Top 10  Parking in St Andrews


Updated: May 15, 2025

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Introduction

Searching easy and convenient parking in St Andrews can be challenging especially during peak tourist seasons and major golf tournaments. Whether you are looking for free parking around Market Street affordable huge stay points or accessible spaces close to the Old Course, understanding the local parking system is essential.

With limited spaces in the town center and strict parking restrictions visitors often look for alternatives like disabled parking zones or electric vehicle charging stations. This guide covers everything you need to know from avoiding fines in resident only areas to securing Parking in St Andrews during the busy summer months and golf events ensuring a stress free visit to Scotland’s historic seaside town.

Main Town Center Car Parking in St Andrews

Navigating parking in St Andrews’s historic town center requires planning especially during peak hours. The West Port Car Park (£1.20/hour £6.50/day) provides the most central points just steps from Market Street shops and dining. For budget conscious visitors the St Andrews Bus Station car park (£1/hour) offers easy and affordable long stay parking in St Andrews (24 hour max) ideal for university visitors or day trippers. On street Market Street parking (£1.50/hour 2 hour max) suits quick stops with 30 minutes free for shoppers. Pro tip: Arrive before 10am to secure spaces as all St Andrews car parks fill rapidly in summer and during golf tournaments.
Key reminders:

  • Payment via RingGo (Zone 54321) or coins
  • Avoid St Andrews parking fines by noting time restrictions
  • Disabled parking St Andrews bays are available in all council lots
  • For extended visits consider free parking in St Andrews at East Sands (15-min walk) or budget friendly long stay options. With this guide, you’ll spend less time circling for spots and more time enjoying Scotland’s iconic university town.
Parking LocationTypePrice (Hourly/Daily)Max StayNotes
West Port Car ParkPay & Display£1.20/hr | £6.50/day24 hoursClosest to Market Street shops
St Andrews Bus StationPay & Display£1.00/hr | £5.00/day24 hoursNear St Andrews University
Market Street (On-Street)Pay & Display£1.50/hr2 hours30-minute free parking available
Parking in St Andrews

Free Parking in St Andrews Options

Visitors looking free parking in St Andrews have several good points though places are limited. The East Sands car park (50 spaces) and West Sands car park (80 spaces) offer unrestricted parking just a short walk from the town center perfect for beachgoers and budget conscious travelers. For those visiting St Andrews University the North Haugh area near Petheram Bridge provides 30 free spaces (10 minute walk to campus).

While these St Andrews car parks don’t charge fees they fill quickly during summer parking months and golf tournaments. Early arrival is essential especially on weekends. Remember these free options have no time restrictions making them ideal for long stay parking St Andrews. For convenience closer to Market Street the paid West Port car park may be worth the small fee during peak times.

LocationSpacesMax StayWalking Time to Center
East Sands Car Park50No limit15 minutes
West Sands Car Park80No limit20 minutes
Petheram Bridge (North Haugh)30No limit10 minutes

Special Parking in St Andrews Options

St Andrews provides several special parking points to accommodate diverse visitor needs. For disabled parking in St Andrews all council run car parks provide 56 dedicated bays (free with Blue Badge) with the most accessible located at West Port car park. Electric vehicle owners will find electric car charging St Andrews stations (4 bays £.40/kWh) at the same location. Those needing motorhome parking in St Andrews can use the East Sands overflow (£10/night 2 night max) the only official overnight option near town.

University visitors should note the North Haugh pay and display lot (£3/hour) for weekday campus access. During major golf tournaments, these special options fill quickly. Always check St Andrews parking restrictions for time limits, and consider arriving early or using the park and ride St Andrews service when available for stress free visits.

OptionLocationPriceAvailability
Disabled Parking in St AndrewsAll council car parksFREE with badge56 bays across town
Electric Car ChargingWest Port Car Park£0.40/kWh + parking4 bays (Type 2 connectors)
Motorhome ParkingEast Sands Overflow£10/overnightMax 2 nights
University Visitor ParkingNorth Haugh£3/hourWeekdays 8am-6pm
Parking in St Andrews

 Golf Event Parking in St Andrews

Attending major golf tournaments in St Andrews requires parking strategy. During The Open Championship the St Andrews Links Trust lot (£20/day) includes shuttle service to the Old Course while the Alfred Dunhill Cup provides parking at University Fields (£15/day). For smaller summer golf tournaments various town lots charge £10 to 15 daily. These St Andrews golf parking points fill quickly so book in advance when possible. Note that standard St Andrews car parks like West Port enforce normal rates during events. Many visitors prefer the park and ride St Andrews service when available avoiding town center congestion. Remember that parking restrictions tighten during tournaments with increased enforcement near the courses.

