Field guide
Hyde Park running routes and practical information
Plan your Hyde Park run. Find official information on park hours, perimeter length, access by tube or car, parking fees, and rules for runners.
Hyde Park is a large public park in London, covering approximately 142 hectares (350 acres). It provides open space for running and hiking on various paths.
This guide contains official information about the park's perimeter, opening times, transport access, parking, and general rules for visitors.
Official facts at a glance
- Park size
- Approximately 142 hectares (350 acres)
- Park perimeter length
- Approximately 3 miles
- Park opening hours
- 5am – midnight daily
- Public toilet charge
- 20p, contactless payment only (no cash)
- Car parking charge hours
- 8:30am to 6:30pm, every day (including Bank Holidays)
- Car parking tariff (Mon-Sat)
- 70p per 15 mins / £2.80 per hour / £11.20 for max 4 hours
- Car parking tariff (Sun & Bank Holidays)
- 50p per 15 mins / £2.00 per hour / £20.00 for max 10 hours
- Public car parks
- Two public car parks accessed from West Carriage Drive
- Disabled parking rules
- Free for Blue Badge holders, 4-hour time limit
- Closest mainline train station
- London Paddington (approx. 500m north of West Carriage Drive)
- Tube lines and stations
- Central Line (Lancaster Gate or Marble Arch), Piccadilly Line (Hyde Park Corner or Knightsbridge)
- Dog leash rules
- Generally off-leash, but owner must keep under control. Exceptions include Rose Garden and around The Serpentine lake.
Source: FAQs for Hyde Park (royalparks.org.uk). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
The park perimeter route
The perimeter of Hyde Park is approximately 3 miles long. This provides a straightforward loop for a continuous run or long walk around the park's boundary.
Hours and public transport
The park is open daily from 5am to midnight. These hours accommodate early morning and late evening exercise schedules.
Hyde Park is served by several public transport lines. The closest mainline train station is London Paddington. The Central and Piccadilly tube lines also have stations near the park.
Parking information
Two public car parks are available, with access from West Carriage Drive. Parking charges are in effect every day from 8:30am to 6:30pm, including on Bank Holidays.
Parking tariffs are charged per 15 minutes. Blue Badge holders may park for free, but there is a 4-hour time limit.
Rules and facilities
Dogs are generally allowed off-leash but must remain under the owner's control. Some areas, including the Rose Garden and the path around The Serpentine lake, have specific leash rules.
Public toilets are available for a 20p fee. Payment is by contactless card only, as cash is not accepted.
Before you go
- The park is open from 5am to midnight every day.
- The full perimeter route is approximately 3 miles.
- If you drive, parking charges apply daily from 8:30am to 6:30pm.
- Public toilets require a 20p contactless payment.
- Note the specific areas where dogs are not permitted to be off-leash.
Nearby options: running and active spots in London. All cities: City running and hiking guides.