Are you attending an event at First Direct Arena and looking for the best parking spots? Read our guide for top recommendations, including affordable and convenient parking options.

Heading to First Direct Arena for a concert or event? Finding a good car park near the venue can be a challenge, especially if you're unfamiliar with the area.

Luckily, we've got you covered. In this blog, we'll be exploring 7 of the best car parks near First Direct Arena, including their locations, prices, and any special features they may have.

So whether you're driving in from out of town or just need some insider tips on where to park, keep reading to find out all you need to know about parking near First Direct Arena.

CitiPark Merrion Centre

CitiPark Merrion Centre is a popular parking option located in the heart of Leeds city centre. The car park has a whopping 952 spaces available and fits vehicles up to 1.83 metres in height.

This car park is right on the doorstep of First Direct Arena, making it an ideal choice for those attending concerts, events or shows. The distance between the car park and the arena is approximately 361 feet, which takes only 1 minute to walk.

The car park offers affordable rates for both short and long term parking, with prices starting from just £3 for 1 hour, and has ample spaces available. Additionally, CitiPark Merrion Centre is open 24/7, making it a convenient option for those attending events at any time of day or night.

As one of the closest and most popular car parks in Leeds city centre, CitiPark Merrion Way may be extremely busy so prepare for queues on the way out!

St Johns Centre Car Park

Q-Park St Johns Centre is another hugely popular car park located in the middle of Leeds city centre, just a short distance from First Direct Arena. It has a capacity of 282 spaces, with a height limit of 2 metres.

The car park offers convenient and secure parking, with 24/7 surveillance and friendly staff on hand to assist with any queries. The distance between the car park and the arena is approximately 0.4 miles, meaning that only a short 4-minute walk stands between you and your event.

Q-Park St Johns Centre offers competitive rates for both short and long term parking, starting from just £2.30 per hour depending on your time of arrival. It also features electric vehicle charging points for eco-conscious drivers.

Q-Park St Johns Centre is a popular choice for visitors to Leeds and those attending events at the First Direct Arena. So again, it will be busy!

The Core Car Park

Hidden in plain sight on the bustling streets of Leeds city centre is The Core Car Park, situated just a short walking distance from First Direct Arena. It comprises 313 parking spaces and can fit a maximum height of 2.05 metres.

The car park is located on Albion street, surrounded by an abundance of shops and restaurants, and offers convenient and secure parking with 24/7 surveillance and well-lit, spacious parking bays.

The distance between the car park and the arena is approximately 0.4 miles, which takes around 7 minutes to walk.

Parking rates at The Core Car Park start from just £2.95 and go up to £14.95 for a full 24 hour stay, making it a great choice for those attending events at the First Direct Arena.

Additionally, the car park features electric charging points for eco vehicles, and disabled parking bays for those with mobility needs.

Woodhouse Lane Car Park

Located a short distance away from First Direct Arena in Leeds, Woodhouse Lane Car Park offers convenient and affordable parking options for visitors.

This 24/7 car park is by far the biggest on our list with a mammoth 1240 spaces, and fits vehicles of up to 2 metres in height. It’s very reasonably priced for those attending events at Leeds Arena, with rates starting from £2.20, with a 12 hour stay costing just £8.

The car park is 0.6 miles away from Leeds Arena, which is an easy 10-15 minute walk.

Woodhouse Lane also has facilities for disabled parking bays and electric vehicle charging points, catering to the needs of all types of drivers.

Located right next to the A64 and A58, getting out of Leeds after your event should be relatively stress free, making this car park one of the best options on event days.

Trinity Car Park

Trinity Car Park’s central location makes it a fantastic parking option for those looking to explore the city and stop for a quick bite to eat. It features 630 spaces, with a height limit of 1.98 metres.

The car park is situated within the Trinity Leeds shopping centre, offering easy access to the shops and restaurants in the area, as well as First Direct Arena.

The car park is 0.7 miles away from First Direct Arena, which will take around 13 minutes to walk. It offers both short and long term parking options, with hourly rates starting from £2.50 and discounts available for pre-booking online.

The car park also features disabled parking bays and electric vehicle charging points. With its central location and excellent facilities, Trinity Car Park is the perfect choice for visitors to Leeds and those attending events at the First Direct Arena.

Albion Street Car Park

Albion Street Car Park is another convenient parking spot located on the popular Albion Street in Leeds city centre. It is made up of 343 spaces and can accommodate vehicles of up to 1.85 metres in height.

The distance between the car park and the arena is approximately 0.4 miles, which only takes around 8-10 minutes to walk. Albion Street Car Park’s rates are fair, starting from £2.40 per hour and rising up to £25 for a 24 hour stay. It also features electric vehicle charging points.

Albion Street is another car park that boasts excellent surrounding amenities and is perfect for those seeking to explore the city before their show.

The Light Car Park

Last on our list is The Light Car Park, a modern and conveniently located parking option next to Leeds cathedral.

The car park is situated within The Light shopping and entertainment complex, making it a great option for those looking to combine shopping and leisure activities with parking.

The distance between the car park and First Direct Arena is approximately 0.3 miles, which only take around 6 minutes to walk.

The Light Car Park offers affordable rates, with a 1 hour stay costing £2.60. Just like all of the other options on our list, it features electric vehicle charging points for eco vehicles.

With its fantastic location and vicinity to Leeds Arena, The Light Car Park is definitely one of our top picks.


Now you’re clued up on the top places to park before an event at First Direct Arena, but what about picking which event you want to attend?

First Direct Arena is one of the UK’s most stunning entertainment venues and has won multiple awards and played host to some of the biggest performers on the planet, such as Elton John, The Who and Rod Stewart.

2023 is set to be another huge year of unmissable events at First Direct Arena, with artists and performers such as Duran Duran, S Club 7, JLS and Waterloo - The Best of ABBA taking to the stage along with many more.

Why not opt for the ultimate event experience, with a First Direct Arena VIP ticket or hospitality package? You will benefit from unrivalled panoramic views of the action, as well as a whole host of luxury inclusions such as VIP entry and exit, access to VIP lounges and access to private bars.

Check out all of the shows that we have available at First Direct Arena in 2023 & 2024 and get VIP tickets and hospitality packages now.

Buy First Direct Arena Tickets

Be sure to check out our guides to the best hotels and most exquisite restaurants near First Direct Arena in Leeds, so you can enjoy the best night's stay and finest cuisines that Leeds has to offer along with a premium event.