Information about parking in Bournemouth
Bournemouth is relatively easy to drive into, with the A338 from Salisbury running pretty much all the way into the town. You can also reach the A338 by turning off the Westbound A31 just after you’ve passed through the beautiful New Forest National Park.
Parking on-street is an option throughout Bournemouth, but many of the roads in the town centre – and especially near the seafront – have only paid-for spaces. There are also a great range of off-street car parks in Bournemouth, with the majority being cheaper council-operated locations.
Bournemouth has no official park and ride service – but with the ease of driving into the town, the public transport on offer ,and the plethora of off-street car parks available, this should be little concern.
JustPark provides information on lots of parking options across Bournemouth – including spaces on-street, off-street and those that are reservable, from driveways to car parks.
On-street parking
Bournemouth has many streets where parking is available, but in the town centre and surrounding the seafront most is pay-and-display. Hourly charges are generally reasonable, but times of operation can vary depending on your location. Most in the town centre and near the seafront operate 8am-8pm, whereas those in Boscombe away from the coast typically operate 8am-5/6pm, Monday-Saturday.
You can use the JustPark parking map to find information on available on-street parking spaces in Bournemouth.
Off-street parking
The majority of off-street car parks in Bournemouth are council-operated and generally offer you a cheap option for parking in the town.
A good option in the town centre is Winter Gardens car park (BH2 5AQ), located near the Bournemouth Odeon and a short walk to the town’s main shopping area. This car park is open 24 hours a day, Monday-Sunday, and offers a reasonable rate of fare – whether its hourly, daily or overnight.
JustPark offers a range of reservable off-street parking spaces in Bournemouth – in both council and commercially-run car parks, as well as at hotels, offices and on private driveways. You can browse these options and book a guaranteed space via our website or app.
Location Operator Price Max Stay Town Hall Forecourt Bournemouth Council £1.20 / hour Town Hall Extension Car Park Bournemouth Borough Council £2.00 / 2 hours The Square Bournemouth Council £4.60 / 2 hours Eden Glen Car Park Bournemouth Borough Council £1.20 / hour 4 hours Terrace Road Bournemouth Council £3.80 / 2 hours 
Public transport
Bournemouth railway station is the main station serving the town and is a stop on the South Western main line from London Waterloo. A number of bus routes depart from outside this station – serving the whole of Bournemouth and the surrounding area – with an on-site coach station also providing alternative transport links to the rest of the UK.
Disabled parking
The vast majority of off-street car parks in Bournemouth provide disabled bays and facilities for Blue Badge holders – and Bournemouth Borough Council also provide clearly signalled disabled bays in many locations throughout the town.
Furthermore, if a driver is exempt from paying vehicle tax due to a disability, this entitles them to free parking in any of Bournemouth’s council-operated off-street car parks.
You can also filter when searching on JustPark to show all our parking spaces with disabled access in Bournemouth (select this option by clicking on ‘Filters’ on the search results page).
Parking restrictions & event days
Parking is generally only restricted to pay-and-display spaces near the seafront and in much of the centre – but outside of these areas, there are also a few resident permit zones in which parking is not permitted at any time. All these areas, including those in which you can pay to park, will be clearly signposted as you drive into them.
On the JustPark map, we’ll only show you spaces which you’re allowed to park in and are not restricted when you search.
Overnight, weekends & bank holidays
Parking charges typically do not apply on Sundays but they often will on Bank Holidays, so make sure you’re aware of potential fares and timings before you park up.
Overnight parking is available in many of the off-street car parks in Bournemouth and is generally affordable. The majority operate 24 hours a day, or offer a special overnight rate.
Enter your dates and times on our search results page to see what’s available overnight.
Nearby attractions
Bournemouth is a Southern coastal town boasting miles of beaches and a vibrant centre to match. It’s primarily a seaside entertainment spot, with Bournemouth Pier and Boscombe Pier providing plenty of arcade-based fun and even a theatre at the latter, but there is so much more to do. Bournemouth University forms part of the town centre and has attracted a youthful feel to the nightlife, restaurants and bars that populate the city. Breathe in that sea air as you leave your car comfortably parked.
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