The Ultimate Guide to Airport Parking in the UK: How to Book, Save, and Choose the Best Option
I know it’s nobody’s favourite subject. But in the excitement of planning a trip to somewhere new, it’s one of the things I often forget until the very last minute. And it always costs more than I want it to! Yup, I’m talking about airport parking. So I’ve created the ultimate guide to airport parking to make this unexciting expense even easier.
When we take a short haul flight, our preferred airport is London Stansted. For long haul we choose London Heathrow. But both are a couple of hours drive away from us, so airport parking is an expense we have to add onto every trip we take.
And actually, if you want to save some money, then one of the first things you should consider when flying is airport parking. But the thing is, it can be confusing. There are loads of options available, from meet and greet parking to long-stay options, and this means that the prices vary wildly too. So what should you choose? What’s going to work best for your budget?
That’s what inspired me to write this article. In this ultimate guide to airport parking, i’ll cover when to book airport parking, how to choose the right option, and why using a parking comparison service could help to save you money and stress.
Heads up! This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click and make a purchase, I might earn a very small commission – at no extra cost to you. This helps to keep the blog going. Thanks for the support!
Why Planning Your Airport Parking Matters
I’ve had a couple of occasions when I forgot all about our airport parking, booked it at the very last minute, and then hated myself (and my very empty bank account) for it. The sooner you book your airport parking, generally the cheaper it is.
Booking airport parking in advance can:
- Save you up to 50% compared to on-the-day rates
- Guarantee you a space at your preferred location (important if you’re looking for a particular car park)
- Reduce stress on the morning of your flight
- Allow you to choose the parking type that suits your family’s needs (which in our case means paying a little more for comfort and convenience!)
Types of Airport Parking
1. Meet and Greet Parking
If you’re not familar with it, meet and greet parking does exactly what it says on the tin! You drive straight to the terminal, hand over your keys, and the car is parked for you, then you walk straight into the airport with your luggage.
It does cost more, but we ALWAYS opt for meet and greet parking when we fly long haul: after a 16 hour flight back from Japan, the last thing I need is to get off the plane and get on a shuttle bus with the kids and a mountain of luggage before I can drive home!
- Best For: Families with children, travelers with heavy luggage, or those in a hurry.
- Cost: Typically higher than other options, but does save you time and hassle.
2. On-Site Long-Stay Parking
When we’re taking a short haul flight or a short break, we typically opt for on-site long-stay parking. Here you’ll park in a large car park (usually on the airport property) and then get on a shuttle bus to the terminal. The bus fare is usually included in your parking fee, and the buses operate regularly but they can be crowded. This is an especially good option if you don’t have a lot of luggage to get from A to B.
- Best For: Budget-conscious travelers who don’t mind a short bus transfer.
- Tip: Book early for peak travel periods to secure a space, as these parking options are popular and can sell out.
3. Off-Site Parking / Independent Car Parks
Off-site parking refers to private parking lots near the airport with shuttle services or free transfers or even to people who allow airport parkers to park on their private property. Honestly? We tend to avoid independent airport parking, because they often don’t have the security features offered by official channels. But they are often cheaper than airport owned parking, so if you want to save some money this is an option available to you. I would just advice that you check the reviews thoroughly before you take the plunge.
4. Short-Stay / Terminal Parking
This tends to be the most expensive parking at the airport (even more so than meet and greet parking) that is only really a good option for very short trips. We took an extreme day trip to Cologne last Christmas, and used the short stay car park for this trip. But short stay parking is generally quite expensive if you use it for more than a few hours at a time.
- Best for: Short trips or if your very short on time.
When Should You Book Airport Parking?
So when should you book your airport parking? I’ve gotten into the habit of booking our parking as soon as we book a trip, but only because I might forget to do so otherwise! A good guide to airport parking is that for:
- Peak Travel (Christmas, Summer, Half-Term): You should book your airport parking 2–3 months in advance.
- Off-Peak Travel: Booking your airport parking 4–6 weeks ahead is usually enough.
- Last-Minute Travel: The best thing to do if you need to book your airport parking now is use a comparison service to check for remaining availability and discounts.
👉Booking early not only guarantees a spot but also allows you to compare prices across multiple providers to get the best deal.
👉 We recommend using Compare Parking Prices to find the best parking prices for your local airport.
Why Use A Parking Comparison Website?
As you guys know, I never recommend anything we don’t actually use: but we do use parking comparision websites, because I hate spending money when I don’t have to! CompareParkingPrices.co.uk is a UK-based comparison service that makes airport parking simple and affordable and we’ve found the best prices here. If you only take one tip from this guide to airport parking, let it be to compare prices before you buy!
You don’t have to use the same parking comparison website as us. But the benefits of using these websites include:
- Compare dozens of providers in one search for the best rates
- Filter by parking type, location, and amenities
- Book directly online for peace of mind (and time saving too!)
By using a service like this, you can save money while ensuring you get the parking experience that suits your needs, whether you prioritize speed, convenience, or budget.
Airport Parking FAQs
Which Airport Parking Is Best For Families?
A lot of this depends on how much money you want to spend. For families, I think meet and greet parking is the best and most convenient option. You drive straight to the terminal, hand over your keys, and enjoy your holiday! No shuttle bus, no stress, But the pay off, of course, is the cost. If you’re budget conscious, look for a long-stay on site car park instead.
Do I Need To Leave Extra Time For Airport Parking?
Yes! Especially for long stay parking or off site parking that means you’ll need to take a shuttle bus to the terminal. We often say we’re jinxed, because we arrive just in time to miss the bus.. every time! Allow 20-30 minutes more to your usual travel time for taking the shuttle.
Can I Book Airport Parking Online?
Yes! Most providers allow you to secure your spot online and in advance. This guarentees availability and locks in the price too. You can compare and book the best option for your trip using this link here.
Is Meet and Greet Airport Parking Worth It?
If convenience and time saving are your priorities, then meet and greet airport parking is your best choice. Meet and greet parking is faster and less stressful, especially with children and heavy luggage (which is why it’s always our long haul choice). It does cost more than long stay standard parking, but we prefer it (even though I usually hate spending money!) because of the convenience it offers.
Final Thoughts: Make Airport Parking Easy
Airport parking is a boring thing to spend money on, but it doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive Whether you choose the convenience of meet and greet, the savings of off-site parking, or a shuttle from a long-stay lot, planning ahead is key. (or in my case, remembering to do it at all!). I hope this guide to airport parking will make the process even easier for you.
Using a comparison service like CompareParkingPrices.co.uk ensures you get the best price for your needs, saving both money and worry, so your trip starts off on the right foot.
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Heads up! This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click and make a purchase, I might earn a very small commission – at no extra cost to you. This helps to keep the blog going. Thanks for the support!
