Kew Gardens, located in Richmond on the southwest edge of London, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most famous botanical gardens. Visitors come from around the world to see an impressive collection of plants, stunning landscapes, and iconic structures such as the Palm House and the Treetop Walkway.
Established in 1840, it’s a destination that attracts millions of visitors annually who come to marvel at its 50,000 living plants and engage with its rich scientific heritage. Plus, they host regular events including the annual Christmas at Kew lights display and market, along with workshops, classes and school trips, meaning there's always something new to see.
If you’re visiting the gardens soon, finding the right parking can make your trip much smoother and more affordable with a little bit of advanced planning.
How to get to Kew Gardens
By car
Kew Gardens is conveniently located in southwest London, making it accessible from various parts of the city and beyond. Here’s how to get there from key directions:
- From Central London: Take the A4 westbound and then the A205 south. Follow signs for Richmond and Kew Gardens.
- From the M4: Exit at Junction 2 and take the A205 south. Follow signs for Kew Gardens.
- From the South or M25: Use Junction 12 to merge onto the M3. Then follow the A316 and take the A205 north to reach Kew Gardens.
If you’re using a GPS or navigation app, set the destination as TW9 3AF (Victoria Gate).
By train
Kew Gardens has its own dedicated station on the London Overground and District line, making it an easy destination to reach by train. The station is just a 5-minute walk from the Victoria Gate entrance. The station even has its own built-in pub called Tap on the Line, which makes for a great stop-in on your way home from the gardens.
By TfL
Several bus routes serve the area around Kew Gardens, including the 65, 237, and 391. These buses connect Kew to surrounding areas such as Richmond, Hammersmith, and Chiswick. Alternatively, the nearby Richmond Station serves the Overground, District line, and SWR for additional transport options.
The best parking spaces near Kew Gardens
While Kew Gardens does have its own parking facilities, spaces can be limited and fill up quickly during peak times. Fortunately, there are several parking options nearby:
Rent a parking space from a local resident on JustPark
JustPark offers a range of affordable and convenient parking spaces right near Kew Gardens. These include private driveways that locals are renting out and secure car parks with extra spaces to fill, all bookable in advance through the app. Locations include spaces on Kew Road, Gloucester Road, and surrounding residential streets.
Using the JustPark app or website, you can search, find and reserve a space which should tick most of your boxes when looking for parking:
- You can search for spaces within walking distance of the gardens and get more affordable rates than showing up to a car park last minute
- You won’t have to worry about availability in car parks since your space is guaranteed to be reserved for you upon arrival
- You can extend your parking session easily through the JustPark app if you’re facing delays or want to carry on with your plans
- Rates in the area start at £1 per hour
On-street parking
On-street parking is available on several nearby residential roads, including Kew Road, Gloucester Road, and parts of Sandycombe Road. However, restrictions typically apply during controlled hours (usually Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 4:30 pm).
Be sure to check the local signage for details on restricted zones and permit-only areas. Prices for on-street parking generally range from £2 to £4 per hour, and payment is often required via a mobile app or pay & display machine.
Official Kew Gardens car park
This car park is located at TW9 3AF and offers a convenient - but limited - option for visitors. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Richmond council car parks
Local council-run car parks such as the Old Deer Car Park are an alternative option if you’re unable to park closer to Kew Gardens.
Is there official parking at Kew Gardens?
Yes, Kew Gardens provides an official car park at Brentford Gate. The parking is limited to around 300 spaces and tends to fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during school holidays. Parking here costs £9 per day, but is free if you’re a Blue Badge holder; it’s best to arrive early if this is your preferred space.
If you’re considering alternative options or visiting during a busier period, Kew’s official website recommends JustPark and a few other parking services to help manage car park overflow and congestion.
How much does parking cost near Kew Gardens?
- Official Kew Gardens parking: Parking costs £9 per day for visitors.
- JustPark spaces: Prices for JustPark spaces vary depending on the location and duration of your stay. Prices start from as little as £1 per hour, offering a cost-effective alternative to official parking.
- On-street parking: Charges for on-street parking vary by zone but can range from £2 to £4 per hour. Be sure to check local signage for up-to-date restrictions and fees.
- Council car parks: Prices depend on the car park and duration but generally range between £7 and £10 for a few hours.
Commonly asked questions about parking near Kew Gardens
Can I park for free near Kew Gardens? Free parking is extremely limited in the area. Some residential streets may offer free parking outside controlled hours, typically in the evenings or on Sundays. Using Parkopedia can help you identify any free options nearby, but if you have a timed ticket or set schedule, we would recommend pre-booking.
What’s the best parking option for families? For families with children, the official Kew Gardens car park or pre-booked JustPark spaces close to the gates are the most convenient options. These provide shorter walking distances and a hassle-free experience.
Is there parking for Blue Badge holders? Yes, the Brentford Gate car park has designated Blue Badge spaces. Additionally, some JustPark locations offer accessible parking spaces—you can filter for this in the app.
Can I leave my car overnight? Some JustPark spaces allow for overnight parking. Check the details of each space in the app to ensure overnight parking is permitted. Kew’s official car park closes 30 minutes after the gardens’ closing hours, so you won’t be able to leave your car there beyond regular hours.
Are there electric vehicle charging stations at Kew Gardens? While Kew Gardens itself does not have dedicated electric vehicle charging stations, there are several charging facilities in the nearby areas. To quickly scan nearby options, consider downloading an app such as Zap-Map to locate the closest EV charging points. Alternatively, JustPark can assist in finding and pre-booking parking spaces equipped with electric vehicle charging facilities, ensuring your car is powered up while you explore the gardens.
