Park Outside Ipswich and Let Route 800 Take You Into Town
Ipswich Park and Ride has two main sites: London Road and Martlesham. More importantly, both sites connect with Route 800. In addition, parking is free when you use the Park & Ride service or cycle into Ipswich. Therefore, your main cost is usually the bus fare. As a result, the service can be simpler than searching for central parking.
DAY TICKET
Ipswich Park and Ride: Quick Answer
Ipswich currently has two Park & Ride sites: London Road and Martlesham. Both sites use the Route 800 service.
First, choose the site that matches your direction of travel. Next, check the first and last bus for your day. Then, select the ticket that suits your group. Finally, save your return stop before you leave the bus.
At present, an adult Park & Ride day ticket costs £4. Meanwhile, passengers aged 5–19 pay £3. In addition, the High5 group ticket costs £8. Therefore, families should compare the group fare before buying separate tickets.
However, Route 800 operates Monday to Saturday only. Consequently, you will need another parking or transport option on Sunday.
Ipswich Park and Ride Prices for 2026
Ipswich uses a simple Park & Ride fare structure. Because parking is free for qualifying users, you normally pay only for bus travel. Consequently, the overall cost is easy to compare.
However, the Park & Ride day prices apply when you board at one of the Park & Ride sites. By contrast, Ipswich Zone fares apply if your journey starts elsewhere on Route 800.
Adult Day Ticket
An adult Park & Ride day ticket costs £4. Therefore, this is the standard fare most individual adult visitors will use.
Young Person Day Ticket
Young people aged five to 19 currently pay £3. As a result, the fare is lower than the standard adult ticket.
High5 Group Ticket
Up to five people can travel together. However, the group may include no more than two adults.
Concession Pass Holder
Free concessionary travel does not apply here. Instead, qualifying pass holders can currently buy a discounted £2.50 return.
Adult Weekly Ticket
Regular adult users can buy a £18 weekly ticket. Therefore, frequent passengers should compare it with several separate day fares.
Car Parking
Parking is free when you use Park & Ride or cycle into Ipswich. However, the sites are not intended as unrelated free car parks.
How Can You Pay?
You can pay the driver by cash or contactless card. Alternatively, you can buy an eligible ticket through the First Bus app.
In addition, Tap On Tap Off is available on the Park & Ride service. Therefore, regular users have several ways to pay.
Ipswich Park and Ride Sites
Ipswich has one Park & Ride site on each side of the town. Therefore, your approach direction is usually the easiest way to choose.
London Road is convenient for many A12 and A14 journeys. Meanwhile, Martlesham is useful for drivers approaching from the east.
London Road Park & Ride
London Road, Pinewood, Ipswich IP8 3TQ
Martlesham Park & Ride
Martlesham Heath, Martlesham, Ipswich IP5 3QN
London Road or Martlesham: Which Site Should You Use?
There is no single best site for every trip. Instead, choose the site that avoids unnecessary driving across Ipswich.
For example, London Road is often convenient from the A12 south or A14 west. By contrast, Martlesham can make more sense from Woodbridge, Kesgrave, or the eastern side.
| Site | Typical Journey | Spaces | Useful For |
|---|---|---|---|
| London Road | About 15 minutes | 550 | A12/A14 approaches and a shorter town-centre ride |
| Martlesham | About 25–35 minutes | 550 | Eastern Ipswich and Woodbridge-side approaches |
Route 800: Where Does the Bus Go?
Route 800 links London Road, central Ipswich, and Martlesham. Therefore, both Park & Ride sites share one main route number.
In addition, selected journeys serve destinations beyond the basic Park & Ride corridor. For example, current Route 800 journeys can serve the hospital and other eastern destinations.
Using Park and Ride for Ipswich Town Matches
Park & Ride can be useful on football days. In particular, it avoids searching for central parking close to Portman Road.
However, Route 800 does not stop directly outside the stadium. Instead, First Bus identifies St Clare House as the closest stop.
Therefore, allow a little walking time before kick-off. Likewise, check the final return bus before an evening match.
Ipswich Park and Ride Times for 2026
Route 800 operates Monday to Saturday. Therefore, there is no normal Park & Ride service on Sunday.
