Cambridge is a city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and world-renowned university. It is a popular tourist destination and attracts visitors from all over the world. However, with the city centre being relatively small and congested, travelling by car can be a challenge. This is where the Cambridge Park and Ride comes in.
Cambridge Park and Ride: A Convenient Solution for City Centre Commuters
The Cambridge Park and Ride is a network of five car parks located on the outskirts of the city, with regular bus services running to and from the city centre. The service is designed to make travelling in and out of the city centre as easy and stress-free as possible. With up to 18 hours of free parking and affordable bus fares, it is an attractive alternative to driving into the city centre.
Whether you are a resident or a visitor, the Cambridge Park and Ride is an excellent option for travelling to and from the city centre. It is affordable, convenient, and environmentally friendly. In the following sections, we will take a closer look at the operating park and ride sites in Cambridge, planning your journey, user experience and accessibility, website and online services, regulations and limitations, and frequently asked questions.
Key Takeaways
- Cambridge Park and Ride is a network of five car parks located on the outskirts of the city, with regular bus services running to and from the city centre.
- The service is designed to make travelling in and out of the city centre as easy and stress-free as possible.
- The Cambridge Park and Ride is an excellent option for travelling to and from the city centre, offering affordable, convenient, and environmentally friendly transport.
Overview of Cambridge Park and Ride
What Is Park and Ride?
If you are planning to visit Cambridge, using the park and ride service is an excellent choice. The park and ride service is a system that allows you to park your car in a designated area outside the city centre and then take a bus to the city centre. It is an affordable and convenient way to travel to the city centre without having to worry about finding a parking spot or navigating through the busy streets.
Benefits of Using Park and Ride
There are many benefits to using the park and ride service in Cambridge. Firstly, it is a cost-effective way to travel to the city centre. You only need to pay for parking and bus fare, which is much cheaper than paying for parking in the city centre. Secondly, it is an environmentally friendly choice as it reduces the number of cars on the road, which helps to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution.
Using the park and ride service is also an accessible choice for everyone. The buses are equipped with ramps and are wheelchair accessible, making it easy for everyone to travel to the city centre. Moreover, you have a choice of five different park and ride sites around Cambridge, so you can choose the one that is most convenient for you.
In summary, using the park and ride service in Cambridge is an excellent choice for anyone planning to visit the city centre. It is a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and accessible choice that gives you the freedom to travel to the city centre without having to worry about finding a parking spot or navigating through the busy streets.
Operating Park and Ride Sites in Cambridge
Cambridge has four operating park and ride sites that provide a convenient and cost-effective way to travel into the city centre. The park and ride sites are located outside the city centre, and you can park your car there and take a bus into the city centre. This way, you can avoid the hassle of finding a parking spot in the city centre and save money on parking fees.
Milton Park and Ride
Milton Park and Ride is located just off the A14 at junction 33. It has approximately 1200 parking spaces, and the bus service runs every 10 minutes during peak times. The bus ride to the city centre takes around 15 minutes, and the service operates from early morning until late at night.
Trumpington Park and Ride
Trumpington Park and Ride is located just off the M11 at junction 11. It has approximately 1000 parking spaces, and the bus service runs every 10 minutes during peak times. The bus ride to the city centre takes around 10 minutes, and the service operates from early morning until late at night.
Madingley Road Park and Ride
Madingley Road Park and Ride is located just off the A428. It has approximately 1000 parking spaces, and the bus service runs every 10 minutes during peak times. The bus ride to the city centre takes around 8 minutes, and the service operates from early morning until late at night.
Newmarket Road Park and Ride
Newmarket Road Park and Ride is located just off the A1134. It has approximately 1000 parking spaces, and the bus service runs every 10 minutes during peak times. The bus ride to the city centre takes around 12 minutes, and the service operates from early morning until late at night.
All four park and ride sites have a similar operating schedule, and the bus service is frequent and reliable. The park and ride sites are also equipped with toilets, ticket machines, and CCTV for security.
If you’re planning to use the park and ride service, it’s advisable to check the exact location of the park and ride sites on a map before you travel. This will help you plan your journey and ensure that you arrive at the correct park and ride site.
Planning Your Journey
When planning your journey to Cambridge, the Park and Ride service is a convenient and cost-effective option. Here’s what you need to know to plan your trip:
Finding Your Nearest Site
Cambridge has five Park and Ride sites located on the periphery of the city centre. You can choose the site closest to your location or the one that is most convenient for your destination. The sites are:
- Babraham Road
- Madingley Road
- Milton
- Newmarket Road
- Trumpington
Each site has its unique features, such as electric car charging points, bike storage, and accessible parking. You can find more information about the features of each site on the Cambridge Park and Ride website.
Park and Ride Timetables
The Park and Ride service operates from early morning until late at night, seven days a week. Buses run every 10 minutes during peak hours and every 15-20 minutes during off-peak hours. You can find the exact timetable for your chosen site on the Cambridge Park and Ride website.
Ticket Information
You can purchase your Park and Ride ticket from the ticket machine at the site, using cash or card, or via the Stagecoach Bus app. The ticket prices vary depending on the site, with a day return ticket costing between £3.00 to £4.00.
It is important to note that you cannot park overnight at any of the Park and Ride sites. If you need to park your car for an extended period, you should consider alternative parking options.
