Airport parking is a hassle few people relish, and now experts are warning that many travellers are paying over the odds.
Some short stay parking fees now cost more than the flight itself - but there is an alternative that few realise works out cheaper.
New research reveals short-stay parking is costing up to £189 for just four days – far more than the average round-trip taxi fare (£92). In comparison, holidaymakers spent £92 on average for a round-trip taxi (£46 each way).
Despite taxis being a significantly cheaper cost, only one in four (23%) people say they actively compare the price of taxis with airport parking when planning their trip.
The study found that the average short stay parking price across all UK commercial airports is £93.90.
Long stay options come in at £59 on average, both quoted for a 4-day stay.
Almost 1 in 5 (19%) say they book their airport transfers at the same time as their flight.
Overall, cost is the top concern for 42% of travellers when deciding how to get to the airport, followed closely by convenience (40%) and time efficiency (37%). Despite this mindset, many travellers still face confusion around which option offers the best value.
How much does meet and greet airport parking cost?
Meet and greet services – often seen as a premium option – are the most expensive, averaging £101, although not all airports offer this service. However, in some cases these prices can be higher, with the most expensive price for short-stay costing as much as £189 for a 4-day trip.
While it can vary between airports, short stay car parks and car parks with meet and greet services tend to be closer to the terminal. This means it’s quicker to get to the airport from the car park.
Long stay car parks are often further from the terminal and often require a shuttle transfer to reach arrivals and departures.
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Though generally, booking earlier (and flexibly) is always best.
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Which airports have the cheapest parking?
Short stay parking in airports in England are typically 90% more expensive than in Scotland, and 17% higher than the UK average.
Some smaller regional airports in Scotland even offer free parking, helping to bring the nation’s average airport parking costs down.
Wales, however, holds the unfortunate title of the most expensive average long stay rate across the UK regions – £81, which is 93% more costly than Scotland’s average.
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How to find the cheapest airport parking
Ben Custard, driving expert at Motorpoint, says starting early is key: “It’s a good idea to book your airport parking at the same time you book your flights, as space is limited and prices tend to increase as your holiday approaches. If you can book early as possible, you might be able to park for under £10 a day – even in peak season at some airports.
“If your plans change and you find yourself needing to park at the airport, it’s always worth trying to book online even when your holiday is imminent. Airports tend to charge considerably more to park without a reservation, meaning you could find yourself paying double the price advertised online.”
Think about how close you really need to park, and see if an extra 10 minutes' walk is worth the saving. “If travelling with young children, it might be worth paying extra to be closer to the terminal, but opting for a less convenient parking option can offer you big savings," says Ben.
“When looking at airport parking options online, they’ll tell you exactly how long it’ll take you to get from the car park to the terminal. Consider what would be realistic for you to walk with your luggage, or opt for a shuttle option, which will likely be cheaper as you’ll be parking further away.
“While park and ride options are often the cheapest, be mindful that you could find yourself having to queue for your transfer to departures, so it’s worth building in plenty of extra time.”
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It's also a good idea to shop around. Confused.com has launched airport journey planner to help drivers understand the best option for them when heading to the airport.
Alvaro Iturmendi, Confused.com travel insurance expert says: “While airport parking is often convenient, the cost can be a challenge, especially during peak travel times. Many travellers might end up overpaying simply because they book too late or don’t compare their options.
“Airport parking might not always be the best value. If you're travelling with others, splitting a taxi could reduce the burden of costs. And if public transport is available, it might be the most budget-friendly option.
"Planning your airport transfer ahead of time, just like flights and accommodation, can make a big difference to your overall travel budget."
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