Where are the cheapest places to park in Exeter for a day out?

Drivers in Exeter now face a wide range of parking costs depending on where they choose to leave their car, but there are still options that won’t break the bank.

Latest data from Exeter City Council shows a clear price gradient across its car parks, with city‑centre locations among the most expensive and outlying zones much cheaper for longer stays. 

Prices were last updated earlier this year as part of the council’s tariff schedule.

Central car parks remain the priciest

Central Exeter car parks are the most expensive, offering convenience at a cost. These include:

• Guildhall Car Park (EX4 3HP)
• John Lewis Car Park (EX4 6PD)
• Mary Arches Street Multi‑Storey (EX4 3AZ)
• Princesshay 2 & 3 (EX1 1NN / EX1 1TS)
• Triangle (EX1 2BL)
• Smythen Street (EX1 1BN)
• Magdalen Street / Magdalen Road (EX2 4HZ / EX2 4SU)
• Howell Road (EX4 4LZ)
• King William Street (EX4 6PD)
• Bampfylde Street (EX1 2AR)

Prices (Mon–Sat):

• 2 hours - £4.90
• 3 hours - £6.00
• 7 hours - £10.70
• All day - £19.30

Prices (Sun):

• 2 hours - £3.70
• 3 hours - £4.50
• All day - £14.50

Most expensive option: Guildhall, John Lewis, and Princesshay 2 & 3, where all-day parking costs £19.30.

Zone 1: Cheaper but still central

Zone 1 car parks are within walking distance of the city centre and include:

• Bartholomew Terrace
• Harlequins
• Matthews Hall

Tariffs (Mon–Sat):

• 2 hours - £3.70
• 3 hours - £4.80
• All day - £13.90

Tariffs (Sun):

• 2 hours - £2.80
• All day - £10.50

Zone 1 offers a reasonable compromise between convenience and cost.

Zone 2: Mid-range pricing

Zone 2 car parks are slightly further out but still accessible:

• Belmont Road
• Bystock Terrace
• Cathedral & Quay
• Haven Banks – One
• Parr Street
• Richmond Road
• Topsham Quay

Prices (Mon–Sat):

• 2 hours - £3.60
• 3 hours - £4.80
• All day - £11.80

Prices (Sun):

• 2 hours - £2.80
• All day - £10.50

Zone 2 is ideal for visitors who want to save money without walking too far from the centre.

Zone 3: Cheapest council-run car parks

Zone 3 is best for budget-conscious drivers willing to walk further:

• Flowerpot Lane
• Gordons Place
• Haven Banks Two & Three
• Holman Way
• Okehampton Street (Exwick)
• Station Road (Exwick)
• Tappers Close
• Bromhams Farm

Tariffs (Mon–Sun):

• 2 hours - £2.10
• 3 hours - £3.20
• 4 hours - £4.30
• All day - £5.40

Zone 3 offers the best value for all-day parking, at just £5.40.

Private car parks

Private operators like NCP Market Street provide alternatives near Exeter Cathedral:

• 1 hour - £2.50
• 2–3 hours - £7.50
• 5–24 hours - £14.00
• Early bird (in by 09:00) - £9.00

These can be cheaper than central council options for full-day stays, especially with early bird deals.

• Cheapest overall: Zone 3 (£5.40 all day)
• Most expensive: Central (£19.30 all day)
• Best balance: Zone 2 (£11.80 all day)

Tips for drivers:

• Always check signage and local restrictions.
• Disabled badge holders usually park free in marked bays.
• Some on-street and residential spaces may be free after 6pm.
• EV charging points available in selected car parks.

This guide helps drivers make an informed choice, whether they’re visiting for a short trip or a full day out in Exeter.

All parking prices and information are correct as of December 2025. Drivers should check signage or operator websites before travel, as charges may change.