During operating periods, buses run up to every 15 minutes. However, exact departures vary throughout the day. For this reason, check the timetable before a time-sensitive trip.
London Road First and Last Buses
Monday to Friday service starts from London Road at 06:55. Meanwhile, the first Saturday departure is at 07:30.
For the return journey, the final weekday bus from Tower Ramparts Bus Station Stand EE leaves at 19:21. By contrast, the final Saturday departure is at 19:09.
Martlesham First and Last Buses
Monday to Friday service from Martlesham starts at 07:00. Meanwhile, the first Saturday bus leaves at 07:20.
The final weekday bus from Ipswich Revolution leaves at 19:13. However, the final Saturday departure is at 19:09.
Is Parking Free at Ipswich Park and Ride?
Yes. Parking is free when you use the Park & Ride bus. In addition, you may park and cycle into Ipswich.
However, the sites are not intended as general free parking. Therefore, follow the Park & Ride rules and the signs at the site.
Can You Leave a Car Overnight?
No. Overnight parking is not permitted at either Ipswich Park & Ride site. Therefore, vehicles cannot be left for consecutive days.
However, you can use the Park & Ride service on several separate days. In that case, remove the car before closing and return the next day.
What Happens If You Miss the Last Bus?
Missing the final bus does not automatically prevent you from retrieving your vehicle. Instead, First Bus says you can enter the site on foot.
Nevertheless, checking the final bus is much easier. Therefore, save the last departure before an evening activity.
EV Charging at Ipswich Park and Ride
Both Park & Ride sites include EV charging. Therefore, electric-car drivers have useful charging options at either location.
London Road currently lists eight charging spaces. Meanwhile, Martlesham lists 14 charging spaces.
In addition, EV charging is an exception to the normal bus-use rule. First Bus says you may use the chargers without taking the bus.
Accessible and Family Parking
Both sites include designated accessible parking bays. In addition, both sites provide family spaces.
London Road currently lists six disabled bays and six family spaces. Meanwhile, Martlesham lists 11 disabled bays and 15 family spaces.
Therefore, Martlesham currently has more spaces in both categories. However, London Road may still be easier if it matches your route.
Facilities at the Two Park and Ride Sites
Both locations provide more than basic parking. For example, each site has an indoor waiting area and toilets.
In addition, accessible toilets and CCTV are provided. Therefore, both locations offer useful facilities before you board.
Motorhomes, Minibuses and Height Restrictions
Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes are not permitted to park at the sites. Therefore, large motorhomes and heavier vehicles may need another option.
In addition, Martlesham has a 2.1-metre height restriction. By contrast, First Bus says London Road has no height restriction.
Consequently, drivers of taller vehicles should compare London Road first. However, vehicle-weight rules still apply.
Does Route 800 Stop at Ipswich Railway Station?
Not directly. However, nearby stops at the Crown Court or Fire Station provide an option for passengers continuing on foot.
Therefore, do not expect Route 800 to enter the railway station forecourt. Instead, plan the short walking connection from a nearby stop.
How to Use Ipswich Park and Ride
The process is simple. Nevertheless, a little preparation makes the return journey easier.
1. Choose a Site
First, compare London Road and Martlesham with your direction of travel.
2. Park the Car
Next, use an appropriate marked bay at the chosen site.
3. Buy Your Ticket
Then, pay the driver by cash or contactless. Alternatively, use an eligible First Bus app ticket.
4. Take Route 800
Afterwards, board Route 800 and travel toward your destination.
5. Save the Return Time
Finally, remember your return stop and final departure time.
Which Site Works Best for Your Trip?
Practical Tips Before You Travel
A few checks can prevent most problems. Therefore, review your route and return time before leaving home.
Ipswich Park and Ride Checklist
Before Leaving Home
After Parking
Ipswich Park and Ride Map
The map below gives a general view of the Ipswich Park & Ride network. However, use the exact site name for your final navigation.
For example, choose London Road if that site matches your approach. Likewise, choose Martlesham when arriving from the eastern side.
London Road • Martlesham Open Google Maps
Open a Specific Park and Ride
Official Ipswich Park and Ride Information
This guide brings the main details together. However, fares, stops, and timetables can change after publication.
Therefore, check First Bus before a time-sensitive journey. In particular, verify the final bus if you plan to stay in Ipswich until the evening.