Ashford International Car Park D (NCP)

Don't bother booking on-line: you don't save any money, you are not guaranteed a space and what's worse it's actually more hassle getting out because you have to walk around the multi-storey to find the badly sign-posted office in order to get the exit ticket. It's quicker just turn up, take a ticket and just pay at a machine in the station when you leave.

Directions/ signage for Eurostar parking are almost non-existent, and where existing, entirely contradictory (not just me saying this, but everyone in the Eurostar check-in queue). Then you try to pay for parking via the Indigo app, but find that the official name (car park B, etc.) is not given in the app - so you have to guess, based on the map, which car park you used, but because you drove around the station at least twice trying to find the bloody entrance you haven't a hope in hell of guessing correctly. And if you try to pay using the mobile phone service, forget it - the in-call navigation options are a nightmare, and finally when you have managed to give your card details, you are asked to send a SMS confirming your car registration no. - I tried 20 times and it doesn't get delivered. And finally, there is a number to call if you're having problems - which is an 0330 number and therefore not reachable from outside the UK. Which at an international terminal is frankly idiotic. Pull yourselves together, for God's sake!

I used this car park today on June 4th and here are my thoughts. I don't normally share my experiences but here goes:

1) Upon arrival, there is no clear directions or signage, that you would expect to see, eg giving clear instructions on where to park for first time users

2) there are numerous road works adjacent to the car park entrance, taking place, which forces pedestrians walking to Ashford international station from the car park, to walk in the road, rather than the pavement which is dangerous, particularly with 3 small children.

3) Even if you pay upfront, a ticket is automatically generated when you arrive, which you are required to take to bypass the barrier. When you leave the ticket needs to be validated in the multi storey car park, before you can leave. Although this is mentioned in the email, for the case of me, this involved crossing a footbridge, walking down 5 grotty flights of stairs, (as the lift was out of action), to the "car parking office" which is also not clearly signposted on any level, situated on the ground floor and bypassing other confused customers, also finding themselves in the same situation as I. This is unhelpful, not least for the traveller, particularly if your car is not parked in the multi-storey as you then have to walk to your car, which is another 5 10 minute walk after a long train journey. I personally do not understand why the ticket issued in advance cannot be linked to your registration (since this is requested) at the time of booking. This step is completely unnecessary, in my opinion.

4) I would comment on the state of the car park which is generally in a dilapidated condition.

5) Lastly, Car Park E is not particularly secure, despite being advertised as such, as any foot pedestrian has access to the rear of the car park from the bridge.

I would not use this car park again as in my opinion, fails a number of basic standards I would expect of a recognised and well established car park, including ANPR recognition, customer service, layout, information and security. For that reason (and only because we did finally manage to park our car there and retrieve it again), I am awarding 1 star.

Avoid or use at your peril :-(

Parking instructions arrived by email, but there was very little signage upon arrival. Managed to find the terminal OK. On leaving, I wasn't sure where I needed to go to get my parking validated. Found the parking office but it was difficult to get to. Had to walk on the main road for part of the way. Price-wise - it was reasonable.

This is the location for staff parking for Ashford Designer Outlets and additional weekend parking for the public. The car park works on number plate recognition and you can enter your registration number at the exit of the designer outlet by superdry. The cost is 1 pound for four hours parking.

It was actually easy to park on a busy afternoon. The best part is that you don't have to worry about that annoying online parking payment system, you just park and scan your card as you're driving out. Perfect 👌🏾

Spaces usually plentiful. Easy access to Ashford International.

Used for Designer Outlet £2 for whole stay. Just had to pay at Customer services. Great value.