When planning a trip to Wales’ highest peak, securing suitable parking for Snowdon is essential for a stress-free adventure. Mount Snowdon attracts over 500,000 visitors annually, creating significant demand for parking spaces, especially during peak seasons and weekends. This guide provides comprehensive information about all available parking options near Snowdon, including costs, locations, and accessibility to various hiking routes.
Located in Snowdonia National Park, Snowdon (or Yr Wyddfa in Welsh) offers multiple ascent paths, each with different parking facilities. Whether you’re taking the Snowdon Mountain Railway or hiking one of the popular trails like the Pyg Track or Watkin Path, understanding your parking options will help you plan effectively and avoid disappointment upon arrival.
Main Parking Areas for Snowdon
Visitors to Snowdon have several official car parks to choose from, each serving different walking routes and offering varying facilities:
Pen-y-Pass Car Park
- Located at the starting point for the popular Pyg Track and Miners’ paths
- Limited to 65 spaces and fills extremely quickly
- Advance booking required through the Snowdonia National Park website
- Ideal for those planning to hike the Pyg Track Snowdon parking area is the closest option
Llanberis Car Park
- The largest parking facility with over 500 spaces
- Located near the Snowdon railway parking and the starting point for the Llanberis Path
- Includes toilets and nearby refreshment facilities
- Walking distance to the Snowdon Mountain Railway station
Nant Peris Park and Ride
- Overflow parking option with 500+ spaces
- Regular shuttle buses to Pen-y-Pass (£2 per person each way)
- Significantly cheaper than Pen-y-Pass parking
- Good alternative when main car parks are full
Watkin Path Car Park
- Small car park with approximately 60 spaces
- Starting point for the scenic Snowdon Watkin Path parking is free but fills quickly
- Located on the A498 near Bethania
- No facilities available at this location
Other smaller parking areas include Rhyd Ddu (for the Rhyd Ddu Path) and Snowdon Ranger (for the Ranger Path), both offering more limited facilities but typically less crowded conditions than the main car parks.
Parking Costs at Snowdon
Understanding how much is parking at Snowdon Mountain Railway and other locations is crucial for trip planning. Parking fees vary significantly between locations:
Pen-y-Pass Car Park
- High-season (March-October): £18 for 8 hours, £25 for all-day
- Low-season (November-February): £10 for all-day
- Pre-booking essential through the JustPark app or website
- No overnight parking permitted
Llanberis Car Parks
- Mount Snowdon parking in Llanberis village costs £7-10 for all-day parking
- Multiple car parks available with similar pricing
- Both cash and card payment options at most locations
- Some accommodation providers offer free parking for guests
Nant Peris Park and Ride
- All-day parking: £5 per vehicle
- Additional shuttle bus fare: £2 per person each way
- Operating hours: 7am to 7pm during peak season
- Reduced service during winter months
Free Parking Options
- Parking Snowdon without fees is possible at the Watkin Path car park, though spaces are extremely limited
- Roadside parking exists in some areas but is discouraged and often restricted
- Some nearby villages offer limited free parking with longer walks to trailheads
Many visitors underestimate parking costs when planning their Snowdon trip. For a family spending a full day on the mountain, parking expenses can range from £5-25 depending on location and season. Most car parks now offer card payment facilities, but carrying some cash is advisable, particularly for smaller car parks and during off-peak seasons when some payment systems may be offline.
Parking for Different Snowdon Routes
Each of Snowdon’s six main walking routes has different parking at Snowdon options, with varying convenience and availability:
Llanberis Path
The Llanberis Path is served by multiple parking options:
- Main Llanberis car parks (500+ spaces combined)
- Snowdon Mountain Railway parking adjacent to the railway station
- Several private car parks in the village
- Typically the best route for parking availability
Pyg Track and Miners’ Path
Both routes start from Pen-y-Pass:
- Pyg Track Snowdon parking requires advance booking
- Extremely limited spaces (65) that fill by early morning
- Alternative parking at Nant Peris with shuttle bus service
- No roadside parking permitted on A4086 near Pen-y-Pass
Watkin Path
The Watkin Path has its own dedicated car park:
- Free parking for Snowdon photos and access to this scenic route
- Small car park (approximately 60 spaces)
- No facilities or alternative parking nearby
- Arrives by 8:00 AM to secure a space during summer months
Rhyd Ddu Path
This less-crowded route offers:
- Small car park with approximately 40 spaces
- Pay and display system (£6 all day)
- Starting point for both Rhyd Ddu and South Ridge paths
- Nearby village has limited additional parking
Snowdon Ranger Path
The Ranger Path starts from:
- Youth Hostel car park with limited spaces
- Pay and display system (£6 all day)
- Alternative parking rarely needed except on bank holidays
- Accessible via bus service from Caernarfon
Hikers seeking to avoid parking issues should consider starting their Snowdon adventure from Llanberis, which offers the most abundant parking options. Alternatively, utilizing public transportation can eliminate parking concerns entirely, with regular bus services connecting nearby towns to various trailheads during the peak hiking season.
