Parking Before You Travel
Category-based parking guidance for every Scilly departure point — without endorsing one provider over another.
Independent guide — not affiliated with any operator. All prices, times and policies are indicative. Verify with operators before booking. Editorial Policy · Research · Disclaimer
Sources: Land's End Airport, Isles of Scilly Travel — parking, Cornwall Council parking
Parking For Scilly Departures
Each departure point has its own parking arrangements, and availability can be limited in peak season. We list the categories of parking available at each point rather than recommending one provider over another. Always check current charges and availability directly with the airport, operator or Cornwall Council before travelling — or arrive by train to avoid parking altogether.
Traveller Tip
Penzance — Ferry & Helicopter
Penzance is the departure hub for both the Scillonian ferry and the Penzance helicopter.
- Long-stay council car parks within walking distance of the harbour (check current charges with Cornwall Council).
- Very limited parking at the heliport — confirm arrangements with the operator before travelling.
- Direct mainline rail from London Paddington, Bristol, Exeter and Plymouth.
Land’s End Airport — Skybus
Land’s End Airport is about 9 miles from Penzance and serves the year-round Skybus route.
- On-site airport parking serving Skybus departures and arrivals (pre-booking available).
- Several nearby private car parks as alternatives.
- Confirm current rates directly with the airport or operator before travelling.
Newquay & Exeter Airports — Skybus
The seasonal Skybus routes from Newquay and Exeter (typically summer) depart from larger regional airports.
- Each airport has its own long-stay and short-stay parking.
- Pre-booking is often cheaper for multi-day stays.
- Check current charges and availability directly with the relevant airport.
The Train Alternative
Direct Great Western Railway services run to Penzance from London Paddington (around 5 hours daytime), Bristol, Exeter and Plymouth. The Night Riviera sleeper also runs most nights. Penzance station is a short walk from the ferry terminal and heliport. See our Getting to Penzance guide.
What to Compare When Choosing Parking
These are the generic factors worth weighing up at any Scilly departure point. We don’t list or recommend individual parking businesses — compare the categories below and confirm current charges and terms directly with the airport, operator or Cornwall Council before travelling.
Harbour-area vs long-stay
Harbour-area car parks are closest to the ferry terminal and heliport but can fill fastest and cost more; long-stay options are usually cheaper but may be further away. Balance cost against how much you’re prepared to walk with luggage.
Advance booking
Some airport and long-stay car parks require or strongly recommend pre-booking, especially in peak season. Book early where it’s available — on-the-day spaces are not guaranteed.
Accessible parking & Blue Badge
Check Blue Badge arrangements and accessible bay availability at your chosen car park in advance, and confirm the procedure for displaying badges and any time limits. At airports, ask about assisted routes from car park to terminal.
EV charging
EV charging points are limited at some departure points. Don’t assume a charger will be free or working on your return — confirm availability and any booking requirement beforehand, and plan a backup.
Vehicle size & height restrictions
Some car parks have height barriers or length limits that affect camper vans, roof boxes, bikes or larger vehicles. Confirm your vehicle fits before you travel.
Walking distance & transfer time
Check the walking distance from car park to terminal and any transfer or shuttle time. Build this into your arrival margin — a distant car park can eat into your check-in window.
Did You Know?
Important Note
Featured Parking
Long-stay and pre-bookable parking operators will be listed here as paid featured placements launch. We never recommend one provider over another in our editorial coverage.
We don’t list featured parking businesses here yet. To be featured in this space, get in touch — we add vetted local businesses as paid listings launch.
Interested in being featured?FAQ
Parking — FAQs
Continue Reading
Businesses for this part of your trip
Paid partner profiles, listed alphabetically. Relevance is checked against owner-supplied details; payment does not buy an editorial recommendation.
Your business could be the first profile visitors see here.
Request a no-card draft first. We will show you the profile and relevant placement pages before any subscription starts.