, always check the tariff at the entrance or payment machine before leaving your vehicle.
Where to Park in Coventry City Centre
Your destination matters just as much as the price. Therefore, choose the part of the centre you want to visit before selecting a car park.
West Orchards
Up to one hour. West Orchards is convenient for the shopping centre and surrounding retail streets. However, check its evening access arrangements before leaving your car.
Postcode: CV1 1QX
Salt Lane
Up to one hour. Salt Lane is a practical starting point for the Council House, Cathedral area and nearby attractions. In addition, it provides electric vehicle charging bays.
Postcode: CV1 2GX
Gosford Street
Up to 24 hours. This council car park provides 24-hour access and is useful for visits towards the eastern side of the centre.
Postcode: CV1 5ED
Grove Street
Up to 24 hours. Grove Street is another option near the university side of the centre. Moreover, it offers a weekly digital ticket through supported payment apps.
Postcode: CV1 5PH
Far Gosford Street
Up to 24 hours. This smaller car park has a lower published daily tariff. However, it has limited capacity, so have another location in mind.
Postcode: CV1 5DZ
Coventry Station
For a train journey, compare the station car park with city-centre alternatives. Also, check your return time and whether overnight parking is required.
Area: Eaton Road
Free Parking in Coventry City Centre
Free parking in the heart of Coventry is limited. In particular, do not assume that a council street bay becomes free after 6pm or on a Sunday. Several published council tariffs apply throughout the day and night.
Free parking for eligible Blue Badge holders
Coventry City Council provides free parking for valid Blue Badge holders in its council-owned car parks. However, normal charges apply at West Orchards. In addition, the badge must be displayed correctly, and some barrier-controlled sites have a separate validation process.
Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
Several council car-park listings state that ordinary charges do not apply on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Nevertheless, opening hours and access arrangements may differ. Therefore, confirm the rules for your chosen car park before travelling on either holiday.
Free parking outside the centre
The council’s 2025–26 parking report lists Holmsdale Road as a free suburban car park. However, it is not a convenient substitute for a short city-centre shopping visit. Before using any outlying free space, compare the onward journey and check local restrictions.
Cheap Coventry Parking for a Full Day
If you expect to stay for several hours, compare the full-day tariff rather than the first-hour price. For example, Far Gosford Street currently lists £6 for up to 24 hours. Meanwhile, Gosford Street and Grove Street list £11 for the same period.
However, a cheaper car park may add walking time. Therefore, check your route before choosing it. For a short visit, paying slightly more to park near your destination may save time.
Short shopping visit
Start with Salt Lane or West Orchards. Both have published first-hour tariffs of £1.20. However, West Orchards has restricted access arrangements.
Longer visit
Compare Far Gosford Street with Gosford Street and Grove Street. Then factor in the walk to your destination and the time you expect to return.
Evening and Sunday Parking in Coventry
Evening parking needs a little extra planning. Although some drivers expect free parking after business hours, Coventry’s published council tariffs can apply 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
For example, Salt Lane and Gosford Street list 24-hour access. In contrast, West Orchards has specific shopping-centre and evening access arrangements. Therefore, check how you will return to your car after dinner, a film or an event.
On-Street Parking: Zones and Time Limits
Coventry has several on-street parking zones. First, check the sign beside your bay. Next, confirm its tariff and maximum stay. Finally, make sure your payment covers the entire visit.
For example, the council currently lists £0.70 for up to 30 minutes and £1.20 for up to one hour on Gosford Street in Zone 1. However, the maximum stay there is two hours. Consequently, a car park may be more practical for a longer appointment.
Premium bays and other zones have different tariffs. Therefore, never assume that the price on one street applies to another.
Blue Badge Parking in Coventry
Coventry City Council generally offers free parking to valid Blue Badge holders in council-owned car parks. In addition, properly displayed badges can allow free parking in designated on-street disabled bays, subject to any restrictions shown on the signs.
However, West Orchards charges its normal parking tariff, including for Blue Badge holders. For this reason, check the individual car-park rules rather than assuming every central location offers the same exemption.
