How to get cheap airport parking
Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester & more
If you wait until the last possible moment to arrange airport parking, you might end up paying a premium for leaving your car while you’re away—rates can soar to £350 for a week if you book on the spot. However, by applying our advice and booking strategically, you can significantly reduce your holiday parking expenses in just a few minutes.
Airport parking deals, including:
Airport parking & cancellations
Book flexibly where you can. When planning airport parking for your journey, prioritizing flexibility is essential. Recent events have shown that factors like coronavirus, staffing issues, strikes, and technical problems can lead to delayed or canceled flights and unforeseen travel restrictions.
Given how rapidly circumstances can shift, opting for flexible parking arrangements is the most prudent choice. Additionally, be aware that many travel insurance policies do not cover additional costs such as airport parking. For further details, check out our essential airport car parking need-to-knows below.
What should I do if I’ve booked airport parking and I need to cancel?
If you’ve booked a trip but can no longer go—perhaps because your flight was cancelled by the airline—it’s a good idea to see if you can modify or transfer your reservation without additional charges. During the height of the coronavirus pandemic, many airports and parking companies removed administrative fees due to widespread travel disruptions, although this leniency is now less common.
However, even if the company you’ve booked with does not explicitly state that they offer free cancellations, it’s still beneficial to reach out and inquire. They might be willing to accommodate a cancellation or rebooking as a gesture of goodwill.
Will my travel insurance cover airport car parking?
If you’re unable to cancel your reservation, consider reaching out to your travel insurance provider, though it’s important to note that many policies don’t include coverage for additional expenses like airport parking in such situations.
Additionally, be mindful that your travel insurance might not offer any protection if travel restrictions have been imposed by the UK Government or the government of your destination, or if the Foreign Office has advised against traveling to that area. In these cases, if you need to cancel, the likelihood of getting a refund may be slim.
For further details on what different policies cover, refer to our guide on cheap travel insurance.
Airport parking need-to-knows
Before searching for airport parking deals, here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
By reserving airport parking well ahead of time, you can reduce the cost by as much as a third, although the specific savings will vary depending on the location and timing of your booking. However, even if you haven’t planned ahead:
1 – Parking’s often pricier than a train, taxi or coach, so weigh up alternatives
Even when carefully planned, finding affordable airport parking can be challenging. The longer your trip, the higher the costs, so it’s important to consider alternatives promptly. Rather than persuading a family member to drive you to the airport with the allure of duty-free gifts, a more economical option is often to:
- Use non-specialist train services. Dedicated ‘airport express’ trains can be expensive, but regular rail services frequently operate on the same routes, offering a more affordable option. These services might include additional stops, but they can significantly reduce your travel costs. For further savings, check out Cheap train tickets. In London, using the Tube might be the most economical choice – refer to our London Money Saving guide for more details.
- Consider a pre-booked taxi. Local taxis may be more affordable if you have a lot of luggage. However, don’t count on finding a return taxi at the airport. Airports sometimes grant exclusive rights to a single company, which can drive up prices due to the lack of competition. To save money, consider booking a ride in advance with your local taxi service. Provide them with your flight number so they can adjust the pick-up time as needed. This approach is often more cost-effective.
- Get a coach. Dedicated airport coaches tend to be the most budget-friendly option, but they typically require more time. Planning ahead can lead to significant savings. Be sure to explore National Express and Megabus offers before making a reservation to maximize your savings.
2 – Book early for max savings
For many travelers, opting for airport parking can be the most convenient choice. However, without a bit of planning ahead, the cost can quickly become much higher than expected. Here’s a straightforward tip:
Booking your airport parking in advance generally leads to greater savings (make sure the reservation is flexible). AVOID simply arriving at the airport without a booking—reserving your spot, even on the day of travel, can still help you cut costs.
The most expensive prices are almost always for those people who just drive in, park and pay, so book first, even if it’s just before you head out.
