Taunton Park and Ride: Park Free, Travel Easily
Visiting Taunton does not have to mean searching for a town-centre parking space. Instead, you can leave your car at a Park and Ride site. Then, take a bus towards the shops, offices, or hospital.
Taunton has two Park and Ride locations: Gateway and Silk Mills. Both offer free parking. In addition, the standard bus fare is just £1 per journey.
This 2026 guide explains the prices, routes, timetables, facilities, and maps. Therefore, you can choose the right site before travelling.
Taunton Park and Ride 2026: Quick Answer
Taunton Park and Ride operates from two locations: Silk Mills in the west and Gateway in the east. Both car parks are free to use. Meanwhile, the standard bus fare is £1 per journey.
Regular buses run approximately every 20 minutes from Monday to Saturday. As a result, passengers can reach the town centre without driving through its busiest streets.
What Can You Reach by Park and Ride?
The service connects the parking sites with central Taunton and Musgrove Park Hospital. Therefore, it is useful for shopping, appointments, work, and day trips.
Somerset Council publishes the official service information. Therefore, check its Taunton Park and Ride page before an important journey.
Where Are the Taunton Park and Ride Sites?
Choosing the right site depends on your approach to Taunton. For example, Gateway is convenient for drivers arriving near the M5. Silk Mills, meanwhile, suits many journeys from West Somerset.
Gateway Park and Ride: East Taunton
Gateway is close to M5 Junction 25. Therefore, it offers a practical option for drivers approaching from the east.
- 850 parking spaces
- Free car parking
- About 10 minutes to the town centre
- About 19 minutes to Musgrove Park Hospital
- Vehicle height restriction: 2 metres
Silk Mills Park and Ride: West Taunton
Silk Mills is on the western side of Taunton. As a result, it is convenient for many drivers arriving from West Somerset.
- 760 parking spaces
- Free car parking
- About 7 minutes to Musgrove Park Hospital
- About 13 minutes to the town centre
- Weekday waiting room and toilet facilities
Taunton Park and Ride Prices in 2026
Taunton Park and Ride is an affordable alternative to central parking. First, both locations offer free car parking. In addition, the standard bus fare is £1 per journey.
Parking Charges and Bus Fares
| Ticket or Charge | 2026 Price | Important Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Gateway parking | Free | No standard parking charge |
| Silk Mills parking | Free | No standard parking charge |
| Single bus journey | £1 | Standard Park and Ride fare |
| Two single journeys | £2 | Example total for one passenger |
| Evening connections | Check operator | Other routes may use different fares |
How Much Does a Return Journey Cost?
A passenger paying £1 each way would spend £2 on two single journeys. For example, two adults making the same return trip would spend £4 in total.
However, confirm the ticket conditions before boarding. Evening connecting buses may have different fares or arrangements.
How Do You Pay for the Bus?
You can purchase Park and Ride tickets on the bus. Somerset Council lists cash and contactless card payments.
Therefore, you do not normally need to buy a separate parking ticket before boarding.
Taunton Park and Ride Opening Times
Regular Park and Ride buses operate from Monday to Saturday. However, Gateway and Silk Mills have different service windows.
Gateway and Silk Mills Timetable
| Site | Monday to Friday | Saturday |
|---|---|---|
| Gateway | 6:20 am – 8:15 pm | 8:20 am – 6:20 pm |
| Silk Mills | 5:50 am – 7:45 pm | 7:50 am – 5:50 pm |
These are the published regular service windows. Therefore, use the full timetable to identify the exact departure you need.
How Often Do the Buses Run?
The regular service runs approximately every 20 minutes. As a result, most daytime passengers can plan their journeys around frequent departures.
However, traffic and service changes may affect individual buses. Therefore, allow extra time for important appointments.
When Can You Collect Your Car?
Both sites remain open to the public until 11 pm from Monday to Saturday. Consequently, some passengers can return using evening bus services.
Nevertheless, the car park closing time is not the final bus departure time. Always check the evening timetable first.
Sunday and Public Holiday Arrangements
The regular timetable covers Monday to Saturday. In addition, Somerset Council lists Silk Mills as closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Therefore, do not assume the regular service operates on those days. Check official updates before travelling.
Taunton Park and Ride Bus Routes
The main route connects the two parking sites with central Taunton. In addition, it serves Musgrove Park Hospital.
Gateway to Taunton Town Centre
Gateway lies near the M5 on the eastern side of town. From there, the bus journey to central Taunton takes approximately 10 minutes.
Therefore, Gateway is a useful option for drivers who want to avoid busy central streets.
Silk Mills to Taunton Town Centre
Silk Mills offers a journey of around 13 minutes to the centre. However, travel times may vary with traffic and your chosen stop.
In addition, its western location makes it convenient for many visitors arriving from West Somerset.
Routes to Musgrove Park Hospital
Both sites provide hospital connections. However, Silk Mills offers a shorter published journey to Musgrove Park Hospital.
- Silk Mills to the hospital: approximately 7 minutes.
- Gateway to the hospital: approximately 19 minutes.
Therefore, Silk Mills may suit many hospital visitors. Nevertheless, allow extra time for waiting and walking to your department.
Evening Bus Connections
After the main service finishes, selected evening routes provide additional connections.
Service 1E serves Silk Mills. Meanwhile, service 30 provides a connection for Gateway. However, their timetables and fares may differ.
How to Use Taunton Park and Ride
Using the service is straightforward. First, choose the location that suits your approach to Taunton. Then, follow the steps below.
