Airport parking is one of those costs that can catch you off guard if you leave it to the last minute. A week’s parking at a UK airport can cost anywhere from £30 to £200+ depending on how and when you book. The good news is that a little planning can cut that cost dramatically.

Types of Airport Parking

TypeHow It WorksTypical Cost (1 week)Best For
Park and ridePark off-airport, shuttle bus to terminal£30–60Budget-conscious travellers
Long stay (on-airport)Large car parks at the airport£50–100Convenience with moderate cost
Short stayClose to terminal, per-hour pricing£100–200+Drop-offs, short trips only
Meet and greetDrive to terminal, hand keys to driver£50–120Families, heavy luggage, convenience

Comparison Sites: Where to Search

The best way to find cheap airport parking is to use a comparison site. These aggregate prices from multiple car parks and often negotiate exclusive discounts.

  • Holiday Extras — the UK’s largest airport parking booking service, with price matching and free cancellation on many bookings
  • APH (Airport Parking and Hotels) — established comparison service with good coverage of UK airports
  • SkyParkSecure — focuses on security-accredited car parks (Park Mark approved)
Pro Tip: Always compare prices across at least two sites. Also check the airport’s own website — some airports offer exclusive pre-booking deals that aren’t available through comparison sites.

Tips to Save Money

  1. Book 2–4 weeks in advance — advance prices are typically 40–60% cheaper than gate rates
  2. Travel midweek — parking demand is lower Tuesday to Thursday
  3. Choose park and ride — the shuttle adds 10–15 minutes but saves significantly
  4. Sign up for loyalty programmes — Holiday Extras and others offer returning customer discounts
  5. Check for discount codes — a quick search for “[site name] discount code” often yields 10–15% off
  6. Consider free cancellation — book early with free cancellation so you can rebook if prices drop

Alternatives to Airport Parking

  • Taxi or Uber: For one or two people, a taxi can be cheaper than a week’s parking, especially from nearby areas
  • Train: Many UK airports have direct rail links — Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Manchester all have rail connections
  • Friend or family drop-off: The classic free option. Most airports have free drop-off zones (though some now charge £3–5)
  • Airport hotels: Some hotels near airports offer “park, sleep, and fly” packages that include a night’s stay and parking for the duration of your trip

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Final Thoughts

The single biggest saving on airport parking comes from booking in advance. Whether you choose park and ride, meet and greet, or an alternative like the train, a bit of forward planning can save you £50–100 or more per trip. Use comparison sites, look for discount codes, and always check the airport’s own website before committing.

Prices are approximate and vary by airport, season, and availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Park and ride (also called off-airport parking) is usually the cheapest option, starting from around £30 per week at most UK airports. You park at a car park near the airport and take a free shuttle bus to the terminal. Booking in advance is essential for the best prices.
Meet and greet can be worth the extra cost if you have heavy luggage, are travelling with young children, or simply want the convenience. You drive to the terminal, hand your keys to a driver, and they park the car for you. Prices start from around £50 per week.
Booking 2–4 weeks in advance typically gives the best prices. Last-minute bookings can cost two to three times more. For peak travel periods (school holidays, Christmas, summer), booking even earlier is advisable.
Yes. Sites like Holiday Extras, APH (Airport Parking and Hotels), and SkyParkSecure are well-established and partner with accredited car parks. They also offer customer reviews and cancellation policies. Always check the terms and conditions before booking.
Alternatives include getting a taxi or Uber to the airport, taking the train (many UK airports have direct rail links), asking a friend or family member for a lift, or using a local bus service. For short trips, a taxi may be cheaper than a week of parking.

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