Cheap Airport Parking: How to Save on Parking Before You Fly
Airport parking can be one of the most unexpectedly high costs of travel, especially if you’re flying from busy UK hubs like Heathrow, Manchester, or Gatwick. But with a bit of planning, you can find cheap airport parking without compromising on convenience or security.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to compare parking options, avoid hidden charges, and even get exclusive discounts through UK banks or loyalty schemes.
Why Airport Parking Prices Vary So Much
Airport parking rates are influenced by several factors:
-
Proximity to the terminal
-
Time of booking (last-minute costs more)
-
Type of parking (short-stay, long-stay, meet & greet, park & ride)
-
Demand during holidays or events
The earlier you book, the better the rate—sometimes saving up to 60%.
What Are Your Airport Parking Options?
Understanding the difference between parking types can save you time and money:
| Parking Type | Description | Price Range (7 days) |
|---|---|---|
| Short Stay | Closest to terminal, ideal for drop-offs/quick trips | £80–£160 |
| Long Stay | Usually shuttle access, best for holidays | £40–£100 |
| Park & Ride | Off-site, secure lot with transfer to airport | £30–£70 |
| Meet & Greet | Valet service—drop car at terminal, they park it | £60–£140 |
Most travellers opt for park & ride for the best balance of cost and security.
Compare Parking Across All Major UK Airports
There are a number of trusted comparison websites that let you check prices instantly across providers:
-
HolidayExtras
-
SkyParkSecure
-
APH (Airport Parking & Hotels)
-
Looking4Parking
They often include independent review ratings, so you’re not just chasing the lowest price—you can check for reliable service too.
Book Early and Lock in the Lowest Price
Airport parking prices tend to rise closer to your travel date. Here’s a general rule:
| Booking Timeframe | Typical Saving Potential |
|---|---|
| 3+ months in advance | Save up to 60% |
| 1 month in advance | Save up to 35% |
| 1 week before travel | Save up to 10% |
| Day of departure | Full price or surcharge |
Booking early also gives you better choices in location and type of parking.
Which UK Airports Have the Cheapest Parking?
While London airports tend to be more expensive, some offer better deals with advanced booking.
| Airport | Cheapest 7-Day Advance Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heathrow (LHR) | From £49 (Park & Ride) | Meet & Greet is expensive here |
| Gatwick (LGW) | From £38 (Long Stay) | Park & Ride is best value |
| Manchester (MAN) | From £33 (Park & Ride) | Offers good multi-day discounts |
| Luton (LTN) | From £42 (Long Stay) | Be wary of third-party lots |
| Birmingham (BHX) | From £35 (Park & Ride) | Some include valet upgrades |
Use Bank Perks and Credit Card Benefits for Extra Discounts
Several UK bank accounts and travel reward cards offer exclusive discounts on airport parking or cashback on bookings.
| Bank/Account | Perk Type | Example Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Barclays Travel Pack | Up to 10% off parking bookings | HolidayExtras |
| Nationwide FlexPlus | Cashback on travel extras | SkyParkSecure |
| Santander Boosts | Discount codes for parking | APH |
| American Express | Membership rewards/cashback | Earn points for travel spend |
Always check your online banking or rewards portal before you book—offers are often buried in the “Extras” section.
Tips to Avoid Common Parking Rip-Offs
Even cheap parking can turn costly if you fall into the traps:
❌ Last-Minute Booking at the Airport
Drive-up rates are typically double the price of online bookings.
❌ Forgetting to Read Reviews
Some off-site car parks have poor shuttle service or lack security.
❌ Not Checking Shuttle Frequency
If you’re parking 15–20 minutes from the terminal, make sure the transfer runs regularly—especially for early morning flights.
Should You Use Meet & Greet Services?
These services offer convenience but aren’t always worth the premium unless:
-
You have heavy luggage or mobility issues
-
You’re travelling with children
-
You’re flying at unsociable hours
That said, some premium travel credit cards offer free Meet & Greet vouchers once per year—worth checking.
Can You Cancel If Your Plans Change?
Many providers now offer free cancellation up to 24–48 hours before arrival. Look for:
-
Flex or Free Cancellation options when booking
-
Clear refund terms in the confirmation email
-
Extra cover add-ons for peace of mind (usually £1–£3 extra)
Local Hack: Use Hotel + Parking Packages
If you’re driving in from outside the city, consider staying at an airport hotel with parking included. This can be:
-
Cheaper than 7 days’ parking alone
-
Less stressful if you have an early flight
-
Easier to manage with children or elderly travellers
Do Loyalty Programmes Help?
Yes—if you travel regularly, join free schemes like:
-
APH Park Loyalty
-
HolidayExtras Rewards
-
SkyParkSecure Points
These offer £5–£10 discounts after just one or two bookings and often stack with other offers.
Final Checklist for Booking Cheap Airport Parking
✅ Compared 3+ parking providers?
✅ Chosen Park & Ride or Long Stay for best value?
✅ Booked at least 2–3 weeks in advance?
✅ Checked your bank or card perks for discounts?
✅ Confirmed shuttle transfer times and cancellation policies?
In Summary: A Few Minutes of Research Can Save £50+
Booking cheap airport parking doesn’t need to be complicated. Just follow these steps:
-
Book early
-
Compare across providers
-
Use your card or bank for extra perks
-
Avoid paying on the day
-
Always check transfer times and security ratings
Even saving £5–£10 per trip adds up—especially for families or frequent fliers.