Notting Hill Carnival is back this August Bank Holiday weekend, transforming West London into a celebration of Caribbean culture. It’s set to draw in over two million attendees, 40,000 volunteers, and 9,000 police this year.
As the biggest street party in Europe, and with the party quite literally taking over the streets, parking will be difficult, so planning ahead is essential.
Whether you’re driving in for a few hours or there for both days, here’s everything you need to know about where to park and how to get around during Carnival weekend.
When and Where Is Notting Hill Carnival 2025?
This year’s Carnival takes place on:
- Saturday, 23rd August 2025 (Steel Band Competition Day - Tickets Only)
- Sunday, 24th August 2025 (Family Day - Free)
- Monday, 25th August 2025 (Grand Parade Day - Adults Only - Free)
The event is held throughout the Notting Hill neighbourhood and surrounding areas including Ladbroke Grove, Westbourne Park, Kensal Road, Chepstow Road, and Portobello Road.
Parking Restrictions
Streets will be closed off to traffic from early Sunday morning through to early Tuesday morning, with some restrictions beginning as early as Saturday evening. Only Carnival floats, pre-approved event vehicles, and emergency services will be allowed into the area during the event. Residents who wish to move their vehicles out of the Carnival zone should do so by the evening of Saturday 23rd August. Police will be checking all vehicles entering the area and surrounding streets, and any vehicle not officially part of the event will not be permitted access.
So if you’re driving, it’s crucial to plan where to park ahead of time.
Book a JustPark Space Near Notting Hill
With so many roads closed during Carnival weekend, parking in the Notting Hill area will be limited, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. By booking in advance through the JustPark app or website, you can secure a private driveway or off-street space just outside the restricted zone and still be within walking distance of the action.
Here’s where you can park nearby:
- Park near Westbourne Grove – Close to the edge of the Carnival footprint, ideal for walking in without getting caught in closures.
- Park in Paddington – Just a 15–20 minute walk or quick bus ride away, with great train and Tube connections if you're coming from outside London.
- Park in Maida Vale – A quieter residential option that offers easier exit routes once the Carnival winds down.
- Park in Bayswater – A short stroll from the festivities with more flexibility for arrival and departure times.
Why book with JustPark?
- Avoid road closures and restricted zones.
- Guarantee your space in advance.
- Extend your booking easily from your phone.
- Stay on quieter streets for a smoother Carnival day.
Spaces in these areas are already filling up fast, so it’s best to reserve your spot as soon as possible to avoid getting stuck on the day.
Park Nearby and Take Public Transport to Carnival
The Underground
For the easiest and least crowded journey, TFL recommends taking the Tube or Elizabeth line to Paddington Station where you can take a short walk to Notting Hill Carnival.
It has reminded travellers that stations in the carnival area will be very busy and some may operate differently; they may be exit only or use one-way systems.
Station closures and restrictions
- Ladbroke Grove – Closed all day.
- Latimer Road – May temporarily close throughout the day; closes at 23:30.
- Notting Hill Gate – No entry 11:00–18:00; District/Circle lines will not stop; no interchange with Central line; may temporarily close.
- Westbourne Park – No entry from 11:00.
- Holland Park – No entry 11:00–15:00; closes at 15:00.
- Royal Oak – No entry 11:00–18:00; closes at 18:00.
- Kensal Green – Queues expected in afternoon/evening; expect to wait.
Always check the Transport for London (TfL) site for live updates and closures during the weekend.
Buses
Day and night buses will be diverted away from the carnival area. To the north of the carnival area, buses start from the Prince of Wales pub on Harrow Road. To the south, buses start from Notting Hill Gate.
Affected Routes
- Day: 2, 7, 16, 18, 23, 27, 28, 31, 36, 46, 52, 70, 94, 98, 148, 205, 220, 228, 295, 316, 328, 332, 414, 452
- Night: N7, N16, N18, N27, N28, N31, N98, N205, N207
Take the Train into London and Avoid Driving Near Notting Hill
Avoid the hassle of inner-city driving and park at a train station outside London, then take the underground closer to Notting Hill.
From Birmingham and the West, consider parking at Birmingham International Station. Regular trains run to London Euston, taking around 1 hour 20 minutes. Parking spaces are available starting at approximately £5 per hour.
From Cambridge and the North, look into parking near Stansted Airport Station. Trains to London Liverpool Street are frequent and take about 45 minutes. Car parking spaces near the station start at around £3 per hour.
From Brighton and the South, consider Gatwick Airport Station. Trains to London Victoria take about 30-35 minutes, with parking spaces starting at around £4 per hour.
From Reading and the West, find parking around Reading Station. There are frequent train services to London Paddington, with journey times of about 25-30 minutes. Hourly parking pricing starts at £2.50. You will then be just a short walk from the Carnival.
If you’re travelling from out of town and will be staying multiple nights in London, make sure you extend your parking session for as long as you need it for.
Do You Live Near Notting Hill? Rent Out Your Driveway During Carnival
If you live in or around Notting Hill, Bayswater, Maida Vale, or Kensal Green, you could earn hundreds over Carnival weekend by renting out your driveway on JustPark
Even if you’re not attending the Carnival yourself, you can still benefit from the surge of crowds coming into the area. It’s been proven that local residents who live nearby busy venues or event zones see their annual income increase by 57% by renting out their driveways to attendees. With more than a million people expected to attend, demand for parking will be at an all-time high.
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