The car park is a straightforward, open-air affair. It’s not huge, but it’s rarely full outside peak hours, which is a godsend compared to the sardine-like conditions at nearby Gants Hill or Newbury Park. You’ll find spaces for standard cars, plus a handful of disabled bays right near the entrance—a thoughtful touch.
Fun fact: Redbridge Station opened in 1947, part of the post-war extension of the Central Line. The car park was added later, but it sits on land that once echoed with the sounds of LNER steam trains—a Victorian ghost hovering over your modern-day SUV. If you squint, you can almost imagine the soot and whistles.
Practical Tips for the Savvy Commuter
Arrive early on weekdays, especially between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. The lot fills up by 8:30, so channel your inner early bird—or risk circling like a vulture. If you’re heading into town for a weekend adventure, you’ll have the place practically to yourself; it’s a little secret worth exploiting.
Watch out for the height barrier at the entrance—it’s 2.1 metres, so if you drive a roof box or a high-top van, you’ll need to park elsewhere. And here’s a local hack: instead of hopping straight on the tube, walk five minutes to the adjacent Redbridge Roundabout for a coffee at the Costa. It’s a small ritual that turns parking into a pause.
Hainault Station Car Park - Opening Times, Contacts - Parking lot in London