By using the Park and Ride service, you can avoid the hassle of city centre traffic and parking while still enjoying all that Cambridge has to offer.
User Experience and Accessibility
Facilities at Park and Ride Sites
Cambridge Park and Ride offers a range of facilities to ensure that your experience is comfortable and convenient. All sites offer toilets, baby changing facilities, and cycle storage. The Madingley Road and Newmarket Road sites also have electric vehicle charging points. There are also vending machines at each site, providing snacks and drinks.
Accessibility for All Users
Cambridge Park and Ride is committed to providing accessibility for all users. All sites have designated Blue Badge parking bays located close to the site entrance. The Madingley Road and Newmarket Road sites also have dedicated disabled parking bays with charging points for electric vehicles. The car park surfaces are either concrete, tarmac or block paving, making them suitable for wheelchair users.
The routes from the car park to the entrance are also designed to be accessible to wheelchair users. The St Ives site provides a shuttle bus service for visitors with mobility issues. The buses are equipped with wheelchair ramps and are low-floor to allow easy access.
In addition, all sites have hearing loops installed at the payment kiosks, and staff are trained to assist visitors with disabilities. If you require any additional assistance, please contact the Park and Ride team in advance of your visit.
Overall, Cambridge Park and Ride provides fundamental site features that are accessible to all users.
Website and Online Services
Navigating the Park and Ride Website
The Cambridge Park and Ride website is user-friendly and easy to navigate. The homepage provides an overview of the five park and ride sites available, along with their locations, parking capacity, and bus schedules. You can also find information on pricing, how to pay, and the RingGo app.
If you’re planning a trip to Cambridge, the website is a great resource for information on how to get around the city. You can use the journey planner to find the best bus routes to your destination, and the live bus tracker to see when the next bus is due. The website also provides updates on any disruptions to bus services, so you can plan your journey accordingly.
Privacy and Cookie Policy
The Cambridge Park and Ride website uses cookies to enhance your experience and collect information about your visits. By using the website, you accept the use of cookies. The website’s Privacy and Cookie Policy explains what information is collected, how it is used, and how you can reject non-essential cookies.
The website collects information such as your IP address, browser type, and pages visited. This information is used to improve the website and provide a better user experience. The website also uses cookies to remember your preferences, such as your language and currency settings.
If you have any concerns about your privacy, you can read the website’s Privacy and Cookie Policy for more information. The policy explains how your data is collected, stored, and used, and how you can exercise your rights under data protection laws.
In summary, the Cambridge Park and Ride website is a useful resource for anyone planning to visit Cambridge. The website provides information on bus schedules, pricing, and how to pay, as well as journey planning tools and live bus tracking. The website also uses cookies to enhance your experience and collect information about your visits, but you can reject non-essential cookies if you prefer.
Regulations and Limitations
Parking Limits and Restrictions
When using Cambridge Park and Ride services, it is important to be aware of the parking limits and restrictions. Each site has its own parking regulations, and failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines or towing of your vehicle. Therefore, it is important to take note of the specific rules for each site.
For example, the Cambridge Park and Ride website states that parking is limited to 18 hours at all sites. Additionally, parking is only permitted in designated areas, and overnight parking is not allowed. Furthermore, vehicles exceeding the height limit of 2.1 metres are not permitted to park at the sites.
Respect and Compliance
Respect for the regulations and other users of the service is fundamental to the success of the Cambridge Park and Ride system. It is important to respect the parking limits and restrictions, as well as the other users of the service. This includes following the rules of the buses, such as not smoking, not consuming food or drink, and not playing loud music.
It is also important to comply with the regulations set out by the service providers. This includes paying the correct fare, not parking in restricted areas, and not exceeding the time limit for parking. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines or other penalties.
In summary, it is important to be aware of the parking limits and restrictions when using the Cambridge Park and Ride service. Additionally, it is important to show respect for the regulations and other users of the service. By doing so, you can help to ensure the smooth running of the service and contribute to the success of this important transport system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the operating hours for the Cambridge Park and Ride services?
The Cambridge Park and Ride services operate every day, including weekends and bank holidays. The first bus from each site is at 7:00 am, and the last bus is at 8:00 pm. The exact operating hours may vary depending on the location, so it’s best to check the timetable for your specific site.
How much does it cost to use the Cambridge Park and Ride facilities?
The cost of using the Cambridge Park and Ride facilities varies depending on the site you choose. The current rate for an adult return ticket is £3.00. Children under the age of 16 can travel for free when accompanied by an adult.
Are there any Park and Ride locations with direct routes to Cambridge University?
Yes, the Madingley Road Park and Ride site has a direct route to Cambridge University. The bus service runs every 10 minutes, and the journey takes approximately 10 minutes.
Can I bring my dog on the Cambridge Park and Ride buses?
Yes, you can bring your dog on the Cambridge Park and Ride buses. However, they must be kept on a leash and are not allowed on the seats.
What concessions are available for using the Cambridge Park and Ride?
The Cambridge Park and Ride offers a range of concessions for frequent users, including a 10-trip ticket that costs £25.00, a monthly pass for £60.00, and an annual pass for £600.00.
How often do the buses run from the Park and Ride sites in Cambridge?
The buses run from the Park and Ride sites in Cambridge every 10 minutes, with the exception of the Babraham Road site, which has a service every 15 minutes. The exact frequency of the service may vary depending on the time of day and the site you choose.
