Planning a trip to The O2 Arena for a concert, sports event, or show is always exciting, but figuring out where to park can quickly turn into a headache. If you’re wondering, “Can I park in Car Park 2 at The O2 for an event?” you’re not alone. With multiple car parks, varying tariffs, and event-specific rules, navigating parking at The O2 can feel overwhelming. At Compare Your Parking Deals, we’re here to simplify it for you. This guide answers your burning questions, breaks down your parking options, and shares insider tips to save time and money for your next O2 event.
Understanding Parking at The O2 Arena
The O2 Arena, located on the Greenwich Peninsula in London (SE10 0DX), is one of the UK’s most iconic entertainment venues. Whether you’re catching a gig at the main arena or a smaller show at indigo at The O2, parking is a key consideration. The O2 offers four main car parks—Car Park 1, Car Park 2, Car Park 3, and Car Park 4—each with specific purposes and rules.
- Car Park 1: Reserved exclusively for arena and indigo event attendees. Pre-booking is highly recommended to guarantee a spot.
- Car Parks 2, 3, and 4: Designated for non-event visitors, such as those dining, shopping at the Outlet Shopping centre, or watching a film at Cineworld.
- Blue Badge Parking: Available across all car parks, subject to standard tariffs, with dedicated spaces for accessibility.
Understanding these distinctions is crucial, especially if you’re eyeing Car Park 2 for your event. Let’s dive into the specifics.
Can You Park in Car Park 2 for an O2 Event?
The short answer: No, Car Park 2 is not designated for O2 Arena or indigo event parking. According to The O2’s official parking guidelines, Car Park 1 is the only car park allocated for event attendees. This ensures event-goers have convenient access to the arena, with spaces managed through pre-booking to avoid chaos on busy event nights.
However, there’s a potential workaround. If you’re combining your event visit with non-event activities—like dining at one of The O2’s restaurants (e.g., Five Guys or Zizzi) or shopping at the Outlet Shopping centre—you may be able to park in Car Park 2. For example, spending £35 or more at Outlet Shopping or visiting Cineworld can qualify you for up to 4 hours of free parking in Car Parks 2, 3, or 4. If you plan to eat or shop before or after your event, inform the parking attendants of your non-event activity to avoid issues. Be cautious, though—parking in Car Park 2 on event days without a non-event purpose could result in higher fees or fines, as attendants strictly enforce event parking rules.
Pro Tip: Always check with The O2’s parking team (theo2carparking@theo2.co.uk) if you’re unsure about using Car Park 2 for a combined visit. Alternatively, use Compare Your Parking Deals to explore pre-booking options for Car Park 1 or nearby alternatives to avoid any hassle.
How Much Does Parking at The O2 Cost?
Parking costs at The O2 vary depending on whether you’re attending an event or visiting for non-event activities. Here’s a breakdown:
Event Parking (Car Park 1)
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Standard Rate: £35 for arena events, £14–£20 for indigo events (prices vary by event).
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Early Bird Discount: Pre-book parking for indigo events as low as £14 if booked well in advance.
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Valet Parking: £54 if pre-booked, £65 on the day (available only for arena events).
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Pre-Booking: Essential for guaranteed access, especially for sold-out shows. Book via The O2’s official parking page or platforms like JustPark.
Non-Event Parking (Car Parks 2, 3, 4)
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Hourly Tariffs: Approximately £6 for 2 hours, £12 for 4 hours, with rates increasing for longer stays.
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Free Parking Offers:
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Cineworld: Up to 4 hours free with a validated cinema ticket.
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Outlet Shopping: 4 hours free with a minimum £35 spend (receipt validation required).
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Note: Non-event parking is ideal for daytime visits or post-event dining to avoid peak traffic.
Blue Badge Parking
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Available in all car parks with no additional charge, but standard event or non-event tariffs apply.
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Pre-book for events to secure a spot, and contact The O2 for specific accessibility needs.
To save on parking, use Compare Your Parking Deals to find discounted pre-booking rates or cheaper alternatives near The O2.
Alternative Parking Options Near The O2
If Car Park 2 isn’t an option for your event and Car Park 1’s £35 fee feels steep, don’t worry—there are plenty of affordable alternatives nearby. Here are some top options:
1. North Greenwich Station Car Park
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Location: A short walk from The O2, closer than Car Park 1.
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Cost: £11–£12.50 per day (cheaper if arriving before 7 PM).
