If you’re planning a trip to Aberdeen, you’ll want to know about the parking situation. Fortunately, there are plenty of free parking options throughout the city. Whether you’re looking for a spot to park your car for a few hours or overnight, Aberdeen has you covered.
Understanding Parking in Aberdeen can be a bit confusing, but there are several types of free parking available. Some of the most common types include on-street parking, off-street parking, and park and ride facilities. Each type of parking has its own rules and regulations, so it’s important to read the signs carefully before leaving your car.
If you’re looking for free parking spots in Aberdeen, there are plenty of options available. Some of the most popular locations include Bridge of Don Park and Ride, Ellon Park and Ride, and Viewfield Road. Each of these locations has its own unique features and facilities, so it’s important to choose the one that best meets your needs.
Key Takeaways
- Aberdeen has plenty of free parking options.
- There are different types of free parking available, including on-street parking, off-street parking, and park and ride facilities.
- Popular free parking spots in Aberdeen include Bridge of Don Park and Ride, Ellon Park and Ride, and Viewfield Road.
Understanding Parking in Aberdeen
When it comes to parking in Aberdeen, there are two main zones to consider: City Centre Zones and Peripheral Areas. Understanding these zones will help you navigate the city and find the best parking options for your needs.
City Centre Zones
The City Centre Zones are divided into Inner Central and Outer Central areas. Inner Central is the heart of the city and has the highest demand for parking. It includes areas such as Union Street, Market Street, and Castle Street. Parking in Inner Central can be expensive, but there are some options for free parking if you know where to look.
Outer Central includes areas such as Rosemount, Ferryhill, and West End. It is slightly further away from the city centre, but still within walking distance. Parking in Outer Central is generally cheaper than Inner Central, and there are more options for free parking.
If you are planning to park in the City Centre Zones, it is important to be aware of the restrictions. Most on-street parking in Inner Central is limited to a maximum of 2 hours, and there are strict enforcement measures in place. Outer Central has more options for longer-term parking, including some free options.
Peripheral Areas
If you are looking for free parking in Aberdeen, your best bet is to head to the Peripheral Areas. These areas are further away from the city centre, but offer more options for free parking. Some of the most popular areas for free parking include:
- Ellon Park and Ride: This park and ride facility has around 300 free parking spaces, including 4 electric vehicle charge points. A day rider will cost you £8.60, but it is a good option if you are planning to spend the day in the city.
- Kingswells Park and Ride: This park and ride facility has around 915 free parking spaces, including 6 electric vehicle charge points. A single journey into the city centre will cost you £2.60, making it a cheap and convenient option.
- Denburn Car Park: This car park is located in Inner Central, but offers free parking on Sundays. It is a good option if you are planning to spend the day in the city and want to avoid paying for parking.
In conclusion, understanding the different parking zones in Aberdeen is key to finding the best parking options for your needs. If you are looking for free parking, your best bet is to head to the Peripheral Areas, where you will find a range of options to suit your needs.
Types of Free Parking
If you are looking for free parking in Aberdeen, you have several options available. Here are the three main types of free parking in Aberdeen:
On-Street Parking
On-street parking is one of the most common types of free parking in Aberdeen. You can park your vehicle on the side of the road in designated parking bays without paying any fees. However, it is important to note that parking spaces are limited and you may have to drive around for a while before finding an available spot.
Car Parks
Another option for free parking in Aberdeen is to use one of the many free car parks. There are several car parks in Aberdeen that offer free parking, such as the Bridge of Don Park and Ride, Ellon Park and Ride, and Kingswells Park and Ride. These car parks are open 24 hours a day and have hundreds of free parking spaces available.
Special Provisions for Blue Badge Holders
If you hold a Blue Badge, you can park in designated parking bays for free in Aberdeen. These parking bays are located throughout the city and are reserved for people with disabilities. Blue Badge holders can also park in on-street parking bays without paying any fees.
It is important to note that there are time restrictions on some of the free parking options in Aberdeen. For example, on-street parking may have a maximum stay time of two hours, and some car parks may have restrictions on overnight parking. Make sure to check the signage before parking to avoid any fines or penalties.
