Parking can quickly add to the cost of a shopping trip, meal or day out in Ipswich, but knowing where to leave the car can make a sizeable difference.
Charges vary significantly depending on where motorists park, how long they stay and even the time they arrive.
IBC changed the tariffs at its off-street car parks from July 20, 2026, meaning some older prices motorists may find online are now out of date.
We have looked at current published tariffs from car park operators to find some of the cheapest options around Ipswich.
Athena Hall car park
Athena Hall car park, on Orwell Quay, is one of the cheaper options for motorists spending several hours in town.
The 94-space car park costs £1.20 for one hour, £2.20 for two hours, £3.20 for three hours and £4.20 for four hours, while an all-day stay costs £4.70.
The car park is open from 6am until 11.59pm each day.
Drivers should be aware that it is locked overnight and vehicles cannot be released once it has closed.
Ipswich Station car park
Motorists heading towards the railway station can also find relatively low hourly rates at the Ipswich Station multi-storey car park on Burrell Road.
The 494-space car park is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, according to its current listing.
From Monday to Friday, motorists can park for £1.20 for one hour, £2.40 for two hours, £3.50 for three hours and £4.50 for four hours.
For longer weekday stays, the published tariff is £10 for motorists entering between 10am and 4pm, or £11 for those entering between 4am and 10am, with the stay ending by 4am.
At weekends, the 24-hour tariff is £7.70, while an overnight rate of £7.70 is also advertised for motorists entering after 4pm.
Read more
Key Ipswich roads facing weeks of disruption from ongoing works
Latest update revealed as plans for up to 1,200 homes go on public display
Ipswich Hospital issues fresh American Covid update as winter approaches
The areas where Ipswich's 13,600 new homes could be built
Fore Street car park
For a very short visit, Fore Street car park, accessed from Star Lane, offers another inexpensive option.
The council car park charges just 80p for up to 30 minutes, followed by £1.50 for one hour, £2.90 for two hours and £4.30 for three hours. Four hours costs £5.70, while five hours costs £6.90.
There are only 30 spaces at the car park, meaning it is considerably smaller than some of Ipswich's other parking options.
NCP Cox Lane
NCP Cox Lane could prove particularly useful for motorists looking for inexpensive longer-term parking.
Its standard tariff is £2 for one hour, £4 for between one and two hours and £6 for between two and 24 hours.
There is also an early-bird rate of £3.50 for motorists arriving between 6am and 9.30am.
The 182-space car park is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Ipswich Borough Council car parks after 2pm
Motorists arriving in Ipswich later in the day can take advantage of another potentially money-saving option.
The council warns, however, that parking restrictions can change during Ipswich Town home matches, concerts and other special events.
Cheapest Ipswich parking at a glance
- Cheapest for 30 minutes: Fore Street, 80p
- Cheapest for one hour: Athena Hall, £1.20.
- Cheapest for two hours: Athena Hall, £2.20.
- Cheapest for four hours: Athena Hall, £4.20.
- Cheapest standard all-day option found: Athena Hall, £4.70.
- Best 24-hour long-stay option found: NCP Cox Lane, £6 for between two and 24 hours.
- Early-bird deal: NCP Cox Lane, £3.50 for arrivals between 6am and 9.30am
Share