Step-by-Step Parking and Bus Guide
Step 1: Choose Your Site
Select Gateway for access near M5 Junction 25. Alternatively, consider Silk Mills when arriving from West Somerset.
Step 2: Park Your Vehicle
Follow the signs inside the site. Next, park within a marked bay and secure your vehicle.
Step 3: Find the Bus Stop
Walk to the boarding area. Then, check that the bus serves your destination.
Step 4: Buy Your Ticket
Pay using an accepted method. For example, cash and contactless payments are listed for the regular service.
Step 5: Plan Your Return
Check your return bus stop. Finally, allow enough time to collect your car before the site closes.
What Should You Check Before Leaving?
Before travelling, check the last suitable bus. In addition, save your parking location and keep your ticket details handy.
As a result, your return journey should be easier to manage.
Facilities at Taunton Park and Ride
Both parking sites provide substantial capacity. However, their facilities are different. Therefore, check the details before choosing a location.
Gateway Parking Facilities
Gateway has 850 parking spaces. However, Somerset Council lists no additional public facilities at this site.
In addition, Gateway has a 2-metre height restriction. Therefore, taller vehicles may not be suitable.
Silk Mills Waiting Room and Toilets
Silk Mills provides 760 parking spaces. In addition, it has a waiting room and toilet facilities.
These facilities are open from 6 am to 5 pm on weekdays. However, they are closed on Saturdays.
Accessibility and Special Requirements
If you need accessible parking or step-free boarding, check the current arrangements before travelling.
In addition, allow more time if you use mobility equipment. The bus operator can confirm current vehicle accessibility.
Gateway vs Silk Mills: Which Should You Choose?
Neither Park and Ride site is best for every journey. Instead, compare your starting point with your final destination.
Compare the Two Parking Locations
| Travel Need | Suggested Site | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Arriving near M5 Junction 25 | Gateway | Convenient eastern location |
| Arriving from West Somerset | Silk Mills | Convenient western approach |
| Visiting Musgrove Park Hospital | Silk Mills | Shorter published bus journey |
| Visiting the town centre | Either | Both offer central connections |
| Need weekday waiting facilities | Silk Mills | Waiting room and toilets |
Best Site for Town-Centre Shopping
Both locations provide town-centre connections. Therefore, choose the site that is easier to reach by car.
For example, drivers approaching near the M5 may prefer Gateway. Meanwhile, western visitors may find Silk Mills more practical.
Taunton Park and Ride Map and Directions
Both sites are outside the busiest central streets. Therefore, use the maps below to plan your approach.
Gateway Park and Ride Map
Address: Taunton Gateway Park and Ride, Taunton, Somerset, TA3 5LU.
East Taunton • TA3 5LU Get Directions
Silk Mills Park and Ride Map
Address: Silk Mills Park and Ride, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 5AA.
West Taunton • TA1 5AA Get Directions
Tips for Finding the Correct Entrance
First, enter the full site name into your navigation app. Then, check the postcode before leaving.
However, roadworks can affect your final approach. Therefore, follow current road signs near the site.
Park and Ride for Musgrove Park Hospital
Musgrove Park Hospital is an important destination on the route. Therefore, Park and Ride may help patients, visitors, and staff reach the hospital.
Why Silk Mills May Be More Convenient
The published journey from Silk Mills to the hospital takes around seven minutes. In comparison, Gateway is approximately 19 minutes away.
Therefore, Silk Mills may offer a shorter bus trip for many visitors.
Planning Around an Appointment
First, allow time to park and wait for the bus. Next, consider the walk from the stop to your hospital department.
In addition, check the return timetable if your appointment might finish late.
Returning After the Main Service
Service 1E offers selected evening connections to Silk Mills. However, the stopping pattern and schedule may differ.
Therefore, confirm the final suitable journey before your appointment.
Tips for Using Taunton Park and Ride
A little planning can make your journey easier. First, choose the right site. Then, check the bus schedule.
Four Things to Remember
Check the Last Bus
The site closing time differs from the last bus departure. Therefore, plan your return early.
Bring a Payment Option
Cash and contactless payments are accepted on the regular service. However, carry a backup option.
Remember Your Parking Spot
Take a photo of your parking area. As a result, finding your car later becomes easier.
Allow Extra Time
Traffic can affect buses. Therefore, leave early for important appointments.
Is Taunton Park and Ride Worth Using?
For many visitors, free parking is an important advantage. In addition, regular buses reduce the need to drive through the town centre.
However, the service may be less convenient for very late journeys. Therefore, check your return options first.
Official Taunton Park and Ride Resources
Somerset Council provides current information about both locations. Therefore, use its official pages to confirm important travel details.
Timetables and Parking Information
Taunton Park and Ride FAQs
Prices and Parking Questions
How much is Taunton Park and Ride in 2026?
Is parking free at both locations?
Can I pay by contactless card?
Bus Times and Route Questions
How often do the buses run?
Does the bus go to Musgrove Park Hospital?
Can I use Park and Ride on Sunday?
Can I collect my car until 11 pm?
Facilities and Location Questions
Where is Gateway Park and Ride?
Where is Silk Mills Park and Ride?
Is there a height restriction at Gateway?
Are toilets available at Silk Mills?
Final Thoughts on Taunton Park and Ride
Taunton Park and Ride offers a convenient alternative to driving into the town centre. Both sites provide free parking. In addition, regular bus journeys cost £1 each.
Choose the Right Site Before Travelling
Gateway is useful for drivers approaching near the M5. Meanwhile, Silk Mills is convenient for many western journeys and hospital visits.
Finally, check the latest timetable and your return connection. As a result, you can plan your Taunton visit with greater confidence.