The best places to park in St Ives

Parking in St Ives is notoriously famous; often described as a “competitive sport” during the summer months. However, with a little local knowledge and the right planning, you can avoid the traffic jams and start your holiday stress-free.

To help you navigate, we have compiled a definitive list of every car park in the area, categorized by their best use. Whether you are carrying surfboards to Porthmeor or just popping into the harbour for a coffee, there is a specific spot that will make your life easier.

Our Top Picks

If you only read one part of this guide, make it this one. These are the smartest parking moves you can make in St Ives.

• Best for Stress-Free Day Trips: St Erth Park & Ride. Park away from the chaos and take the scenic coastal train ride in.
• Best for Long Stays (Town Centre): Trenwith Car Park. It is the largest car park and offers a shuttle bus down to the harbour.
• Best for Porthmeor Beach: The Island Car Park. Located just moments from the sand and the Tate St Ives.

Cornwall Council Long Stay Car Parks

These are the official council-run car parks. They are generally open 24 hours and are suitable if you are staying for a full day or a week. You can use the ‘JustPark’ app for all of these locations.

Trenwith Car Park (Official Large Car Park)

Postcode: TR26 1DD
Capacity: ~1,000 (Summer), ~300 (Winter)
Best For: The majority of visitors. It is located at the top of the town near the Leisure Centre. It is a steep walk down, but there is a regular shuttle bus service in peak season.
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The Island Car Park

Postcode: TR26 1SY
Capacity: 129 spaces
Best For: Porthgwidden Beach and Porthmeor Beach. It sits on the headland “The Island” and offers incredible views, though spaces fill up very quickly.
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Barnoon Long Stay

Postcode: TR26 1JF
Capacity: 124 spaces
Best For: The Tate St Ives and Porthmeor Beach. It is located high up on the cliff, offering a shortcut down steps to the beach.
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Station Car Park

Postcode: TR26 2BH
Capacity: 106 spaces
Best For: Porthminster Beach and the train station. It offers level access to the beach but is extremely popular and often full by 9:00 AM in summer.
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Park Avenue

Postcode: TR26 1QE
Capacity: 77 spaces
Best For: Walking into town from the western side. It requires a walk down a steep hill/steps to get to the shops.
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Short Stay & Harbour Parking

These car parks have maximum stay limits (usually 3 hours) and are strictly for quick visits. Do not park here if you plan to spend the whole day at the beach.

The Sloop Car Park

Postcode: TR26 1LS
Capacity: 42 spaces
Best For: A very quick stop at the harbour. It is located right behind the Sloop Inn. It is almost always busy and involves navigating pedestrians to reach it.
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Porthmeor Beach Car Park

Postcode: TR26 1JU
Capacity: 30 spaces
Best For: Checking the surf. It is located directly at the bottom of Porthmeor Hill.
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Smeaton’s Pier

Postcode: TR26 1PS
Capacity: 31 spaces
Best For: Fishing trips and lighthouse views. You are parking actually on the pier breakwater.
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Private & Park and Ride Options

When the council car parks are full (which happens often in August), these are your lifesavers.

St Ives Rugby Club

Postcode: TR26 1ER
Capacity: Large field parking
Best For: Good value daily parking (£6-£7 approx). It is further out, but a shuttle bus runs frequently to the Tate and Porthmeor Beach area.
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St Ives Secure Parking (Penbeagle)

Postcode: TR26 2JH
Capacity: Variable
Best For: Guaranteed space. This is a pre-booked, gated secure car park in the industrial estate. You will need to book in advance and walk or take a taxi into town.
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St Erth Park & Ride (Train)

Postcode: TR27 6JW
Capacity: 500+ spaces
Best For: The most scenic arrival. Park at St Erth station (roughly 10 mins drive from St Ives) and take the coastal branch line train which drops you right at Porthminster Beach.
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