Overall, there are several options for free parking in Aberdeen, including on-street parking, free car parks, and special provisions for Blue Badge holders. With a little bit of planning and patience, you can find a free parking spot in Aberdeen and save some money on parking fees.
Locations of Free Parking Spots
If you’re looking for free parking spots in Aberdeen, you’re in luck. There are several locations throughout the city where you can park your car for free. In this section, we’ll cover the different areas where you can find free parking spots.
Central Aberdeen Free Spots
If you’re looking for free parking in the heart of Aberdeen, there are a few options available to you. The Denburn car park is a popular choice, offering free parking on Sundays and after 6 pm on weekdays. You can also find free on-street parking in Aberdeen city centre on Sundays and after 6 pm on weekdays. Golden Square is another option, offering free parking after 6 pm on weekdays and all day on Sundays.
Peripheral Free Parking Locations
If you’re willing to park a bit further away from the city centre, there are several free parking spots available. Chapel Street car park is a good choice, offering free parking after 6 pm on weekdays and all day on Sundays. Gallowgate car park is another option, offering free parking on Sundays and after 6 pm on weekdays.
Other peripheral free parking spots include Elmfield Avenue, Elmbank Terrace, Pittodrie Place, and Chestnut Row. Cedar Place is another option, offering free parking after 6 pm on weekdays and all day on Sundays.
Overall, there are plenty of free parking spots available in Aberdeen if you know where to look. Whether you’re looking for parking in the heart of the city or a bit further away, there are several options available to you. Just be sure to check the parking signs carefully to ensure that you’re parking legally and not in a restricted area.
Car Park Facilities
If you are looking for free car parks in Aberdeen, you are in luck. There are several options available, including the Crombie Road car park, Broomhill Road car park, Viewfield Road car park, Tanfield Walk car park, and Dunmail Avenue car park. All of these car parks offer free parking all day, every day.
Free Car Parks in Aberdeen
Crombie Road car park is located near the beach and offers free parking all day, every day. It has 115 parking spaces, including six disabled bays, and is open 24 hours a day. Broomhill Road car park is located near the city centre and offers free parking all day, every day. It has 60 parking spaces, including two disabled bays, and is open 24 hours a day.
Viewfield Road car park is located near the city centre and offers free parking all day, every day. It has 80 parking spaces, including four disabled bays, and is open 24 hours a day. Tanfield Walk car park is located near the University of Aberdeen and offers free parking all day, every day. It has 170 parking spaces, including six disabled bays, and is open 24 hours a day.
Dunmail Avenue car park is located in the Garthdee area of Aberdeen and offers free parking all day, every day. It has 40 parking spaces, including two disabled bays, and is open 24 hours a day.
Motorhome Parking
If you are travelling in a motorhome, you may be interested in the motorhome parking facilities in Aberdeen. There are several options available, including the Beach Boulevard car park, which offers motorhome parking for up to 24 hours. The car park is located near the beach and has 115 parking spaces, including six disabled bays.
Electric Vehicle Charging
If you are driving an electric vehicle, you will be pleased to know that there are several electric vehicle charging points in Aberdeen. These include charging points at the Beach Boulevard car park, which offers two charging points for electric vehicles. There are also charging points at the Bon Accord Centre car park and the Trinity Centre car park. All of these charging points are free to use and are available 24 hours a day.
Parking Charges and Enforcement
If you are planning to park your vehicle in Aberdeen, it is important to understand the parking charges and enforcement regulations to avoid getting a ticket. This section will provide you with the necessary information to help you make the right parking decisions.
Understanding Parking Charges
There are different types of parking charges in Aberdeen, including pay and display, pay by phone, and parking permits. Pay and display charges are displayed on the parking meters, and you need to purchase a ticket and display it on your vehicle to avoid getting a ticket. Pay by phone is a cashless parking option, where you can pay for your parking using your mobile phone. You need to register with the service provider, PayByPhone, online, via the app, or by calling 01224 440871. You can then use the PaybyPhone app, website, or phone number to pay for parking.
If you are a frequent parker, you can apply for a parking permit, which allows you to park in designated areas. There are different types of parking permits, including resident permits, business permits, and contractor permits. You need to apply for a permit and pay the relevant fee to be eligible for the permit.
