Are you a die-hard Manchester United fan planning to visit Old Trafford for a match? Exciting, isn’t it? But let’s be honest, finding parking can be a nightmare. The last thing you want is to spend your time and money looking for a spot while missing out on all the pre-match excitement.
But worry no more! We have scoured the area to bring you the ultimate guide on where to park for free in and around Old Trafford. From secret spots to local tips, we’ve got you covered. So buckle up and get ready to soak in the atmosphere without any parking woes.
After all, being able to cheer on your favorite team without worrying about parking should be an essential part of any game day experience. So, let’s dive into our guide and discover the best parking options for football fans at Old Trafford.
If you only got 30 seconds:
Looking for parking near Old Trafford? While street parking and stadium parking are available, they can be expensive or come with restrictions. Consider nearby car parks such as Trafford Centre Parking, Chester Road Car Park, or Tesco Extra Stretford. While free parking options exist, they fill up quickly on match days. Use online platforms like Parkopedia or JustPark to find information on available options.
Options for Parking Near Old Trafford
Parking at the Stadium
Parking at the stadium is available but it can be quite expensive, especially on match days. The stadium offers pre-booked parking, which is the best option to secure a spot close to the stadium and avoid long walks. However, this option can cost up to £15.
Street Parking
Street parking near Old Trafford may seem like a good option due to its accessibility and convenience. However, street parking can come with many restrictions and often requires payment during certain hours of the day. It is important to read parking signs carefully and check for any permit requirements before leaving your car.
Nearby Car Parks
There are several car parks near Old Trafford that offer parking options for visitors. Some of the popular choices include:
- Trafford Centre Parking – This car park is located about 10 minutes away from the stadium by public transport. It offers free parking for up to 4 hours and has extended opening hours on match days.
- Chester Road Car Park – This car park is located within walking distance of Old Trafford and offers affordable daily rates.
- Tesco Extra Stretford – This Tesco car park is located about 15 minutes away from Old Trafford by foot. It offers free parking for up to three hours but charges after that period.
Is There a Free Parking Option Near Old Trafford?
While there are some free parking options near Old Trafford, they are limited in number and fill up quickly, particularly on match days. It can be challenging to find a spot without arriving early or knowing where these spots are located.
Finding Information About Free Parking Near Old Trafford
There are several ways to find information about free parking near Old Trafford. One way is to use online platforms such as Parkopedia and JustPark, which can show you the available parking options near the stadium and their prices. These platforms also provide reviews from previous users, which can be helpful in determining the quality of a particular parking location.
You can also check local forums and community groups for information about free parking options in the area. These groups may have insider knowledge about hidden spots or areas where free parking is available.
Restrictions on Free Parking Areas Near Old Trafford
Even if you manage to find a free parking area near Old Trafford, it is important to be aware of any restrictions that may apply. Some common restrictions include:
- Time limits – Free parking areas may have time limits that apply during certain times of the day or on match days.
- Permit requirements – Some areas require permits for residents or business owners, and parking without a permit could result in fines.
- No overnight parking – Many free parking areas do not allow overnight parking, so make sure to check before leaving your car unattended.
Distance of Free Parking Area from Old Trafford
The distance of a free parking area from Old Trafford can vary depending on availability and popularity. While some free spots may be within walking distance of the stadium, others may require public transportation or a longer walk.
If you plan on using public transportation, it is essential to research routes and schedules ahead of time to avoid missing kickoff or getting stuck in traffic. You can use apps like Citymapper or Google Maps to help plan your journey.
Parking for Free at the Stadium During Events
During events at Old Trafford, it can be challenging to find free parking options. However, some visitors choose to park in nearby residential areas and walk to the stadium. It is important to note that parking on private property without permission could result in fines or towing.
If you are attending an event at Old Trafford, it may be worth considering alternative transportation options such as public transport or taxi services. These options may save time and money in the long run.
Alternative Transportation Options to Avoid Paying for Parking at Old Trafford
There are several alternative transportation options available for those looking to avoid paying for parking near Old Trafford:
- Public Transportation – Manchester’s Metrolink tram service has a stop right outside Old Trafford, making it an easy and affordable way to get to the stadium. Bus services also run regularly from Manchester city centre.
- Bicycle – If you enjoy cycling, there are plenty of bike racks close to the stadium where you can securely park your bike during events.
- Taxi/Uber – Taxi and Uber services are readily available in Manchester and offer a convenient way to get around without having to worry about parking.
Arriving Early to Secure a Spot in the Free Parking Area Near Old Trafford
If you plan on using free parking near Old Trafford, arriving early is essential. Popular free spots can fill up quickly on match days, so arriving early will give you the best chance of securing a spot.
It is also important to consider traffic congestion when planning your journey. Arriving early will not only help with finding a free spot but also ensure that you have enough time to get settled into your seat before kickoff.
In conclusion, finding free parking options around Old Trafford requires some effort and research, but it is possible. By exploring nearby streets, public transport options, and car parks with free parking offers, visitors can save money on parking fees while enjoying the events at Old Trafford.
Frequently Asked Questions – Where to Park for Free Old Trafford
Is parking free at the Trafford?
When you arrive, you’ll have access to more than 11,500 free parking spots at The Trafford Centre and other nearby attractions.
Can you park in Manchester for free?
From 8pm to 8am the next day, drivers can park for free at on-street paid parking spots for up to 12 hours. For a more secure overnight parking option, many 24-hour car parks are available throughout Manchester.
Where is the best place to park for away fans at Manchester United?
Here are some options for car parks with their respective postcodes, distance to ground, and navigation system information: Macmillan Car Park is 0.1km away from the ground, Salford Quays Lowry Mall is 1.6km away, Old Trafford Cricket Ground is 1.1km away, and Great Stone Road (street parking) is 1.6km away. There are three more options listed.
Can you park at the Trafford Centre for Old Trafford?
The Trafford Centre has a total of 18 car parks with 11,500 parking spots, including spaces for the disabled, parents, and electric vehicles. Passengers can easily access the centre from each car park via elevators and escalators. It’s important to note that all upper level car parks are now available for use.
Where can I park for free by United Center?
Are there available spots for street parking near the United Center? Yes, most of the street parking in the surrounding areas is free. There are plenty of free parking spaces along Wood Street, Adam Street, Jackson Boulevard, Monroe Street, and Leavitt Street.
What is the Trafford parking app?
The RingGo app can be downloaded for free on Android or iPhone and can be used to pay for parking, along with a convenience charge and any browsing time used. The app also sends confirmation messages and reminders for a fee of 10p per message.

Nick Renford is a seasoned traveler and parking expert who is passionate about helping people find the best parking spots and save money on parking fees. With his insider knowledge and commitment to providing trustworthy information, Nick is dedicated to empowering readers to make informed parking decisions.