EventLocationPriceShuttle Service
The Open ChampionshipSt Andrews Links Trust£20/dayYes (included)
Alfred Dunhill CupUniversity Fields£15/dayYes (£2 extra)
Summer Golf TournamentsVarious locations£10-£15/dayNo

 Parking in St Andrews Restrictions & Penalties

Understanding Parking in St Andrews restrictions is essential to avoid costly penalties. The town enforces strict rules in resident only zones (8am to 6pm £60 fine) and along double yellow lines (24/7 £100 fine) throughout the historic center. Overstaying in paid zones like West Port car park or Market Street parking incurs £50 penalties with frequent checks during summer parking peaks and golf tournaments. Disabled drivers must properly display Blue Badges in designated disabled parking in St Andrews bays as unauthorized use brings £100 fines. Motorhomes parked outside designated motorhome parking St Andrews areas face immediate ticketing.

Key reminders:

  • Payment machines don’t give change
  • RingGo (Zone 54321) accepts remote extensions
  • Restrictions apply even during Christmas parking free days

Always check signage carefully especially near St Andrews University and the Old Course where enforcement is most vigilant. Planning ahead saves both money and hassle when visiting Scotland’s golf capital.

Restriction TypeAreaHoursFine Amount
Resident Only ZonesCentral St Andrews8am-6pm£60
Double Yellow LinesThroughout townAt all times£100
Overstay in Pay ZonesAll paid parkingAs posted£50

Free Parking in St Andrews on public streets

  • West Sands
  • Nelson Street
  • Pipeland Road
  • Livingstone Crescent
  • King Street
  • St Leonards Road
  • Broomfaulds Avenue

Conclusion

Understanding Parking in St Andrews restrictions is essential to avoid costly penalties. The town enforces strict rules in resident only zones (8am to 6pm £60 fine) and along double yellow lines (24/7 £100 fine) throughout the historic center. Overstaying in paid zones like West Port car park or Market Street parking incurs £50 penalties with frequent checks during summer parking peaks and golf tournaments. Disabled drivers must properly display Blue Badges in designated disabled parking St Andrews bays as unauthorized use brings £100 fines. Motorhomes parked outside designated motorhome parking in St Andrews areas face immediate ticketing.

Key reminders:

  • Payment machines don’t give change
  • RingGo (Zone 54321) accepts remote extensions
  • Restrictions apply even during Christmas parking free days

Always check signage carefully, especially near St Andrews University and the Old Course, where enforcement is most vigilant. Planning ahead saves both money and hassle when visiting Scotland’s golf capital.

Where can I find free parking in St Andrews?

East Sands (50 spaces) and West Sands (80 spaces) offer free parking St Andrews, both a 15-20 minute walk from town center.

What’s the cheapest long-stay parking option?

St Andrews Bus Station car park offers cheap parking St Andrews at £5/day.

Are there any 24-hour car parks?

Yes, both West Port and Bus Station St Andrews car parks allow 24-hour stays for daily fees.

Which car park is closest to Market Street?

West Port Car Park (£1.20/hr) is just 2 minutes from Market Street St Andrews parking.

Is parking cashless?

All paid parking in St Andrews Scotland accepts RingGo (Zone 54321), cards, and some take coins.

Where is disabled parking available?

All council-run St Andrews car parks have disabled parking St Andrews bays (56 total).

Are there EV charging points?

Yes, electric car charging St Andrews stations are at West Port (4 bays, £0.40/kWh).

Can motorhomes park overnight?

Only at designated motorhome parking St Andrews at East Sands Overflow (£10/night, 2-night max).

Where should delivery vehicles park?

Use loading bays on Market Street (30-min max) or pay at St Andrews car parks.

Where to park for St Andrews University?

North Haugh pay-and-display (£3/hr) is closest to campus.

Best parking for the Old Course?

