The Theatre Royal Brighton sits in the heart of the city on New Road, just steps from the Royal Pavilion and the bustling Lanes. While street parking near the theatre is limited, several car parks are within easy walking distance. Here’s everything you need to know about parking for your visit.
Quick Comparison
| Car Park | Walk Time | Evening Rate | Spaces | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCP Theatre | 2 mins | ~£9.95 (after 5pm) via APP – Early Bird | 587 | Convenience |
| Trafalgar Street | 8-10 mins | £7.50 (6pm-midnight) | 275 | Value |
| The Lanes | 5 mins | £7.50 (6pm-midnight) | 355 | Pre-theatre dining |
| Churchill Square | 8-10 mins | ~£6 (after 6pm) | 1,600+ | Shopping & theatre |
- Pay-on-the-day (no app): up to £34.95 for 24 hrs.
- Early Bird (arrive 06:00-09:00, standard pay): £11.95.
- App-rates (via NCP App): cheaper — e.g., £32.95 for 24 hrs.
- App early bird: £9.95.
- Pay-on-the-day: up to £34.95 for 5–24 hrs.
- App rates: up to about £29.95 for 24 hrs.
- App Early Bird: £9.95 (arrive 06:00-09:00).
- Night rate: £9.95 (park after 17:00 and leave by around 03:00).
NCP Theatre – The Closest Option
Address: Church Street, Brighton BN1 1US
Walk to theatre: 2 minutes
Spaces: 587 (6 disabled bays)
Height restriction: 2m
Open: 24 hours
This is the official recommendation from ATG and the closest car park to the Theatre Royal. It’s literally around the corner – exit onto Church Street and the theatre is immediately on your left.
Prices
NCP uses variable pricing. Brighton Dome quotes the evening rate (after 5pm, exit by 3am) as around £9.95 standard or £8.95 using the NCP App. Daytime rates are significantly higher – expect £5+ per hour. Pre-booking via ncp.co.uk typically offers discounts.
Tips
- Download the NCP App – saves money and speeds up exit
- Arrive after 5pm to qualify for the evening rate
- Pre-book online for guaranteed savings
- Be aware: Reviews mention tight spaces, pillars, and queues after shows. Allow extra time to exit after popular performances
Website: ncp.co.uk
Trafalgar Street – Best Value
Address: Blackman Street, Brighton BN1 4DY (also accessible via Whitecross Street)
Walk to theatre: 8-10 minutes (through North Laine)
Spaces: 275 (4 disabled bays)
Height restriction: 2m
Open: 24 hours
Operator: Brighton & Hove City Council
A council-run multi-storey near North Laine. The walk to the theatre takes you through Brighton’s most characterful shopping streets – perfect if you want to browse independent shops before the show.
Prices (Council Tariff)
| Up to 1 hour | £4 |
| 1-2 hours | £10.50 |
| 2-4 hours | £16 |
| Evening (6pm-midnight) | £7.50 |
| Night (midnight-8am) | £7.50 |
Important: The £7.50 evening rate only applies if you arrive after 6pm and leave by 11:59pm. If you arrive before 6pm, you’ll pay standard daytime rates for your entire stay.
Park Mark and Disabled Parking Accreditation awarded. Pay on exit.
Website: brighton-hove.gov.uk
The Lanes Car Park – Central Location
Address: Black Lion Street, Brighton BN1 1ND
Walk to theatre: 5 minutes
Spaces: 355 (8 disabled bays on Level 1)
Height restriction: 1.85m
Open: 24 hours
Operator: Brighton & Hove City Council
Ideally positioned if you’re combining your theatre visit with dinner in The Lanes or a stroll along the seafront. Access from the A259 seafront road via Black Lion Street.
Prices (Council Tariff)
Weekdays:
| 1 hour | £4 |
| 2 hours | £11 |
| 4 hours | £24 |
| Evening (6pm-midnight) | £7.50 |
Weekends:
| 1 hour | £6 |
| 2 hours | £14 |
| 4 hours | £26 |
| Evening (6pm-midnight) | £8.50 |
Note: The lifts are currently out of order. Park on Level 1 for step-free access. The evening rate requires arrival after 6pm and exit by 11:59pm.
Website: brighton-hove.gov.uk
Churchill Square – For Shopping Too
Address: Regency Road, Brighton (Orange car park)
Walk to theatre: 8-10 minutes
Spaces: 1,600+
Height restriction: Varies by level
Open: 24 hours
Brighton’s largest central car park, attached to Churchill Square shopping centre. Multiple levels with EV charging available (9 Type 2 22kW points in the Orange car park). Good if you want to combine shopping with your theatre trip.
Prices
Evening rate approximately £6 after 6pm. Daytime rates around £3-5 per hour. Pricing varies – check on arrival.
The walk takes you through the shopping centre and along North Street to the theatre.
Blue Badge Parking
On-Street Disabled Bays
- New Road: 4 accessible parking bays approximately 25 metres from the theatre (outside Lucraft, Hodgson & Dawes accountants and Tonkotsu restaurant)
- Jubilee Street: 6 bays (first right after Brighton Dome on Church Street)
- New Road (opposite Studio Theatre): 4 bays with 3-hour time limit
Blue Badge holders can also park on single and double yellow lines for up to 3 hours, provided there’s no loading ban (indicated by yellow kerb markings).
Car Parks
- NCP Theatre: 6 disabled bays
- Trafalgar Street: 4 disabled bays (2 via each entrance) – Blue Badge holders pay standard tariff
- The Lanes: 8 disabled bays on Level 1 – Blue Badge holders pay standard tariff (note: lifts currently out of order)
Important: Brighton’s council car parks do not offer free parking for Blue Badge holders – standard charges apply. However, Blue Badge holders can park free in on-street Pay & Display bays and disabled bays.
Alternatives to Driving
Train
Brighton station is a 10-minute walk (or 4-minute taxi) from the theatre. Walk along Queen’s Road and through North Laine. Frequent services from London Victoria and London Bridge (Southern), plus connections across the South East.
Bus
Numerous Brighton & Hove Buses stop on North Street, 2 minutes from the theatre. Stops B, C, X and Y serve routes 1, 1A, 2, 5, 5A, 5B, 7, 12, 12A, 12X, 18, 21, 22, 25, 46, 55, 60 and more. See buses.co.uk for timetables.
Taxi Drop-Off
Taxis can drop off and collect directly outside the theatre on New Road.
Driving Directions
From the A23 (London/M23)
Follow the A23 south into Brighton. At the junction with the A27, continue straight towards the city centre. The A23 becomes Preston Road, then London Road. At the clock tower, turn left onto North Street. For NCP Theatre, turn right onto Bond Street, then right onto Church Street – the car park is on your left.
From the A27 (East or West)
Exit at the A23 junction and head south towards Brighton city centre. Follow directions as above from the clock tower.
For The Lanes Car Park
From the seafront (A259/King’s Road), turn north into Black Lion Street. The car park entrance is immediately on your right.
Top Tips
- Arrive after 6pm for evening rates at council car parks – but remember you must also leave by midnight
- Download the NCP App before you visit to save money and avoid queues
- Allow extra exit time after popular shows – car parks can get congested
- Consider the train – Brighton station is well-connected and the walk through North Laine is part of the Brighton experience
- Pre-book if possible – NCP offers discounts for advance booking
- Check height restrictions – The Lanes is 1.85m, others are 2m
Prices correct at time of writing. Council car parks updated January 2026. Always check signage on arrival as rates may change.