For a day in Manchester, Metrolink Park & Ride is the cheapest option: TfGM runs 24 Park & Ride sites where parking is free and you take the tram in. In the city centre, Manchester City Council's on-street bays cost from £2 to £4 for an hour depending on the zone, and they're free from 8pm to 8am and on bank holidays.
Where should I park in Manchester?
Free parking at Park & Ride tram stops. You only pay the tram fare.
£9 for up to 10 hours on the street, or £15 for the whole weekend.
Free from 8pm to 8am and on bank holidays, subject to parking restrictions.
Key takeaways
- On-street charges apply 8am to 8pm, every day. Parking is free from 8pm to 8am and on bank holidays, subject to restrictions.
- Zones 1 and 2 cost £4 for an hour, with a 2-hour maximum. Zone 4 allows up to 10 hours for £9.
- Blue Badge holders park free in all on-street bays in the city centre, according to the council.
- TfGM runs 24 Metrolink Park & Ride sites with free parking.
- There are no clean air charges to drive anywhere in Greater Manchester.
Where can you park in Manchester?
Tap a pin for prices, the address and directions. Teal pins are example council on-street bays in each price zone, and purple pins are free Metrolink Park & Ride sites.
Pin positions are approximate. Use the address or the directions link to find the entrance. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
How much is on-street parking in Manchester city centre?
The council splits city centre on-street parking into zones. These prices come from the council's zone and street pages:
| Zone | 1 hour | Longest stay and price |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 and Zone 2 | £4 | 2 hours, £7 |
| Zone 3 | £2 | 3 hours, £5 |
| Zone 4 | £2 | 10 hours, £9 (or £15 for all of Saturday and Sunday) |
All zones charge from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Sunday. In zones 1 and 2 there are also 30-minute (£2) and 90-minute (£5.50) tickets. Many bays have a "no return within 1 hour" rule, shown on the street signs. You can pay by phone.
When is parking free in Manchester?
According to the council, there's no charge for its on-street bays from 8pm until 8am the next morning, or on bank holidays, subject to parking restrictions. The council warns that if a car is left overnight, you may be fined if it isn't collected or paid for after 8am.
Is there a Park & Ride in Manchester?
Yes. TfGM says there are 24 Park & Ride sites in Greater Manchester where you can park for free and take the tram. For the city centre from the M60, TfGM suggests:
- Whitefield (Bury line): 331 spaces, about 38 minutes direct to Piccadilly
- Radcliffe (Bury line): 480 spaces, about 41 minutes to Deansgate-Castlefield
- Sale Water Park (Airport line): 285 spaces, about 26 minutes direct to Deansgate-Castlefield
- East Didsbury: 278 spaces, about 30 minutes direct to Deansgate-Castlefield
The full list of sites is on TfGM's Park and Ride page.
Do Blue Badge holders pay to park in Manchester?
Not on the street in the city centre. The council states that all on-street parking in the city centre is free for Blue Badge holders, and the zone charges and time limits don't apply to them.
Where can you charge an electric car on the street?
The council lists EV charging bays on Store Street in Zone 4, with a 3-hour maximum while charging.
Is there a Clean Air Zone or congestion charge in Manchester?
No. Clean Air Greater Manchester states there are no clean air charges to drive anywhere in Greater Manchester. The government approved an investment-led plan in 2025 instead of a charging Clean Air Zone.
What about car parks?
This guide covers the council's on-street bays and Park & Ride, where prices are published by the council and TfGM. Off-street car parks in the city centre set their own prices, so the board at the entrance shows what you'll pay.
Own a home in Manchester? Guestwise manages short lets in Manchester from 12% + VAT. See Airbnb management in Manchester.
Visiting for a gig or match? See Manchester's events calendar
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to park in Manchester?
Metrolink Park & Ride. TfGM runs 24 sites where parking is free and you take the tram into the city.
How much is on-street parking in Manchester city centre?
From £2 to £4 for an hour depending on the zone. Zones 1 and 2 cost £4 an hour with a 2-hour maximum, and Zone 4 allows up to 10 hours for £9.
Is parking free in Manchester after 8pm?
Yes, in the council's on-street bays. The council says there's no charge from 8pm to 8am or on bank holidays, subject to parking restrictions.
Do Blue Badge holders park free in Manchester?
Yes, on the street in the city centre. The council states all on-street city centre parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
Is there a Clean Air Zone in Manchester?
No. Clean Air Greater Manchester states there are no clean air charges to drive anywhere in Greater Manchester.
Related guides
Sources
- Manchester City Council: On-street parking
- Manchester City Council: Zone 1 charges and times
- Manchester City Council: Zone 2 charges and times
- Manchester City Council: Wakefield Street (Zone 3)
- Manchester City Council: Store Street (Zone 4)
- TfGM: Getting to Castlefield Bowl (Park and Ride sites)
- TfGM: Park and Ride
- Clean Air Greater Manchester: Clean Air Plan
Prices are taken from Manchester City Council, TfGM and Clean Air Greater Manchester on the date shown above, and can change. Check the signs on the street or in the car park before you pay.