You’ve spent weeks meticulously planning your dream holiday, bagged yourself a cracking deal on flights, found the perfect accommodation, and even sorted out your foreign currency at a decent rate. You’re feeling rather smug about your savvy travel planning — until, that is, you remember the small matter of airport parking.
For many holiday makers, getting to and from the airport can make travelling a miserable experience. The stress of finding a spot, the shock of discovering just how expensive that spot actually is, and the rush to make it to the terminal on time can all put a damper on holiday excitement before you’ve even left the ground. And let’s be honest, nothing kills the pre-holiday buzz quite like realizing you’ve just spent more on parking your car than on a night in your destination.
The cost of airport parking is taking off faster than the planes themselves. The consumer organisation Which? has reported that according to Holiday Extras, airport parking prices have increased by a whopping 38% since 2019. Yep, airport parking is no longer just a minor inconvenience -it’s becoming a significant part of your travel budget that demands attention.
According to a report by Crediffix via the BBC, London Gatwick airport has the most expensive parking in the UK – with the price for a two-week stay reaching a jaw-dropping £354, closely followed by London Heathrow (£245) and London City (£210) airports. That’s almost enough for a return flight to many European destinations!
The rising costs are partly attributed to increasing National Insurance rates for employers, according to some reports. Others claim the extra charges are designed to encourage passengers to use public transport — a noble environmental goal, perhaps, but not always practical when you’re juggling three suitcases, a toddler, and a partner who insists on bringing their own pillow.
But fear not, weary traveller. There are ways to tackle this expense without losing your holiday spirit or emptying your wallet before you’ve even reached duty-free. These are our ultimate airport parking hacks to save you both money and time, ensuring you’ll have more cash to splash on the things that actually matter — like that extra cocktail by the pool or that souvenir you definitely don’t need but absolutely must have.
Understand The Different Types of Parking
First things first, there are lots of different types of car parks. Choosing the wrong parking option can be a costly mistake – both financially and in precious holiday time. Each type of parking comes with its own set of pros and cons, and the right choice depends entirely on your specific needs, budget and travel style.
- On-site parking is located within the airport grounds, offering the shortest walking distance to the terminals. It’s convenient but typically the most expensive option. Perfect if you’re in a rush, have mobility issues, or are traveling with young children and mountains of luggage. You’ll pay a premium for the convenience, but potentially save yourself the stress of shuttle buses and extra travel time.
- Off-site parking facilities are located outside the airport perimeter, usually operated by third-party companies. They’re generally cheaper than on-site options and provide shuttle services to and from the terminal. The trade-off is adding extra time to your journey for the shuttle ride. If you’re on a budget and have allowed enough time, the savings can be substantial, sometimes up to 60% less than on-site parking. Just be sure to check shuttle frequency and journey times, especially if you have an early morning flight.
- Meet & Greet Parking involves dropping your car at a designated point where a driver will take it to a secure parking facility, then return it to a pickup point when you’re back. It saves the hassle of finding a space yourself and can be surprisingly affordable if booked in advance. This option is particularly valuable for families with children, business travellers in a hurry, or anyone who values convenience over cost. While traditionally seen as a luxury option, if booked well in advance, it can sometimes be only marginally more expensive than standard parking – a small price to pay for the time and stress saved.
Understanding these distinctions can help you match your parking choice to your specific needs. If you’re travelling light for a quick business trip, the convenience of on-site might be worth the extra cost. Flying with small children and multiple bags? Meet and greet could save your sanity. Heading off for two weeks with a tight budget? Off-site will probably be your best bet. It’s all about weighing up the time-money-convenience triangle.
Pre-book Parking Online
When it comes to airport parking, you can save massively by booking ahead online.
Which? research suggests at Gatwick Airport, the savings from booking online versus drive-up parking can be as high as £335, with online bookings costing £190 versus a staggering £525 for drive-up parking. The most substantial savings can be found at Heathrow Airport, where you can save £360 by booking in advance – paying £256 online instead of the eye-watering £616 charged for those who arrive without a reservation.
When it comes to smaller airports booking online is still a must. Which? discovered that you could potentially save a whopping £359 at Birmingham Airport for seven days of parking, with parking costing £448 if you pay on arrival compared to just £89 booking it online. You could save £309 at Manchester Airport, where parking costs £419 if you pay on arrival compared to just £110 when booking online.
