Frequently asked questions

Are dogs allowed on the Park & Ride buses?

Dogs are permitted on Park & Ride buses providing they are quiet, well-behaved and are kept off the seats.

Can I park my car overnight?

Overnight parking is not permitted at Park and Ride sites. Check the opening times for each site before you travel.

How do I use the Park & Ride?

Find a parking space and park your car free of charge. Then, simply board the next bus into town and buy your ticket if you haven't already done so on the First Bus App. You'll find information on all our ticket prices and options here.

Can larger vehicles like minibuses or motorhomes park on site?

Some of our Park & Ride sites have designated areas for motorhomes and larger vehicles, these are:

Askham Bar

10 spaces are provided for the use of larger vehicles such as motorhomes. To access this parking area, take the first left turn after entering the site. If your vehicle is taller than 2.1m (6ft 10in), please stop before entering or exiting the parking area - use the push button device to ask the supervisor to open the barrier for you.

Coach parking is not available.

Designer Outlet

If travelling in larger vehicles, such as motorhomes, minibuses or coaches, please contact York Designer Outlet Guest Services before your visit for advice on the best area to park. All coaches will need to be pre-booked to be permitted to park on site.

Grimston Bar

20 spaces are provided for the use of larger vehicles such as motorhomes. If your vehicle is taller than 2.1m (6ft 10in), please stop before entering or exiting the parking area - use the push button device to ask the supervisor to open the barrier for you.

Coach parking is not available.

Rawcliffe Bar

11 spaces are provided for the use of larger vehicles such as motorhomes. If your vehicle is taller than 2.1m (6ft 10in) please stop before entering or exiting the parking area - use the push button device to ask the supervisor to open the height barrier for you.

Coach parking is not available.

What facilities are available at the sites?

All sites except Grimston Bar have a terminal building with a waiting area, information points and toilets/baby change facilities. All sites and buses are fully accessible for wheelchair users.

How can I find the Park & Ride car parks?

The sites are signposted to on blue road signs from most major routes. For Sat-Nav users, the postcodes for our sites are: Askham Bar YO24 1LW, Designer Outlet YO19 4TA, Grimston Bar YO19 5LA, Monks Cross YO32 9JU, Poppleton Bar YO26 6QF, Rawcliffe Bar YO30 5XZ

How can I pay for my Park & Ride journey?

Find a parking space and park your car free of charge. Then, simply board the next bus into town and pay the driver with cash, contactless debit/credit card or TOTO if you haven't already got your ticket on the First Bus App. Full details of all our tickets for Park & Ride can be found here.

Are there discounts available for regular users?

Yes. We have a full range of tickets available for a day, week, month or year. You can also use any ticket valid on other First bus services in York on any Park & Ride. Commuters who regularly use Park & Ride can take advantage of our Commuter Travel Club for even greater savings, or with a York by bus smart card which is a great option for any regular users of the Park & Ride.

Can I use my concessionary bus pass for free travel on Park & Ride?

No. However, Concessionary Bus Pass holders can buy a special £1.40 single ticket for the Park & Ride service.

We've bought a group ticket - do we all have to travel together?

Yes. However, if one or more of your group want to travel back to your car, to drop off shopping for example, and then return into the city centre, your ticket will allow you to do this. Nobody in the party will be allowed travel without a valid ticket.

Is there space for buggies and wheelchairs on the bus?

All our buses are fully accessible for wheelchairs and buggies with step-free entrances that can be lowered to kerb height and have fold out ramps - just ask the driver if you need to use it. Inside the bus there are designated spaces for both wheelchairs and buggies as well as priority seating for mobility-impaired passengers.

I am unfamiliar with York city centre; how will I know where to get off the bus?

Our Park & Ride buses display simple line maps to help you plan where to get off. The route maps section of our site contains full details of the route the bus takes through York showing all bus stops and major landmarks.

Do Park & Ride services stop at York College?

York College students can use the number 3 Park & Ride service (Askham Bar) and get on and off the bus either at the Tesco stop or at the Park & Ride site itself, then take the short walk over to the College. All York College students (regardless of age) are entitled to our 16-18 fares providing they show a valid student ID card.

Do Park & Ride buses serve York railway station?

Yes, the following Park & Ride services stop outside York Station: Askham Bar (no.3), Designer Outlet (no.7), Monks Cross (no. 9), Poppleton Bar (no.59) – making them a perfect option for commuters.

Can I park my car at the Park and Ride sites without using the bus?

You are not permitted to park at this site unless you use the Park & Ride bus service, or cycle into the city centre. 
Please note that you can walk to any of the Park & Ride sites and then pay to use the bus into York.

How secure are the Park and Ride car parks?

All sites offer safety and security with CCTV coverage, good lighting, clear lines of site across the car parks and security fencing. There are regular car park patrols throughout the day. However, whilst all of these provisions are in place, in line with most car parks, parking of any vehicle is entirely at the owner’s risk.

Who do I contact for lost property?

Contact our Lost Property Team on 0345 646 0707, who will check to see if it has been handed in. If we have your property, you'll be able to collect it from our office at 20 George Hudson Street, York, YO1 6WR from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). Any lost property found on our vehicles, providing the item is not perishable, will be kept for one month.