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Availability: Limited spaces, so book early via platforms like JustPark or YourParkingSpace.
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Why Choose It: Affordable and convenient, with fewer post-event traffic delays.
2. JustPark and YourParkingSpace
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What They Offer: Access to private driveways, parking lots, and business spaces near The O2.
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Cost: Starts at £0.94/hour or £7.90/day, depending on location and demand.
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Benefits: Often cheaper than The O2’s official parking, with flexible booking options.
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Tip: Check availability on Compare Your Parking Deals to compare rates across these platforms.
3. IKEA Greenwich
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Location: A 10-minute bus ride (e.g., 188 bus) from The O2.
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Cost: Up to 5 hours free parking, no purchase required.
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Why Choose It: Ideal for budget-conscious visitors willing to take a short bus ride.
4. On-Street Parking
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Location: Limited options around Peninsula Square or nearby residential areas.
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Cost: Varies; some areas require permits or have time restrictions.
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Caution: Check for parking restrictions to avoid fines, especially on event days.
User Insight: Many O2 visitors on Reddit recommend JustPark for affordable, stress-free parking. One user shared, “I parked in a private driveway via JustPark for £8, just a 5-minute walk from The O2—way better than the £35 official rate!”
Tips to Avoid Traffic and Save on Parking
London’s Greenwich Peninsula can get congested, especially during major O2 events. Here are some insider tips to make your parking experience smoother:
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Pre-Book Your Spot: Secure Car Park 1 for events or explore cheaper options via Compare Your Parking Deals. Pre-booking avoids last-minute stress and often unlocks discounts.
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Arrive Early: Roadworks and event crowds can cause delays. Arriving 1–2 hours early ensures a smoother entry and parking process.
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Stay Post-Event: Beat the post-event traffic rush by dining at The O2 (e.g., Nando’s or All Bar One). This also lets you park in Car Park 2 for non-event rates if you validate your parking with a receipt.
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Consider Public Transport: The Jubilee Line (North Greenwich station) is just steps from The O2, and Thames Clippers or buses (e.g., 188, 129) offer scenic, affordable alternatives. Check TfL’s website for schedules.
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Cycle or Walk: If you’re local, The O2 is bike-friendly, with secure cycle parking available. Walking from North Greenwich station is also quick and free.
Pro Tip: Check for roadworks or closures around the Greenwich Peninsula on event day via TfL’s live traffic updates to plan your route.
Accessibility and Blue Badge Parking
The O2 is committed to accessibility, offering Blue Badge parking in all car parks. Here’s what you need to know:
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Cost: No additional fees, but standard event (£35) or non-event (hourly/free with validation) tariffs apply.
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Booking: Pre-book for events to guarantee a spot, as accessible spaces are limited.
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Contact: Email theo2carparking@theo2.co.uk or call The O2’s parking team for specific accessibility arrangements, such as drop-off points or assistance.
User Tip: A Tripadvisor reviewer noted, “Blue Badge parking in Car Park 1 was seamless, but pre-booking was key for a sold-out concert.”
Conclusion: Plan Your O2 Arena Parking with Confidence
So, can you park in Car Park 2 at The O2 for an event? Generally, no—Car Park 2 is for non-event activities like dining or shopping. However, combining your event with these activities might allow you to use Car Park 2’s hourly or free parking offers. For a hassle-free experience, pre-book Car Park 1 for events or explore budget-friendly alternatives like North Greenwich Station or JustPark listings.
At Compare Your Parking Deals, we make it easy to find the best parking options for your O2 visit. Compare rates, book in advance, and enjoy your event without parking stress. Have a tip or question about O2 Arena parking? Share it in the comments below or check out our London Parking Guide for more insights!
FAQs
1. Can I park in Car Park 2 if I’m dining before an O2 event?
Yes, if you’re dining or shopping at The O2, you can park in Car Park 2 and may qualify for free parking (e.g., 4 hours with £35 Outlet Shopping spend). Inform parking attendants to avoid event tariffs.
2. How much is event parking at The O2?
Car Park 1 costs £35 for arena events, £14–£20 for indigo events. Valet parking is £54–£65.
3. Are there cheaper parking options near The O2?
Yes, try North Greenwich Station (£11–£12.50/day), JustPark (£7.90+/day), or IKEA Greenwich (5 hours free).
4. How do I pre-book parking for an O2 Arena event?
Book via The O2’s official parking page or use Compare Your Parking Deals to find the best rates.