This snapshot research from Which? found that across the UK’s 12 busiest airports, booking a month in advance saves you an average of £173 for a week’s parking. For late bookers, the good news is that even if you don’t secure your parking until a week before departure, you’ll still save £143 on average. For those who forget completely, some providers let you pre-book as little as two hours in advance. Indeed, reserving your spot even just a few hours before arrival can offer substantial savings compared to paying the turn-up rate.
The moral of the story? Never, ever just turn up and park. Booking ahead on sites like Parking Up can save you both money and hassle by eliminating last-minute scrambling for spots. Even booking from your phone in the car on the way to the airport could potentially save you hundreds of pounds – however, it’s always best to book well in advance to get the best deals.
Read: Travelling From Heathrow Airport: 8 Hacks For A Stress Free Experience
Consider Airport Hotel Parking Deals
If you have an early flight or live some distance from the airport, it’s worth checking parking deals that include a hotel stay. These packages can offer excellent value, sometimes costing only slightly more than parking alone while giving you a comfortable night’s sleep before your journey.
Many hotel chains offer “Park, Stay and Fly” packages where you can leave your car at the hotel for the duration of your trip. This can work out cheaper than airport parking alone, especially if you factor in the convenience of a good night’s sleep before an early departure or after a late arrival. So why do hotels offer these deals? Well they can forecast quite accurately how much parking capacity is available on any given day, often allowing them to offer competitive rates.
Unlock Secret Discounts
Airports typically offer better deals to customers who book directly through their websites and provide additional discounts to those who subscribe to their email newsletters. Making reservations directly through the airport’s official website generally gives you access to the most competitive rates.
Many airports also offer loyalty programmes with perks like discounted parking, fast-track security, and lounge access. If you’re a frequent flyer from a particular airport, signing up could be well worth your while.
Some credit cards and memberships also offer airport parking discounts, so check what benefits you might already have access to before booking. Travel clubs, auto associations, and even workplace perks schemes may include airport parking discounts that could save you a significant amount.
Read: 7 IDEAL Ways To Kill Time At The Airport
Be Wary Of Scammers
The rise in airport parking costs has created a perfect breeding ground for scammers looking to exploit travelers desperate for a bargain. While meet and greet parking offers convenience at increasingly competitive rates, this sector has become particularly rife with fraudulent operators. Indeed, it’s been reported that holidaymakers have been left hundreds of pounds out of pocket by using scam meet-and-greet car parking firms.
Imagine returning from a relaxing two-week holiday only to discover your car has racked up hundreds of miles, acquired mysterious dents, or worse—disappeared entirely. These nightmares are reality for many UK travellers each year. In one notorious case from summer 2017, hundreds of holidaymakers returned to Gatwick to find their vehicles had vanished after they’d paid a “discount” meet and greet service that had no official connection to the airport.
Fraudulent operators employ increasingly sophisticated tactics:
- Creating professional-looking but fake websites that mimic legitimate services
- Establishing temporary “shell” companies that disappear after collecting payments
- Using counterfeit QR codes at dropoff points to harvest credit card details
- Operating from temporary mobile numbers that go dead once you’ve departed
Most alarmingly, some criminal enterprises use customers’ vehicles while they’re away—for joyrides, as temporary taxis, or even in other crimes. Cars have been discovered parked in unprotected public streets, muddy fields, or unsecured industrial estates rather than in the “secure compounds” promised.
Conducting thorough research before booking is crucial. The blue Park Mark logo isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential. This certification, awarded by the British Parking Association (BPA) following rigorous police risk assessments, guarantees minimum security standards including proper fencing, CCTV coverage, regular security patrols, and appropriate insurance coverage.
Before booking, conduct these essential checks:
- Verify the company is registered with Companies House and has been established for at least 2-3 years
- Insist on seeing their insurance certificate specifically covering customer vehicles
- Confirm they have a permanent business address (not just a PO Box)
- Read their terms and conditions carefully—particularly around liability for damage
- Check what tracking or security measures they use to protect your keys
If dealing with meet and greet services, take these additional precautions:
- Photograph your car from multiple angles before handover, with timestamp enabled
- Note your exact mileage both before departure and upon return
- Remove all valuables and unnecessary items from your vehicle
- Consider using a GPS tracker hidden in your vehicle if you’re particularly concerned
Remember, a price difference of £30-50 might seem attractive, but it’s a small saving compared to the potential costs and stress of dealing with vehicle theft, damage, or misuse. When it comes to leaving your car—often one of your most valuable possessions—cheap rarely equals good value.
