London Parking

Choose your British Library parking space from our range of options. For stress-free parking, park with us!

The British Library is the national library of the United Kingdom. It has a collection of over 170 million items, adding around three million new items per year. It is a leading research library that features artefacts from every age of written civilisation, along with the UK’s official collection of printed and digital publications. 

The library contributes to research, culture, education and economic prosperity, across the UK and around the world.    

The British Library is open to everyone. It offers nine different reading rooms for research and study, as well as a selection of cafes, shops, and restaurants. 

There are numerous events and exhibitions throughout the year, and guided tours are available. 

The main British Library catalogue contains the majority of the library’s collection of books, newspapers, sound recordings, prints, patents, drawings, maps, and manuscripts. 

Parking near the British Library is extremely difficult. There is no parking on-site and street parking nearby is heavily restricted.

If you are visiting the British Library and wondering about where to park, there is no need to worry. YourParkingSpace can help.

YourParkingSpace provides an online platform for reserving a parking space in advance. Pre-book parking near the British Library with us with and avoid the stress of driving around looking for a park.

Parking at The British Library

There is no onsite parking at the British Library, and as in all areas in central London, parking on nearby streets is heavily restricted. 

Metered parking (08:30 – 18:30) is available on Ossulston Street (3 spaces only). The most difficult time to find a park is between 8:30 am and 6:30 pm, Monday to Saturday. 

Parking fines in the central city tend to range from £80 and £130, so ensure to check all nearby signage before leaving your car to avoid parking illegally. 

The two closest NCP managed car parks close to the British Library are:

• London Kings Cross St Pancras, Judd Street, London, WC1H 9QR (35 bays)
• London Brunswick Square, Marchmont Street, London, WC1N 1AP (155 Bays)

Q-Park also operates car parks across London.

Alternatively, you can browse the options available at YourParkingSpace. We have short term and long term options available within easy access of the British Library. 

Download our free app for iOS and Android and browse through our options, including driveways and lock-up garages.

Nearby Attractions

The British Museum (20 mins from British Library): With displays that cross all of human history and culture, including the Rosetta Stone the world-famous ancient Egyptian collection, the British Museum is not to be missed.

King’s Cross/Platform 9 3/4 (7 mins from British Library): Theatres, bars, cafes, and restaurants surround this busy station. Harry Potter fans can visit Platform 9 ¾ and the Harry Potter Shop. 

London Canal Museum (15 mins from British Library): Somewhat of a hidden treasure, this reasonably priced waterside museum tells the story of London’s canals and the Victorian ice trade.

The Charles Dickens Museum (20 minutes from British Library): Home to the world's most important Dickens collection, Dickens’s only surviving London house at 48 Doughty Street allows visitors to experience and learn more about the great novelist and social commentator. 

Getting to The British Library

The address of the British Library is 96 Euston Road, London, NW1 2DB.

There are numerous train and bus stations nearby. The area also features covered and uncovered cycleways. 

By Train: Kings Cross and St Pancras International, and Euston Station are close by.

By Tube: King's Cross St. Pancras, Euston, and Euston Square Station are close by.

By Bus: There are many bus services available, including 10, 30, 59, 63, 73 and 91.

By Cycle: From central London, the recommended cycle route is via Tavistock Place and Cartwright Gardens.

Disabled Parking at The British Library

Parking for blue badge holders is available on the west side of the library (7 bays). Parking is located 100 metres from the main library entrance and is fully ramped.

To view all blue badge car parks available within close proximity of the British Library, see the Blue Badge Parking website.

Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicle charging stations are available at several locations near the British Library. These can be found at: 

•       Crestfield Street (WC1H 8AT)
•       Chalton Street (NW1 1SA)
•       Railway Street (N1 9HE)
•       Balfe Street (N1 9EG)

A network of all electric vehicle charging points can be found on the government's Go Ultra low website.

Overnight, Weekends & Bank Holidays

The city of London does not generally enforce parking restrictions for pay and display bays on bank holidays, and parking is generally free on a Sunday. Exceptions apply, so please ensure that you read nearby signage before leaving your car to avoid hefty fines. 

Space Owners

Do you own an empty parking space near the British Library? Turn your vacant driveway, parking space, or lock-up garage into income with YourParkingSpace. List your space for free in only 2 minutes. 

FAQs

What are the opening and closing hours for the British Library? 

The British Library is open from 09:30, Monday to Saturday, and 11:00 on Sunday. The library closes at 20:00 Monday to Thursday, 18:00 on Friday, and 17:00, Saturday to Sunday.

Are there restaurant and café facilities at the British Library?

Yes, the British Museum has numerous cafés and restaurants to choose from, such as Origin Coffee and the Terrace Café.

What events and exhibitions are on at the British Library?

The British Library has numerous events and exhibitions constantly taking place throughout the year. Check the British Library website for details.

Is membership to the British Library free?

Membership to the British Library costs around £80 for the year.  Membership benefits include free entry for you and a guest to library exhibitions and events, priority booking for events, and a 20% discount for restaurants, cafes, and shops.