Dealing with Parking Meter Faults
If you encounter a parking meter fault, do not panic. You can report the fault by calling the number displayed on the meter or by using the PayByPhone app. Make sure you take a picture of the meter displaying the fault, as this will help you if you need to dispute a ticket. If you have already paid for parking and the meter is faulty, take a picture of the meter displaying the fault and your payment receipt. This will help you if you need to dispute a ticket.
In conclusion, understanding the parking charges and enforcement regulations in Aberdeen is important to avoid getting a ticket. Make sure you pay for your parking using the appropriate method, and report any parking meter faults as soon as possible.
Public Transport Alternatives
If you don’t have access to a car or prefer not to drive, there are several public transport alternatives available in Aberdeen. In this section, we’ll explore the bus services and park and ride sites that you can use to get around the city.
Bus Services in Aberdeen
Aberdeen has an extensive bus network, operated by First Aberdeen and Stagecoach North Scotland. You can buy single journey tickets, day riders, and weekly or monthly passes. If you’re a concession card holder, you can get discounted fares.
Both operators provide real-time bus tracking on their websites and apps, so you can check when the next bus is due and plan your journey accordingly. There are also several bus stops located throughout the city, making it easy to catch a bus from almost anywhere.
Park and Ride Sites
If you prefer to drive but don’t want to deal with the hassle of finding a parking spot in the city centre, you can use one of Aberdeen’s park and ride sites. There are several sites located on the outskirts of the city, including Bridge of Don, Craibstone, and Kingswells.
Bridge of Don Park and Ride is open 24 hours a day and has 650 free parking spaces. Buses to and from Bridge of Don Park and Ride are every 30 minutes, and a single ticket into Aberdeen will cost you £1.95 (free if you are a concession card holder).
Craibstone Park and Ride is open Monday to Saturday and has 1,000 free parking spaces. Buses to and from Craibstone Park and Ride are every 10 minutes, and a single ticket into Aberdeen will cost you £2.20 (free if you are a concession card holder).
Kingswells Park and Ride is open Monday to Saturday and has 1,000 free parking spaces. Buses to and from Kingswells Park and Ride are every 10 minutes, and a single ticket into Aberdeen will cost you £2.20 (free if you are a concession card holder).
Using a park and ride site can save you time and money, as well as reduce traffic congestion in the city centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the city centre locations for free parking in Aberdeen?
Finding free parking in the city centre can be a challenge, but there are a few options available. The Bon Accord and St Nicholas shopping centres offer free parking for up to two hours on Sundays, and there is also free parking available on some of the streets around the city centre. Be sure to check the signs carefully to avoid any parking fines.
What are the best areas for complimentary parking in Aberdeen on Sundays?
If you’re looking for free parking on Sundays, there are several areas to consider. The Beach Esplanade, Seaton Park, and Duthie Park all offer free parking on Sundays. Additionally, there is free parking available at the Bon Accord and St Nicholas shopping centres, as mentioned earlier.
How can I find a map showing free parking zones in Aberdeen?
The Aberdeen City Council website provides a map showing the location of all the free parking zones in the city. You can access the map by visiting the council’s website and searching for “free parking zones.” Alternatively, you can use the PayByPhone app, which also shows the location of free parking zones.
Are there any free parking options available near Aberdeen Airport?
Yes, there are a few free parking options available near Aberdeen Airport. The Dyce Drive car park offers free parking for up to 30 minutes, and there is also free parking available on the streets around the airport. However, be aware that these spots can fill up quickly, especially during peak travel times.
Can visitors park for free on Aberdeen Esplanade, and if so, when?
Yes, visitors can park for free on Aberdeen Esplanade, but only during certain times. Free parking is available on the Esplanade between 5pm and 8am every day, and all day on Sundays. Outside of these times, parking charges apply.
What are the parking charges at Aberdeen train station?
The parking charges at Aberdeen train station vary depending on the length of stay. The short-stay car park charges £3.50 for up to two hours, while the long-stay car park charges £9.50 for up to 24 hours. There are also some free parking options available on the streets around the station, but be sure to check the signs carefully to avoid any parking fines.
