Cardiff parking costs vary widely. NCP Westgate Street charges £12 for one to two hours and £32 for a full day, while St David's and John Lewis car parks list far lower short-stay rates. Principality Stadium has no spectator car park, so event-day visitors should use official event sites.
Cardiff parking is cheap in some car parks and shockingly expensive in others, even when they sit a few minutes apart. A two-hour stay can cost £12 at one operator and under £4 at another. This guide compares published tariffs, explains the cheapest options by trip length and warns you about match and concert days.
Because charges change often, treat the figures below as a guide. Always check the operator’s sign or app before you pay.
Tariffs, early-bird times and event restrictions change often. The figures here come from operator pages and price trackers. Confirm the current charge on the car park’s own website or app.
Key takeaways
- NCP Westgate Street lists £6 for one hour, £12 for one to two hours and £32 for five to 24 hours.
- Its early-bird fare of £11 applies when you enter between 6am and 9am and leave by midnight.
- Shopping-centre car parks such as St David’s and John Lewis list much lower short-stay prices.
- Principality Stadium has no spectator parking, so use official event-day sites.
Cardiff parking costs compared
The table below shows the main city-centre car parks and indicative costs. Prices come from operator pages and price trackers, so confirm them before you travel.
| Car park | Postcode | Short stay (about 2 hours) | Long stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCP Westgate Street | CF10 1DZ | £12 | £32 for 5 to 24 hours | Early bird £11, open 24 hours |
| St David’s Dewi Sant | CF10 2EN | About £3.50 to £3.80 | About £20 for 6 to 12 hours on weekdays | Large shopping-centre car park |
| John Lewis | CF10 2EN | About £3.80 | Varies | Close to St David’s |
| Havannah Street, Cardiff Bay | CF10 5SG | From £2.50 for the first hour | About £24 | Useful for Cardiff Bay |
| NCP Greyfriars | CF10 3AD | Check the operator tariff | Check the operator tariff | Near the castle and the university area |
Cardiff parking is therefore a game of comparison. For a two-hour shop, a shopping-centre car park can save about £8. Over a full day, the gap narrows.
Cheapest Cardiff parking by trip type
| Trip type | Best approach | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Quick shop, up to 2 hours | St David’s or John Lewis | Lowest listed short-stay rates |
| Half day in the city | Shopping-centre car park | Cheaper than NCP for several hours |
| All-day work or sightseeing | Pre-book or use early-bird | Early bird gives a fixed low price |
| Cardiff Bay visit | Havannah Street or a Bay car park | Closer to attractions |
| Rugby or concert day | Official event park and ride | No stadium car park exists |
| Daily commuting | Train from a station car park | Avoids city-centre costs |
Early-bird deals explained
Early-bird rates reward arrival before a cut-off time. The NCP Westgate Street offer applies if you enter between 6am and 9am and leave before midnight. It costs £11, which is far below the £32 full-day charge.
However, early-bird fares exclude late exits. If you plan a long evening in town, check the leave-by time first. Additionally, apps often match the on-site price, but they can be cheaper for pre-booked spaces, so compare both.
Where should you park for the castle and Bute Park?
The castle, the market and the main shops all sit within a ten-minute walk of the Westgate Street and Greyfriars car parks. Shopping-centre car parks add a few minutes’ walk but cost less. As a result, visitors who do not mind a short stroll can save a noticeable amount.
For Cardiff Bay, drivers use bay car parks rather than city-centre sites. Techniquest, the Wales Millennium Centre and Mermaid Quay all sit within a short walk of the waterfront car parks.
Save the car park’s postcode before you leave home. City-centre one-way streets and closures can make last-minute navigation stressful, especially in December.
Cardiff parking on match and concert days
Principality Stadium has no spectator car park. Consequently, city-centre car parks fill early on event days, and prices rise. Council and event notices list official alternatives, such as park and ride sites at Leckwith and Pentwyn and event parking at Sophia Gardens.
