National Portrait Gallery Parking: Book Ahead and Skip the Circling
Everything you need to park near the National Portrait Gallery in London, from prices to Congestion Charge times.
National Portrait Gallery London: Where to Park Near Trafalgar Square
Driving to the National Portrait Gallery? Reserve your space before you leave and you will arrive in the West End knowing exactly where the car is going and what it will cost. The gallery sits on St Martin's Place, beside Trafalgar Square and inside the Congestion Charge zone, where drivers without a plan end up circling expensive streets. Spaces nearby start from £3 an hour or £12.90 a day, and you can book them in advance on JustPark.
Founded in 1856 and based on St Martin's Place since 1896, the National Portrait Gallery tells the story of Britain through more than 220,000 portraits, from paintings and sculpture to photographs, drawings and prints. Entry to the Collection is free, with ticketed exhibitions throughout the year, which makes it an easy anchor for a day in the West End alongside the National Gallery, Covent Garden and Leicester Square.
Book your National Portrait Gallery parking
Book National Portrait Gallery Parking
Book your parking near the National Portrait Gallery and you will know your space, your price and your arrival plan before you set off.
Choose the length of stay that suits your day, with spaces available by the hour or by the day, from £3 an hour or £12.90 a day.
Keep the cost down, as using JustPark can save drivers up to 40%.
Filter for what you need, whether that is EV charging, CCTV, disabled parking or Blue Badge spaces.
Extend your stay if plans change, as certain spaces let you add time in the app.
Where to Park Near the National Portrait Gallery
These car parks and spaces around Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross and Covent Garden put you within walking distance of the gallery.
Park beside Trafalgar Square at Cockspur Court (SW1Y), with 24 hour access, from £7.09.
Reserve a space at Adam House Car Park on John Adam Street (WC2N 6AU), a 5-minute walk from Charing Cross and Embankment stations, from £10. It has two 22kW EV charge points (Type 2, bring your own cable) and a 1.7m height limit. The entrance is from the Embankment only, via Savoy Place.
Book Urban Parking Shelton Street (WC2H 9HJ), a 2-minute walk from Covent Garden, from £25. It has 24/7 access, 7kW EV charging and a 1.98m height limit. This is a valet car park, so you leave your keys with the attendant.
Find a space at Apex Parking, Covent Garden (Parker Mews, WC2B 5NT), a 24 hour car park from £5, with a 1.8m height limit.
Many central London car parks allow a single entry and exit per booking, so book for your full visit, including lunch and a browse in the gallery shop. Always check the height limit against your vehicle before you reserve.
Congestion Charge and ULEZ Near the National Portrait Gallery
The gallery is inside the Congestion Charge zone, and the charge is paid to TfL separately from your parking booking.
Congestion Charge: £18 a day, charged 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 12pm to 6pm on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays. There is no charge from Christmas Day to New Year's Day bank holiday inclusive.
ULEZ: £12.50 a day if your vehicle does not meet the emissions standard, in force 24 hours a day every day except Christmas Day.
Blue Badge holders: qualify for a 100% exemption from the Congestion Charge.
Late openings: the gallery stays open until 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and the Congestion Charge stops at 6pm, so if you arrive and leave after 6pm there is no Congestion Charge to pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's on at the National Portrait Gallery?
The Collection spans six centuries and is free to explore, with ticketed exhibitions that change through the year alongside talks, events and an annual portrait award. Check the gallery's website for current exhibitions, then book your parking for the day you choose, as exhibition openings and weekends are the busiest times in this part of London.
Where is the National Portrait Gallery and what is the nearest tube station?
The gallery is at St Martin's Place, London WC2H 0HE, beside Trafalgar Square and behind the National Gallery. Leicester Square station is about 195 metres away and Charing Cross about 300 metres, which makes both handy landmarks when you walk over from your car park.
Is the National Gallery the same as the National Portrait Gallery?
No. They are separate galleries that sit side by side, with the National Portrait Gallery on St Martin's Place, just behind the National Gallery. If you want to visit both in one day, reserve parking near the National Gallery or near the National Portrait Gallery and walk between the two.
Does the National Portrait Gallery have a restaurant?
Yes, the Portrait Restaurant on the top floor has views across the London skyline. If you plan to stay for lunch, book your parking for the whole visit so you are never racing back to the car.
What are the National Portrait Gallery opening hours?
The gallery is open daily from 10.30am to 6pm, and until 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays. It is closed on 24, 25 and 26 December. Choose a booking that covers your arrival and your exit with a little time to spare.
Is the National Portrait Gallery free?
Entry to the Collection is free, and exhibitions are ticketed. Parking is a different story in central London, so reserving a space ahead of time lets you set your budget before you leave home.
Do You Live Near the National Portrait Gallery? Rent Out Your Space
Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden and Leicester Square keep this corner of London busy all week. If you have a driveway, garage or parking space nearby, you could be earning from it. Rent out your space with JustPark for free in under 10 minutes, and you will be listed in front of over 13 million drivers. Under HMRC's property allowance, the first £1,000 of income from renting out your space can be tax-free.
Book Your National Portrait Gallery Parking
Sort your parking first and the rest of the day belongs to the portraits. Book ahead, especially for weekends and exhibition openings, and arrive relaxed and ready to enjoy everything the gallery has to offer.
Book Your National Portrait Gallery Parking
