Car parking across all campuses is limited, particularly during office hours. Find out if you can park at our South Kensington campus by selecting the category that applies to you below. Anyone parking on Imperial grounds is required to read and adhere to the car parking regulations.
Who can park list
- Staff parking
- Student parking
- Public parking
- Visitor parking
- Conference and events parking
- Contractor parking
- Contingent and casual workers parking
- Delivery and collection
- Accessible parking information
Changes to staff parking from 2023
Last updated - 22 February 2023
In 2020, the College instituted a system whereby staff that needed to be on-campus could book free daily parking. This operated alongside the longstanding system where staff could apply for annual parking permits.
Due to our Central London location, we have exceptionally limited parking capacity, comprised of around 180 spaces for over 8000 staff members. The implementation of free daily parking was, at the time, an operational response to unprecedented circumstances. However, as the impact of COVID-19 recedes, we must ensure that the limited parking that we do have is prioritised for those that need it most. From Monday 13 March, we reinstated the pre-2020 system for car parking at South Kensington.
Annual parking permit
The primary means for staff to park at South Kensington is to apply for an annual parking permit. A permit allows you to park between 07.00-18.00 from Monday to Friday.
So that we can provide maximum flexibility for staff that may be hybrid working, permits do not need to be assigned to one individual and can be shared by two colleagues (as long as only one individual uses it on any given day).
Daily parking
Due to our exceptionally limited parking capacity, free daily parking for staff during office hours is no longer available.
We appreciate that there are certain circumstances where parking is required for an operational necessity, particularly for contractors and essential visitors. There are a limited number of ‘urgent spaces’ available on a first-come-first-served basis. As usual, these should be booked via each Departmental Car Parking Representative.
Parking outside of office hours
However, you can park free of charge outside office hours. Office hours are considered 00.00 to 18.00 Monday to Friday. Staff don't need to book but, as the car park is first-come-first-served and open to the public on weekends, we cannot guarantee a space will be available.
Any car remaining after midnight will incur a parking charge of £31. To leave a car parked at South Kensington campus after midnight, prior permission must be provided from Anne-Marie Clarke. You'll need to present your staff ID at the Exhibition Road gatehouse and you must be the driver. If a valid ID is not presented the standard public parking charges apply. Parking is not permitted during the Great Exhibition Road Festival and Summer Ball weekends.
Undergraduate students
Due to limited capacity, undergraduate students are not permitted to park at the South Kensington campus at any time, with the exception of students with disabled parking permits.
Postgraduate students
Current postgraduates may park only from 18.00 to 0.00 on weekdays and from 7.00 to 0.00 on weekends. No parking after midnight is permitted; unauthorised parking after midnight will be charged applicable rates. There is a £31.00 charge for unauthorised overnight parking.
Postgraduates with disabilities may be eligible for a disabled parking permit which would enable them to park during office hours.
You will need to present your valid College ID card at the Exhibition Road gatehouse and must be the driver of your vehicle. If a valid College ID card is not presented, standard public parking charges apply.
Parking is available on a limited basis and is not guaranteed - if we are at maximum capacity we will be unable to allow any further vehicles to enter.
During evenings and weekend the South Kensington car park is open to the public on a chargeable basis.
All those parking at Imperial College are required to read and adhere to the car parking regulations.
When can I park?
Outside office hours:
- Monday to Friday – 18.00 to 00.00 hours (midnight).
- Saturday and Sunday – 07.00 to 00.00 hours (midnight).
Overnight parking is not permitted.
No one will be permitted to enter the car park outside the hours stated above.
Can I book?
No bookings are taken. We operate as a normal public car park outside of office hours, so spaces are subject to availability.
Visitors to the Royal Albert Hall should refer to information below.
What vehicle can I park?
Parking is only available for cars. There are no facilities for minibuses or large vehicles to park. Only staff and postgraduate students can park motorcycles.
How much does it cost?
Car parking is subject to availability.
| Time | Price |
|---|---|
| Up to 1 hour | £4.00 |
| Up to 2 hours | £7.00 |
| Up to 4 hours | £12.00 |
| Up to 6 hours | £17.00 |
| Up to 9 hours | £22.00 |
| Up to 12 hours | £27.00 |
| Up to 24 hours | £31.00 |
I am visiting the Royal Albert Hall
If you are visiting the Royal Albert Hall parking should be reserved through them when you book your event.
Car park booking with the Royal Albert Hall is strictly outside of office hours:
- Monday to Friday – 18.00 to 00.00 hours (midnight).
- Saturday and Sunday – 07.00 to 00.00 hours (midnight).
Please see the Royal Albert Hall website for more information.
Official College visitors can park free of charge providing they have been booked in by the Parking Representative of the Department they are visiting. Bookings must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
When can I park?
Pre-booked visitors can park between Monday to Friday from 7.00 to 18.00.
Overnight parking at South Kensington Campus is not permitted without prior authorisation from Anne-Marie Clarke. Parking overnight is charged at £31.00 per night.
If you require parking at a College conference or event, you should advise the conference or event organisers of your requirements in advance.
Can I book in advance?
No, delegates cannot book with the Car Parking team directly. All bookings are via the conference or event organisers.
We have limited spaces for approved contractors to park free of charge providing you have been booked in by the Departmental Parking Representative.
When can I park?
Pre-booked contractors can park from Monday to Friday between 7.00 and 18.00. If alternative hours are required, they must be approved by the Car Park Office. Overnight parking is not permitted. Parking space is limited and cannot be guaranteed.
Due to limited capacity, contingent or casual workers are unable to park other than as visitors or as members of the general public, charged at the standard rates.
All deliveries and collections should be made from Monday to Sunday between 6.00 and 0.00.
South Kensington campus drivers' map
Under 30 minutes
All deliveries and collections are granted short term parking free of charge. The barrier will lift automatically for all departures within 30 minutes.
Deliveries
Short term parking for deliveries is in loading and delivery areas only.
Other vehicles
The Car Parking team will advise where other vehicles, including taxis, can park to drop off or pick up passengers.
More than 30 minutes
Deliveries
Deliveries over 30 minutes must be pre-booked by the Departmental Parking Representatives with at least 24 hours notice.
Other vehicles
After 30 minutes standard public parking charges apply, payable on exit for all other vehicles, including taxis.
More information on the location and suitability of parking for those with an access requirement can be found on the AccessAble guide to College facilities.
