Manchester is a city on the rise, becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations not only in the UK but the world. Manchester has been rated as one of the top destinations for its culture, shopping and food, and with this comes a common problem, parking. Finding a space in a city is hard enough, never mind one of the popularity of Manchester. To help with your parking the next time you visit, we have pinpointed the various parking options available and their locations. We have also listed some of the best apps for both finding parking and paying for spaces.
On-Street Parking
On-street parking is an excellent option for those who want to be close to their destination. Manchester has several on-street parking options, including pay and display bays, meters, and resident permit areas. These options are suitable for short-term stays and are available throughout the city centre. However, be aware that it can be challenging to find a spot, and the cost of parking can vary greatly depending on the time and location. It’s worth noting a lot of Northern Quarter, and NOMA follows a one-way system with mostly permit parking for residents, so finding a free spot can be tricky, especially at peak times. Within Manchester, areas are split into zones, and parking prices vary. See the zones. Once you have your zone, we recommend visiting Manchester City Council’s parking zone price page, where you can find the price dependent on the length of your stay.
Off-Street Parking
Off-street parking in Manchester offers a convenient and secure alternative to on-street parking options. This type of parking provides a safe and covered space for vehicles, making it ideal for extended stays in the city. Off-street parking typically involves car parks and multi-story car parks alongside the park-and-ride facilities. Regarding park and ride, it is an excellent option for those looking to park outside the city and travel into the centre on public transport. This option is ideal for those who are okay with a short journey and want to avoid the hassle of finding a parking space in the city centre. The tram can cost as little as £1.60, so can be a much more affordable way to get into the city safely.
Tram stations like New Islington, Salford Crescent, Rochdale and many others have paid to park attached with some offering a number of free spots.
Some of the most popular off-street parking venues in Manchester are:
- Manchester Arndale Car Park
- The Triangle Car Park
- Q-Park Deansgate North
- NCP Car Park Deansgate
- NCP Car Park Manchester Central
- Great Northern Warehouse Car Park
- Manchester Piccadilly Station Car Park
- Manchester Victoria Station Car Park
- Exchange Square Car Park
- NCP Car Park Manchester Printworks
We’d like to note; availability and prices may vary, and it is best to check the websites or contact the facilities for the most up-to-date information.
Electric Vehicle Charging
Manchester is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting electric vehicles. As a result, several electric vehicle charging points are available throughout the city for those who need to charge their cars whilst browsing everything Manchester offers. We have listed some of the most popular electric and hybrid charging spots below:
- Ecotricity Charging Point – Piccadilly Station
- Chargemaster Charging Point – The Triangle Car Park
- BP Chargemaster Charging Point – Manchester Arndale Car Park
- Chargemaster Charging Point – NCP Car Park Manchester Central
- Tesla Supercharger – Bredbury Park Retail Park
- Ecotricity Charging Point – Manchester Victoria Station
- Chargemaster Charging Point – NCP Car Park Manchester Printworks
- BP Chargemaster Charging Point – NCP Car Park Deansgate
- Ecotricity Charging Point – Heaton Park
- Chargemaster Charging Point – Manchester Royal Infirmary.
Again, availability and prices may vary, and so it is best to check the websites or contact the facilities for the most up-to-date information.
Some of the best parking apps in Manchester
Parking apps are the future, allowing you to find and pay for parking without leaving your vehicle. The ability to extend from miles away is a massive help when your day out gets unexpectedly extended! We at Marsh Finance believe parking apps is the best way for customers to organise and ultimately pay for parking in Manchester. Below, we have listed some of our top picks.
- JustPark: This app allows you to find and book parking spaces in Manchester and other cities across the UK. It offers a range of parking options, including on-street, off-street, and private parking.
- Parkopedia: This app provides a comprehensive database of parking options in Manchester, including on-street parking, car parks, and private garages. You can also compare prices and find the nearest available space. You can even compare prices and book a spot in advance, making your life a whole lot easier. This app also working in all major UK cities and is an absolute cheat code when visiting somewhere new.
- ParkMobile: This app provides an easy and convenient way to pay for on-street parking in Manchester. You can find available spaces, pay for your parking, and extend your stay without having to return to the meter.
- YourParkingSpace: This app offers a range of parking options, including private garages and driveways, in and around Manchester. You can book a space in advance and enjoy peace of mind knowing that your parking is secured.
- NCP ParkPass: This app is specifically designed for NCP car parks in Manchester and other cities across the UK. You can use the app to find a car park, compare prices, and make a booking in advance.
To conclude, Manchester is a growing city, and with that parking options are slowly growing. However, with the presence of one-way roads and tight side streets, Manchester City centre definitely provides more parking challenges than other cities. With this in mind, we have listed some of the best places to park and the best apps to use for finding and paying for a space in Manchester.