Tips for Successful Snowdon Parking
Finding suitable parking for Snowdon reviews often highlight how challenging this can be, especially during peak times. These practical tips will help you secure a spot:
Timing Your Visit
- Arrive before 7:00 AM during summer months to secure parking at popular locations
- Consider hiking on weekdays rather than weekends
- Avoid bank holidays and school breaks when possible
- Winter months offer easier parking but require more preparation for hiking
Advance Booking
- Snowdon railway parking should be booked alongside train tickets when possible
- Pen-y-Pass parking must be reserved through JustPark
- Some private car parks in Llanberis accept advance bookings
- Check cancellation policies when pre-booking during uncertain weather
Alternative Transportation
- Use the Sherpa bus network that connects all major Snowdon parking areas
- Consider staying in nearby accommodations with dedicated parking
- Taxi services operate from nearby towns to trailheads
- Some hiking groups arrange car pooling from designated meeting points
What to Avoid
- Parking on roadside verges (subject to fines and towing)
- Blocking farm access or private driveways
- Assuming you’ll find parking without planning ahead
- Parking outside designated areas, which damages the environment
Best Parking Strategy by Season
| Season | Best Parking Strategy |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Arrive by 6:30 AM or use Park & Ride |
| Spring/Autumn | Arrive by 8:00 AM for direct access |
| Winter | More flexibility, but check weather conditions |
| Bank Holidays | Essential to pre-book or use public transport |
Many hikers report that the stress of finding parking can negatively impact their Snowdon experience. Proper planning ensures your focus remains on enjoying the mountain rather than worrying about your vehicle or potential parking fines.
Seasonal Variations in Snowdon Parking Availability
Parking availability around Snowdon fluctuates dramatically throughout the year, with each season presenting different challenges and opportunities:
Summer (June-August)
The peak season creates the most challenging parking snowdon conditions:
- Most car parks fill by 7:30 AM on weekends
- Pen-y-Pass often fully booked 2-3 weeks in advance
- Nant Peris Park and Ride essential for later arrivals
- Parking for Snowdon reviews frequently mention summer overcrowding
- Extended parking hours and services available
Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November)
These shoulder seasons offer more balanced conditions:
- Weekend parking still fills by mid-morning
- Weekday visitors typically find spaces until 9:00-10:00 AM
- Less competition for Pyg track Snowdon parking
- More flexibility for spontaneous visits
- Reduced shuttle bus services in late autumn
Winter (December-February)
The quietest period provides the most parking availability:
- Spaces generally available throughout the day
- Reduced parking fees at some locations
- Snowdon Watkin path parking often has spaces even on weekends
- Some smaller car parks may be closed or unmaintained
- Weather conditions can affect accessibility
Bank Holidays and Special Events
These create exceptional demand:
- Christmas and Easter holidays see summer-level demand
- Snowdon Race day requires special parking arrangements
- Local events can unexpectedly fill parking areas
- Snowdon Mountain Railway parking priority given to passengers
- Temporary overflow parking sometimes made available
The National Park Authority continues to develop sustainable transportation solutions to address seasonal parking pressures. Recent initiatives include expanded Park and Ride services, improved public transport connections, and a potential future reservation system for all major car parks serving the mountain.
Frequently Asked Questions About Snowdon Parking
What time do Snowdon car parks open?
Most Snowdon parking areas open 24 hours, though Pen-y-Pass car park is typically accessible from 6:00 AM to midnight. The Nant Peris Park and Ride operates from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM during peak season.
Is overnight parking allowed at Snowdon?
Overnight parking is prohibited at Pen-y-Pass and discouraged at most official car parks. For multi-day hikers, dedicated long-stay parking is available in Llanberis and Betws-y-Coed.
How early should I arrive to get parking at Pen-y-Pass?
During peak season (May-September), arrive before 7:00 AM to secure a space without pre-booking. With advance booking, your space is guaranteed, but these sell out weeks ahead for summer weekends.
Is there free parking for Snowdon?
The Watkin Path parking area offers free parking, though spaces are limited. Some roadside parking exists near less popular routes, but restrictions are increasingly enforced throughout the national park.
How much does parking cost at the Snowdon Mountain Railway?
Snowdon Mountain Railway parking costs approximately £8 for all-day parking. Discounted rates may be available for railway passengers when purchasing tickets.
Can I park at Snowdon if I’m not hiking?
Yes, visitors can use parking for Snowdon facilities for photography, picnicking, or enjoying the views without hiking. Standard parking rates apply regardless of your activity.
Are there disabled parking spaces available?
All major car parks have designated disabled parking spaces, with Llanberis and Mount Snowdon parking areas offering the most accessible facilities. The Snowdon Mountain Railway also provides dedicated spaces for blue badge holders.
What happens if I exceed my paid parking time?
Penalty charges apply at most Snowdon car parks if you exceed your paid time. These typically range from £25-£100 depending on the location and how long you’ve overstayed.
Is it possible to park a campervan at Snowdon?
Larger vehicles including campervans can use Llanberis car parks and Nant Peris Park and Ride, though height restrictions may apply. Pen-y-Pass and smaller car parks have limited or no facilities for larger vehicles.
