Cranfield University Main Car Park – The Complete Visitor Guide 🚗
Free parking near Cranfield University – Spacious 24/7 bays with EV charging, just 15 mins from M1. Your stress-free campus parking solution.
🚗 Type: University Campus Parking
🕒 Open: 24/7 (barrier-controlled after hours)
🌟 Rating: 4.3/5 (praised for availability, noted for walk to central campus)
💰 PRICING & PERMITS
| User Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visitors | Free (first 3 hours) | Register at reception |
| Day Guests | £5 (3-9 hours) | Pay via RingGo (Zone 6741) |
| Evening/Overnight | £3 (6pm-8am) | Max 48hr stay |
| Permit Holders | From £30/month | Staff/student rates |
Payment Methods: RingGo app or pay stations
📊 CAPACITY & FEATURES
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spaces | 850+ (including 25 disabled bays) |
| Surface | Tarmac with clear zone markings |
| Lighting | Full LED coverage |
| Security | CCTV + regular patrols |
| Height Limit | 2.1m (except Zone E – 2.4m) |
♿ ACCESSIBILITY
Blue Badge Bays: 25 spaces near main entrances
Drop-Off: 30-min free at Vincent Building
Shuttle Service: Campus bus every 20 mins
🔌 EV INFRASTRUCTURE
On-Site: 12x 7kW chargers (free while parked)
Fastest Nearby:
BP Pulse (Cranfield MK43 0AL) – 2x 50kW (5-min drive)
Tesla (Milton Keynes MK15 8BH) – 12-min drive
📅 PEAK OCCUPANCY
| Time | Capacity | User Profile |
|---|---|---|
| 8-10AM Weekdays | 90% | Academic staff |
| 12-2PM Weekdays | 75% | Conference attendees |
| Weekends | 30% | Local events |
Pro Tip: Use Zone D for quickest access to Aerospace Centre
🚌 TRANSPORT LINKS
| Destination | Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Milton Keynes Centre | 18-min | Bus 42 (hourly) |
| Bedford Station | 25-min | X5 bus |
| M1 J14 | 8-min | 24/7 access |
🛒 ON-SITE AMENITIES
Dining:
The Barn (7:30am-7pm) – Campus café
Cranfield Management Dining Room |
Services:
Print Shop (9-5 weekdays)
Santander ATM (near Library)
🅿️ ALTERNATIVES COMPARISON
| Site | Distance | Cost | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cranfield Village | 1.2 miles | Free (2h) | Local shops |
| Milton Keynes Station | 12 miles | £12/day | Rail connections |
| Bedford Airport | 4 miles | £6/day | Business park |
⚠️ KEY NOTICES
Event Days: Pre-booking required during:
Graduation ceremonies (July)
Aerospace open days
Term Time: More restricted Oct-Mar
📌 EXPERT TIPS
Conference Hack: Validate parking at reception for free all-day
EV Strategy: Charge while attending meetings
Motorcycle Bonus: Free dedicated bays
🔮 FUTURE PLANS
2025: Additional 200 spaces (under construction)
2026: ANPR entry system
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