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Royal Observatory Greenwich Parking I Where to Park

Is there parking at Royal Observatory Greenwich?

Yes, there are two main parking options for Royal Observatory Greenwich: the car park inside Greenwich Park, around 500m from the Observatory, and the Royal Museums Greenwich car park on Park Row, near the National Maritime Museum. The park car park is more convenient for reaching the Observatory, while the museum car park offers pre-bookable spaces on selected days. Both have limited availability, so check access, charges and opening hours before driving.

Important: Royal Observatory Greenwich is scheduled to close to the public from 2 November 2026 for major transformation works. Check the latest official updates before planning your visit.

Compare parking options near Royal Observatory Greenwich

Car parkDistance from the ObservatoryEstimated costBest for

Greenwich Park Car Park

Around 500m

£1.40/hour Monday to Saturday; £2/hour Sundays and bank holidays

Visitors who want to park closest to the Observatory

Royal Museums Greenwich car park, Park Row

Around 12–15 minutes on foot

From £14 per day

Visitors who prefer to pre-book parking on available dates

Charlton Way Coach Park

Near Blackheath Gate; requires a walk through the park

Check current coach parking arrangements

Organised coach groups rather than standard cars

Where to park at Royal Observatory Greenwich

Note: the Royal Observatory closes on 2 November 2026 for a refurbishment project. Check the Royal Museums Greenwich website for reopening details before you travel.

Greenwich Park Car Park

  • Location: Blackheath Avenue, Greenwich Park, London SE10 8QY (entrance via Blackheath Gate, off Charlton Way)
  • Distance: The car park runs along Blackheath Avenue towards the General Wolfe statue, which is next to the Observatory. The walk is short, though how far depends on where you park along the avenue.
  • Opening hours: Vehicle access begins at 7am. Closing times vary according to the season and park schedule.

  • Parking charges:

    • Charges apply from 9am to 6pm every day, including bank holidays.
    • Monday to Saturday: £1.40 per hour, up to £5.60 for four hours.
    • Sundays: £2 per hour, up to £8 for four hours.
    • Maximum stay: four hours for all drivers.

  • Accessibility: Designated Blue Badge spaces are available along Blackheath Avenue. There is also a small disabled-only car park at the junction with Great Cross Avenue, next to the Pavilion Café. Blue Badge parking is free but limited to four hours.

This is the closest car park to the Observatory and the most convenient option if you want to avoid the steep uphill walk from Greenwich town centre. It is accessed via Blackheath Gate from Charlton Way.

Important: Parking is subject to availability, and the four-hour limit applies even if you plan to spend longer exploring Greenwich Park.

Royal Museums Greenwich Car Park

  • Location: Park Row, Greenwich, London SE10 9NG
  • Distance: This car park is by the National Maritime Museum, and the walk to the Observatory is uphill through Greenwich Park.
  • Opening hours: Weekends, bank holidays and school holidays, 10am to 5pm. Limited availability on weekdays.
  • Parking charges: From £14 per day (non-refundable).
  • Accessibility: Five accessible parking bays are available for disabled visitors. Pre-book wherever possible, as availability on the day cannot be guaranteed. Email bookings@rmg.co.uk to reserve.

This car park is operated by Royal Museums Greenwich and is useful if you are also visiting the National Maritime Museum or Queen’s House.

Book online in advance, especially for weekends and school holidays. Online sales close at 9am on the day, and any remaining spaces are sold on arrival by contactless payment. Only cars are allowed, so no minibuses, coaches, lorries, trailers or caravans. The car park closes promptly at 5pm, so make sure you can collect your vehicle before then.

Tips for parking near Royal Observatory Greenwich

  • Arrive early: Parking spaces are limited, especially on weekends, bank holidays and school holidays. Pre-book the Royal Museums Greenwich car park where possible.
  • Check the four-hour limit: Greenwich Park Car Park has a maximum stay of four hours. Choose your parking option based on how long you plan to spend in the area.
  • Factor in the hill: The museum car park involves a longer uphill walk. The car park inside Greenwich Park is closer to the Observatory.
  • Check seasonal closing times: Greenwich Park's vehicle gates close at a time that varies throughout the year. Don't assume the car park stays open until late evening.
  • Consider public transport: Buses 53, 54, 202 and 380 serve the area near the top of Greenwich Park, helping you avoid the uphill walk and the search for a parking space.

Accessibility and Blue Badge parking

Reserved parking sign with wheelchair symbol for disability access.

If you need accessible parking, both Greenwich Park and Royal Museums Greenwich provide designated spaces. The best choice depends on availability and how much walking you can comfortably manage.

  • Greenwich Park Car Park: Designated accessible spaces are available along Blackheath Avenue, with a separate disabled-only parking area near Great Cross Avenue. Blue Badge holders can park free for up to four hours.
  • Royal Museums Greenwich Car Park: Six designated Blue Badge bays are listed in the official accessibility information. Spaces should be booked in advance wherever possible.
  • Walking routes: The direct path from the National Maritime Museum to the Observatory is steep and includes steps. A less steep route is available, but it takes around 25 minutes.
  • Before travelling: Check current accessibility and parking arrangements, particularly if you need step-free access or a shorter walking route.

Frequently asked questions about Royal Observatory Greenwich parking

Yes. Greenwich Park Car Park is around 500m from the Observatory. Royal Museums Greenwich also operates a car park on Park Row, approximately 12–15 minutes away on foot.