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UPDATED 06/05/2025
As St Ives is such a popular town with narrow streets and lots to do, parking can be a challenge in high season unless you’ve chosen accommodation with parking included.
There are two short stay car parks at Porthmeor (30 spaces) and Sloop (42 spaces) where your maximum stay is three hours (with no return within three hours). It’s not the most cost-effective option, with prices (as of 2025) ranging from £1.40 for 30 minutes to £5.80 for three hours.
Long-stay makes more sense. Most car parks are owned by Cornwall Council, and a weekly Rover pass allows you to park at any of the following: Island (129 spaces), Park Avenue (77 spaces), Station (106 spaces) and Trenwith (up to 759 spaces in peak season), so it’s well worth considering if you plan to remain close to base. Smeaton’s Pier (31 spaces), meanwhile, costs £9.50 per day during high season, and £5.00 in winter.
Trenwith Car Park is the largest car park in St Ives, located at the top of a steep hill. Shuttle buses run into town until 11pm during the summer months. Bus fares are low, and the car park currently charges £6.80 for 3–4 hours and £10.50 for 24 hours. Parking here means you avoid driving into the congested town centre.
Alternatively, for out-of-town parking, there’s St Ives Rugby Club (TR26 1ER), which offers all-day parking for £7, with an optional shuttle bus into town. It’s around a 15–20 minute walk, and the bus service costs £1.50 one way or £2.50 return.
You could try Porthrepta Car Park at Carbis Bay, which is a little more affordable at £6.30 for 24 hours, with a scenic 15-minute coastal walk into St Ives. There’s also a private car park at St Ives Secure Car Park, about a mile out of town, which has CCTV and keypad access. Prices are £12 per day in summer and £7.50 in winter, and you’ll need to reserve before arrival.
Another excellent option is to park at St Erth Station (over 500 spaces) and board the park and ride train with its breathtaking sea views of Carbis Bay and Porthminster. The scenic 10-minute journey runs twice an hour, 7 days a week, all year round. The St Ives Station car park (106 spaces) overlooks Porthminster Beach and is just a 5–10 minute walk into town.
Visiting the Tate? Barnoon Car Park (124 spaces) is conveniently located near Tate St Ives and the town, but be aware there are steps to navigate. It costs £10.50 for 24 hours in summer, or £6.30 in winter.
Where to stay in St Ives
Rebecca Moore
LOCAL EDITOR AND CORNISH AFICIONADO
Rebecca Moore is a seasoned editor and content writer with over a decade of experience, specialising in Cornwall’s unique lifestyle, travel, and culinary scene. Her expertise has been featured in media outlets such as The Sun, Express, and Cosmopolitan. A proud Cornish resident, Rebecca’s authentic insights help readers explore the best of the Duchy.
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