Accessible parking at Salt Lane
Salt Lane lists 24 internal accessible bays and seven external ground-floor bays for modified or high-sided vehicles. In addition, it has a lift. Blue Badge holders must validate their badge at the payment machines before leaving to receive the free-parking entitlement.
Check vehicle height
Salt Lane has a published 2.1-metre height restriction. Meanwhile, West Orchards lists a 2.01-metre limit. Therefore, drivers of taller vehicles should check clearance before approaching the entrance.
Electric Vehicle Charging in Coventry
If you drive an electric vehicle, Salt Lane is worth checking because its official listing includes 18 charging points across Levels 0 to 5. However, charging availability and the charging tariff are separate from ordinary parking arrangements.
Before travelling, check whether a connector is suitable for your vehicle. In addition, confirm the payment method, charging rules and any maximum-stay restrictions.
How to Pay for Coventry Parking
Payment methods differ between locations. For example, Salt Lane is cashless and accepts cards and the Trust app. Meanwhile, Gosford Street supports several payment methods, including cards and supported parking apps.
Some council car parks also support Hozah, which uses number-plate recognition for registered vehicles. However, you must complete the required registration before relying on automated payment.
Check the location
First, confirm that you have entered the correct car park or street bay.
Read the tariff
Next, check the current price, charging hours and maximum permitted stay.
Use an accepted method
Then, pay through the machine or a supported parking app. Check the location code carefully.
Keep your confirmation
Finally, save your payment receipt or app confirmation until your visit ends.
Weekly Parking and Regular Commuting
If you work in Coventry city centre, paying a daily tariff may become expensive. Therefore, compare the council’s weekly digital tickets for eligible long-stay car parks.
For example, Gosford Street and Grove Street list weekly digital ticket availability through supported apps. However, check the current ticket price, participating locations and terms before purchasing.
Coventry City Centre Parking Map
Use the map to compare central Coventry with the surrounding parking areas. Then enter your chosen car park’s exact postcode into your navigation app. This is especially helpful where entrances are on a different street from the car park’s name.
Official Coventry Parking Resources
Parking prices, access times and temporary closures can change. Therefore, use the following council pages for a final check. Each link leads to information relevant to a specific part of your parking plan.
Coventry City Centre Parking FAQs
How much does Coventry city centre parking cost?
Prices depend on the car park and stay length. For example, Salt Lane and West Orchards currently list £1.20 for up to one hour. Meanwhile, Gosford Street lists £2.40 for the same period. Always confirm the current tariff before parking.
Is there free parking in Coventry city centre?
Free central parking is limited. However, eligible Blue Badge holders can park free in most council-owned car parks, excluding West Orchards. In addition, some council listings show no ordinary parking charges on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, subject to access arrangements.
Is parking free after 6pm in Coventry?
Not necessarily. Several council car parks and on-street bays have charges that apply throughout the day and night. Therefore, check the individual location’s signs and published tariff before assuming an evening stay is free.
Where can I park near Coventry Cathedral?
Salt Lane is a practical option to compare for the Cathedral and Council House area. In addition, Gosford Street may suit some visitors approaching from the eastern side of the centre.
Does West Orchards offer free Blue Badge parking?
No. Coventry City Council states that normal charges apply at West Orchards, including for Blue Badge holders. However, most other council-owned car parks provide a free-parking entitlement for valid badge holders.
Which Coventry car park has EV charging?
Salt Lane lists 18 electric vehicle charging points. However, check live charger availability and the applicable charging price before travelling.
Can I park overnight in Coventry?
Several council car parks, including Salt Lane and Gosford Street, list 24-hour access. Nevertheless, charges still apply. If you choose West Orchards, check its restricted building-access arrangements before planning a late return.
Where can I find cheaper all-day parking?
Far Gosford Street currently lists £6 for up to 24 hours. However, it is a relatively small car park. Therefore, check its location and keep another option in mind.
Can I pay for Coventry parking by phone?
Many council parking locations accept supported parking apps. However, the available services vary by car park. Check the payment instructions and location code before completing your transaction.