Waterloo Station is one of London’s largest and busiest transport hubs, with over 90 million passengers passing through annually. Located on the South Bank of the River Thames, the station is a key gateway to the capital, serving as a terminus for South Western Railway services as well as being a major interchange for the Jubilee, Northern, Bakerloo, and Waterloo & City lines on the London Underground.
Waterloo is surrounded by popular attractions such as the London Eye, Southbank Centre, and The Old Vic Theatre. Due to its central location and high passenger traffic, parking near Waterloo can be expensive and limited.
This guide will help you find the best parking options, including affordable alternatives and pre-booking solutions to avoid unnecessary hassle.
Where to find the cheapest parking near Waterloo
Using apps like JustPark can save drivers up to 40%, unlocking access to thousands of parking spaces on private driveways, small business car parks, or residential spaces.
Prices near Waterloo start from £9 per day. Real-time availability is shown in the JustPark app, with a “Sold out” sticker being displayed on spaces that are booked; the further in advance you plan, the more availability there will be, so we suggest pre-booking at least a few days ahead of time in busy areas.
This option is best for budget-conscious drivers looking for secure parking but can also add peace of mind by offering a guaranteed space. Plus, if you need to extend your parking session or want to re-book the same space for a future visit, you can simply go to the app and enter how long you’ll need the space for – everything else is handled by us.
Nearby car parks
There are several private and council-run car parks near Waterloo that offer a range of pricing options:
- Waterloo Station Car Park (SE1 8SW)
- Distance: On-site
- Price: £6 per hour, £30 per day
- Facilities: Secure, CCTV, 24/7 access
- South Bank Car Park (Belvedere Road, SE1 8XU)
- Distance: 5-minute walk
- Price: £5 per hour, £25 per day
- Facilities: CCTV, EV charging available
- Union Car Parks – Waterloo (Upper Marsh, SE1 7EJ)
- Distance: 8-minute walk
- Price: £4.50 per hour, £22 per day
- Facilities: Secure parking, disabled bays available
Street parking near Waterloo
Street parking is extremely limited and highly regulated around Waterloo. Parking restrictions typically apply from Monday to Saturday between 8:30 AM and 6:30 PM, with pay-and-display bays available outside these hours.
- Pay & Display Prices: Approx. £4.80 per hour
- Free parking: Available on Sundays and public holidays in some areas
- Tip: Always check parking signs and use online tools like Camden Council’s website for the latest restrictions
Is there free parking near Waterloo?
Free parking around Waterloo is extremely limited. Some residential streets offer free parking on Sundays and public holidays, but most areas are heavily restricted.
Parking restrictions & penalties
Waterloo falls within the Congestion Charge Zone, meaning drivers must pay a daily charge of £15 from Monday to Friday, 7 AM - 6 PM. Additionally, the area is within the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), requiring non-compliant vehicles to pay £12.50 per day. Parking enforcement is strict, with fines issued for unauthorised parking, overstaying in pay-and-display bays, and parking in restricted areas. To avoid penalties, always check signage and pre-book spaces where possible.
Park & Ride options when travelling into South London
To avoid the hassle of parking near Waterloo, consider using Park & Ride services. Depending on the direction you are traveling from, you can park at an outer London station and take a train or Tube into the city:
- Driving from the north: Park at Stanmore (Jubilee Line), where parking costs around £3.50 per day and trains take approximately 35 minutes to reach Waterloo.
- Driving from the west: Park at Hounslow West (Piccadilly Line), with parking starting from £5 per day and a journey time of 45 minutes.
- Driving from the south: Park at Morden (Northern Line), offering parking from £2 per day and a travel time of around 35 minutes.
- Driving from the east: Park at Newbury Park (Central Line), where parking costs about £3 per day, and the journey to central London takes roughly 40 minutes.
For those preferring to park closer but avoid congestion charges, Elephant & Castle and Vauxhall offer nearby parking with convenient transport links to Waterloo.
Final thoughts
Finding parking near Waterloo Station can be challenging, but with the right planning, you can secure affordable and convenient parking. Consider booking in advance through JustPark to save money and ensure availability.
Find and book the best parking near Waterloo with JustPark today.