During golf tournaments, use official St Andrews golf parking lots with shuttles.

Where to park for West Sands beach?

West Sands car park offers free parking St Andrews (80 spaces).

Is there parking near St Andrews Cathedral?

Petheram Bridge (free, 30 spaces) is a 5-minute walk away.

What are common parking fines?

£60 in resident zones, £100 on double yellows, £50 for overstaying.

Do restrictions apply on Sundays?

Yes, all St Andrews parking restrictions remain enforced 7 days/week.

Do parking restrictions apply on Sundays and public holidays

Yes, St Andrews parking restrictions are enforced 7 days a week, including Sundays and bank holidays. Key exceptions:

  • Christmas parking (Dec 25-26): Council car parks are free
  • Resident zones: Still active 8am-6pm daily
  • Double yellows: Always enforced (£100 fines)
    Pro tip: Sunday mornings before 10am offer slightly better availability at West Port car park.
What’s the best way to appeal a parking fine in St Andrews?

Step-by-Step Process:

  1. Act fast: Appeal within 14 days to Fife Council
  2. Valid grounds:
    • Faulty meter (include photo evidence)
    • Incorrect signage (note time/date)
    • Medical emergencies (with documentation)
  3. Success rates:
    • 45% for first-time appeals
    • <20% for repeat offenders
  4. Payment options:
    • £50 if paid within 14 days
    • £100 after 28 days
Are there winter parking exceptions beyond Christmas?

Seasonal Guide:

  • Nov-Feb: Normal restrictions apply
  • Christmas parking: Only Dec 25-26 free in council lots
  • Winter golf events: Some St Andrews golf parking lots remain open (check St Andrews Links Trust website)
  • Bad weather: No special exceptions for snow/ice
Where should spectators park during The Open Championship?

Tournament Parking Breakdown:

  • Primary lot: St Andrews Links Trust (£20/day)
    • Includes free shuttle to Old Course
    • Opens 5am (fills by 7am on final days)
  • Alternative: University Fields (£15/day)
    • 25-minute walk to course
    • Pre-booking available for premium events
  • Avoid: Trying to use standard Market Street parking during tournament days
How does summer parking differ from other seasons?

Summer (June-Aug) Specifics:

  • Arrival times:
    • Free lots (East/West Sands) fill by 8:30am
    • Paid lots (West Port) fill by 10am
  • Special enforcement:
    • Double yellow line patrols increase
    • Disabled parking St Andrews bays strictly monitored
  • Pro tip: Use the St Andrews parking app to check real-time space availability
Where should families park for university graduation events?

Gradition Day Strategy:

  1. Best option: Pre-book at North Haugh (£10/event day)
    • 5-minute walk to Younger Hall
    • Opens at 7am on graduation days
  2. AlternativePark and ride St Andrews (if running)
    • Typically operates from Leuchars Station
  3. Avoid: Trying to use St Andrews University parking lots (permit-only)
Which parking app works in St Andrews, and how does it work?

RingGo (Zone 54321) Guide:

  • Coverage: All paid St Andrews car parks
  • Key features:
    • Remote time extension (before expiry)
    • Receipt by email/text
    • Save favorite locations
  • Event days: Dynamic pricing may apply during golf tournaments
Can I extend my parking session remotely?

Remote Extension Rules:

  • Allowed: Up to maximum stay limits
    • Example: 2-hour Market Street parking can’t be extended beyond 2 hours
  • How-to:
    1. Open St Andrews parking app
    2. Select active session
    3. Pay for additional time before expiry
  • Warning: Extensions don’t override St Andrews parking restrictions
Do parking meters give change?

Payment System Details:

  • Machines: Exact change only (coins only at older meters)
  • Alternatives:
    • Contactless cards (all machines)
    • RingGo app (no cash needed)
  • Pro tip: Keep £1 coins handy for short stays at Market Street parking
Are there plans to improve parking infrastructure?

Future Developments (2024-2025):

  1. Expansion: +30 spaces at East Sands (2025)
  2. EV upgrades:
    • New electric car charging St Andrews stations at Bus Station
    • Solar-powered chargers being tested
  3. Technology:
    • License plate recognition trials
    • Real-time space counters in all major St Andrews car parks
  4. Policy: Potential resident permit system changes

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