Our Cardiff park and ride guide explains each service, the usual prices and the drop-off points. In addition, road closures and controlled access around the Civic Centre can change your route, so read the event notice before you set off.
Cardiff parking in December
December adds Christmas shoppers, the market and the light trail. Therefore, plan to arrive earlier and budget more. If you visit the Cardiff Christmas Market, book a space in advance or travel by train. Car parks near the stadium and shops sell out on busy weekends.
Tips to cut your Cardiff parking bill
- Compare before you drive. Check two or three car parks, not just the nearest one.
- Use the early bird. Arrive before 9am if you plan a full day.
- Pre-book on busy dates. Booking guarantees a space and can lower the price.
- Walk a few minutes further. Distance from the centre usually lowers the price.
- Combine train and car. A station car park plus a short rail ride can beat city-centre prices.
- Pay with the operator’s app. Apps remove the need for coins and show your remaining time.
Street parking and permit zones near the centre
Many roads around the centre belong to residents’ permit zones or have strict time limits. Parking in a resident bay without a permit risks a penalty notice, even for a few minutes. Therefore, read every sign on the street, including the small plates that give days and hours. Meanwhile, pay-and-display bays near the shops carry maximum stays, so a long lunch can cost you a fine. Because enforcement is active in the centre, off-street car parks are usually the safer choice for stays over an hour.
Parking near Cardiff Central station
Drivers who plan to take a train can use car parks near the station. These suit day trips out of the city, but they can fill early on weekdays. In addition, check whether the operator offers multi-day rates if you leave the car overnight.
Avoiding parking fines
Most disputes start with a missed time limit or an unread sign. Read the tariff board at the entrance, note the pay-by time and set a phone alarm. Furthermore, keep a photo of your ticket or receipt. Blue Badge holders should check the rules at each car park, because concessions differ between operators.
Electric vehicle charging
Some city-centre car parks include EV chargers. For example, a charging point operates at the St David’s shopping centre. Charging rules and rates vary, so check the provider’s app and the car park’s terms.
Is Cardiff parking worth it, or should you use a train?
A one-hour errand suits parking. A full day in the centre often favours the train on cost and stress. Concert nights leave event park and ride as the only simple option. You can read more about travel in our Events & Travel section, check our editorial policy to see how we handle prices or return to the Cardiff Post homepage.
Frequently asked questions
How much is parking in Cardiff city centre?
It depends on the car park. NCP Westgate Street lists £12 for one to two hours, while shopping-centre car parks list around £3.50 to £3.80 for two hours.
What is the cheapest car park in Cardiff city centre?
Shopping-centre car parks such as St David’s and John Lewis usually list the lowest short-stay prices, but check the current tariff.
Is there an early-bird parking deal in Cardiff?
Yes. NCP Westgate Street lists an early-bird fare of £11 for entry between 6am and 9am, with exit by midnight.
Is there parking at Principality Stadium?
No. The stadium has no spectator car park, so use official park and ride or event-day parking sites.
Where can I park for Cardiff Bay?
Use a Bay car park such as Havannah Street, which lists prices from about £2.50 for the first hour.
Can I pay for Cardiff parking by app?
Yes. Operators such as NCP offer app payment, and some locations accept cashless payment only.
Is it better to take the train than to drive into Cardiff?
For full-day trips, usually yes. A station car park and rail ticket often cost less than all-day city-centre parking.
Cardiff parking: the smart way to pay less
Cardiff parking becomes simple once you match the car park to the trip. Pick shopping-centre car parks for short stays, use early-bird fares for long days and avoid driving to the stadium on event days. Check the operator’s current tariff before you arrive, and you will keep more of your budget for the day out.
Cardiff Post Editorial. Independent Cardiff guides, checked against official sources. Read our editorial policy, corrections policy and about page.
Information only. Cardiff Post is independent and is not affiliated with any government body. Check details with the official source before you travel or book.