Compare, Compare, Compare
Comparing prices is always good consumer practice. ITV reports that “Compare The Airport Parking” offers price comparisons for parking options at numerous UK airports, with discounts of up to 75% on meet and greet services.
However, don’t just look at the headline price — check what’s included. Is there a shuttle service? How frequently does it run? Is the car park secure and well-lit? A few extra pounds might be worth it for peace of mind and convenience. Ensure you’re making fair comparisons by considering security features and other important amenities.
Some comparison sites may have exclusive deals with certain providers, so it’s worth checking a few different comparison platforms before making your final decision. Sites like Holiday Extras, Parking4Less, and SkyParkSecure often have different inventory and promotions running at any given time.
Carpool
The cost of dropping off friends and family has reached a record high as fees recently increased at seven UK airports. Why not spread the cost by sharing a ride with fellow travellers heading to the same destination? Carpooling not only splits the parking fee but reduces your carbon footprint too.
Social media and community forums can be great places to find potential carpool partners. Just be sure to arrange a meeting point and confirm details well in advance — and maybe do a background check before sharing a confined space with strangers for several hours!
If you’re travelling with colleagues or have friends heading to the same destination, coordinating your travel plans can lead to substantial savings. Even if your flights aren’t at exactly the same time, it might be worth the wait if it means halving your parking costs.
Understand Cancellation Policies
Travel plans often change. It’s often worth adding a cancellation waiver to your booking, especially during uncertain times. This small additional cost could save you from losing your entire parking fee if your plans change.
Read the fine print carefully – some booking platforms offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before your reservation, while others might charge a percentage fee or offer no refund at all. If flexibility is important to you, it might be worth paying a slightly higher rate for a fully refundable booking.
During periods of travel uncertainty, such as airline strikes, look for providers offering special flexible terms. Many parking companies have adapted their policies to accommodate last-minute changes, but don’t assume this is standard practice – always check the specific terms.
Pay Attention to Being Early Or Late
Parking companies can charge through the nose if you drop off too early or collect too late. Be sure to check the terms and conditions regarding early arrival or late return, as excess charges can quickly add up.
Some companies allow a grace period of up to two hours, while others start charging extra the minute you overstay. Set an alarm on your phone to remind you when your parking is due to expire – nothing kills the post-holiday buzz quite like a hefty fine.
If your travel plans are flexible, consider booking your parking with a bit of buffer time on either end. This might cost slightly more upfront but could save you from excessive overstay charges if your flight is delayed or you hit traffic on your return.
Consider Not Driving At All
Sometimes the best way to save on airport parking is to skip it entirely. When you add up the rising costs of parking, fuel, and the stress of navigating airport traffic, alternative transportation options often make more financial and practical sense. Moreover, parking is often pricier than a train or coach and even taxi.
If you’re travelling light or as a solo traveller, trains and coaches are not only more economical but also environmentally friendly.Most major airports now have dedicated rail connections or express services that deliver you directly to the terminal.
Pre-booked taxis and ride-sharing services often work out cheaper than long-term parking, especially for trips longer than a week. Uber operates at most major UK airports with dedicated pickup zones, and you can reserve rides in advance using Uber Reserve to ensure a smooth arrival and departure. For families or groups, splitting a taxi fare can be particularly cost-effective. A return journey might cost £60-100 depending on distance, compared to £200+ for parking over a two-week holiday period. Plus, you arrive at the terminal door without the hassle of finding a parking space or waiting for shuttle buses.
For longer holidays, the math often works out in favour of alternative transport. If you’re away for two weeks or more, a return taxi or even a premium train ticket might work out cheaper than long-term parking fees.
Of course, when comparing options, factor in all costs – not just the headline parking rate but also fuel to and from the airport, any potential excess charges, and the value of your time and peace of mind.
Monitor Prices After Booking
Many parking providers now offer price match guarantees, so if you find a cheaper rate after booking, you may be able to claim the difference. Also, prices can fluctuate based on capacity and demand, so if you’ve booked with a flexible cancellation policy, it’s worth periodically checking if prices have dropped. If they have, you could cancel and rebook at the lower rate.
The Bottom Line
In the grand scheme of your holiday budget, airport parking might seem like a small concern. But with prices soaring as high as the planes themselves, a little forward planning can save you enough for an extra poolside cocktail or two. And isn’t that what holidays are all about?
By understanding your options, booking ahead, verifying the legitimacy of service providers, and considering alternatives, you can navigate the often confusing world of airport parking with confidence. With the money you save, you can focus on what really matters – enjoying your well-deserved holiday.
