Chelmsford Park & Ride
Chelmsford Park & Ride from First Bus
First Bus are proud to operate Chelmsford Park & Ride services on behalf of Essex County Council. With two sites situated in easy-to-reach locations on the edge of the city, our Park & Ride services are your shortcut to effortless, breezy journeys into the heart of Chelmsford. Whether you're out to snag a bargain, relax in Central Park, or watch the cricket, we've got your back. No stress, no fuss - just a fast and frequent ride straight to wherever you need to be.
Why Choose Chelmsford Park & Ride?
Faff-free:
Wave goodbye to the hassle of hunting for a parking space! Park at one of our easy-to-reach sites just outside the city and hop aboard one of our modern, comfy, double-deck buses. It’s a smooth ride into the heart of Chelmsford - quick, convenient, and absolutely stress-free.
Save time & money:
Forget the traffic jams and city parking fees! Enjoy a FREE, secure parking spot, then pay for your travel with the driver, and glide into Chelmsford in almost no time at all. It’s a win for your wallet and your schedule.
Eco-friendly travel:
Feel good about the journey you’re taking. Each bus can take up to 75 cars off the road, so with every trip, you’re cutting down on congestion and reducing pollution. What could be better?
Ideal for all kinds of trips:
From daily commutes to spontaneous shopping sprees, to relaxing in Central Park or watching the cricket, the Park & Ride is here to make every trip a breeze. Whatever your plans, we’ve got the perfect way to get you there!
How it works
Park your car:
Arrive at one of our easy-to-reach Park & Ride locations outside Chelmsford, and park in one of the marked bays - parking is on us!
Hop on a bus:
Catch one of our frequent, distinctive black buses, and let us handle the rest. We'll whisk you into the heart of the birthplace of radio. Relax, sit back, and leave the traffic to us. It’s all part of the ride!
Keep hold of your ticket:
You'll need it for your return journey and to scan at the barriers when you leave the car park.
Park & Ride locations
Sandon Park & Ride - Maldon Road, CM2 7RU
Car park opening times: Monday to Saturday 06:30 to 19:30. Closed Sundays and bank holidays.
- Buses operate 6 days a week
- Parking is free if you're using the service, pay for your travel on the bus.
- Getting into the city usually takes around 10-15 minutes, depending on where you're getting off and how traffic is feeling that day.
- 1377 spaces. Including 2 EV charging spaces, 9 family spaces, 34 disabled spaces
- Indoor Waiting Area
- Toilets
- Accessible Toilet
- Baby changing facilities
- Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)
- Cycle storage
- 2.2 meter height restriction
Chelmer Valley Park & Ride - Essex Regiment Way, CM3 3PR
Car park opening times: Monday to Friday 06:30 to 19:30. Closed weekends and bank holidays.
- Buses operate 5 days a week
- Parking is free if you're using the service, pay for your travel on the bus.
- Getting into the city usually takes around 15-25 minutes, depending on where you're getting off and how traffic is feeling that day.
- 976 spaces. Including 2 EV charging spaces, 26 family spaces, 24 disabled spaces
- Indoor Waiting Area
- Toilets
- Accessible Toilet
- Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)
- Cycle storage
- 2 meter height restriction
Both sites are strategically placed for quick access to the city centre with loads of spaces and plenty of facilities.
Bus routes & timetables
Our buses run frequently throughout the day, ensuring you can always catch one when you need it. Hit the links below to download your PDF timetables.
Sandon Park & Ride - City Centre - Bus times valid from 6th March 2026
If you're staying out late, you can use your Park & Ride ticket on services 31 and 336 between 20:10 until 23:10 to get back to Sandon when boarding from the Park & Ride stops, Parkway, Careers Office, New London Road, or Duke Street.
Chelmer Valley Park & Ride - City Centre - Bus times valid from 6th March 2026
Tickets
- Adult Day: £3.10
- Adult off-peak: £2.60 (after midday)
- Child (5-18) Day: £1
- Group Day*: £5.20
- Student Day: £2
- Concessionary Day: £1.60
- Mobility Pass Holders and Companions: £1.60 before 9am, and FREE thereafter
- Flexi: £34.10 (12 tickets for the price of 11)
*Group Day is valid for up to 2 adults and 3 children arriving in the same car.
You can grab your Park & Ride tickets in advance on the FREE First Bus App, easy peasy!
FAQs
Q: Can I use my Concessionary bus pass on the Park & Ride?
A: Travel is £1.60 return at all times, for holders of a valid Essex Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) Pass. Holders of disability related concessionary passes, and where eligible their companion, will only be charged £1.60 before 9am (Monday to Friday), otherwise can travel for free.
Q: How many can I have in my group?
A: Group tickets are for up to 2 adults and 3 children arriving in the same car.
Q: Can I take my dog/pet on the bus?
A: Disabled passengers are allowed to travel with their guide, assistance or hearing dog. The passenger must comply with any instructions given by the driver. The carrying of other dogs is allowed if they are well behaved.
Q: What should I do if I think I have left something on one of the Park & Ride buses?
A: Go into the site office or email essexparkandride@essex.gov.uk
Q: Can I walk up and use the Park & Ride?
A: Yes, you can walk to the site and pay on the bus.
Q: Can I drop off or pick someone up from the site without paying?
A: Yes, there is a 20 minute free period.
Q: Can I collect my vehicle after the site is closed?
A: Yes, the exit barriers will raise automatically out-of-hours to allow you to leave if you get back late.
Overnight parking is not permitted.
By entering the car park you are doing so at your own risk. Essex County Council shall not be held liable for injury to any person unless caused by the negligence of the Council nor for any theft or damage of whatever kind to any vehicle or its contents whilst in the car parks. All vehicles are parked at the owner's risk.