3 – Not all car parks are the same so don’t just consider price
There are many types of car parks available. Finding the lowest price doesn’t always guarantee it will meet your specific needs, so use this brief guide to help you navigate the different options.
- On-site parking. The car parks managed by airport operators can sometimes be a marketing tactic. Interestingly, some “off-site” car parks might actually be closer to the terminal than those directly managed by the airport.
- Off-site parking. A car park located outside the airport premises is referred to as an off-site car park. These facilities, typically run by third-party companies, are often more affordable and provide regular shuttle services to the airport terminal. The most efficient off-site car parks offer convenience and speed comparable to that of on-site parking options.
- Meet and greet parking. It’s valet parking under a different label. You arrive at the terminal and are greeted by a chauffeur to whom you hand over your keys. They take care of parking your car for you. Upon your return, your vehicle will be waiting for you at the terminal. While this service is typically pricier, it can sometimes be more cost-effective compared to the expenses of traveling separately to the terminal after parking—so it’s worth checking the costs.
Warning: Once you’ve entrusted your keys to the valet, you might find that coverage for any potential damage to your vehicle while it’s in their care is somewhat limited. While the risk of damage is relatively low, it’s advisable to review the parking company’s terms and conditions to ensure you’re comfortable with their policies. Additionally, it’s a good idea to remove any valuables from your car as a precaution.
- Local car parks. For those seeking parking options near the airport, smaller, private locations often come into play. Individuals or businesses with extra land close to the airport frequently provide their own parking services, aiming to attract customers by offering lower rates compared to larger facilities. However, it’s important to note that these private spots usually lack the extensive security features of bigger parking lots, and their availability can be more restricted.
4 – Beware hidden pitfalls – transfer times etc
Beware hidden pitfalls – check transfer times, security and cancellation. Sure, there are definitely more exciting activities than comparing airport parking options. However, being prepared is key, so here’s a handy checklist to help you out.
– Transfer times to the terminal
The duration and frequency of shuttle buses between car parks and the terminal play a crucial role. If you’re traveling during off-peak hours, make sure the buses continue to run regularly throughout the night.
– Security
Leaving your car parked while you’re away can be stressful. Fortunately, many airport parking facilities are equipped with round-the-clock CCTV surveillance and security patrols.
Local parking options might not offer the same level of security, so it’s wise to investigate their safety measures beforehand and consider this along with the cost. Typically, if any issues arise, you’re likely to be held responsible rather than the parking facility. To avoid potential problems, it’s best not to leave valuables in your vehicle.
– Can you cancel?
If your travel plans are still flexible, consider opting for a ‘cancellation waiver’ when booking your parking spot. Many booking platforms provide this option for a small additional fee, allowing you to secure a refund on parking fees if you need to cancel unexpectedly. Without this waiver, canceling your reservation usually incurs a higher cost.
– Avoid late charges by maxing your time slot
Parking companies can charge a premium if you drop off your vehicle too early or pick it up too late.
However, many times, the rates are based on 24-hour periods starting either from midnight or the time of your arrival. This means that delaying your pickup to a later time than originally planned often doesn’t increase the cost.
For instance, if you leave your car at 10 am and your flight is scheduled to return at 6 pm a few days later, you might be able to schedule your pickup until midnight or even 10 am the following day without incurring additional charges.
It’s important to confirm with the parking company you’ve chosen, as policies can vary by airport and may not apply universally—this typically pertains to standard long-term parking facilities. ‘Meet and greet’ services generally allow pickups until midnight on the return day, no matter when you booked.
5 – Know your rights if something goes wrong
Check out the parking firm – and know your rights if something goes wrong. When using airport car parking services, unforeseen issues can occasionally occur. Therefore, it’s essential to strike the right balance between cost and the reliability of the service you choose.
For lesser-known companies, it’s wise to look for online reviews if you’re uncertain. If the price difference is minimal, opting for a well-established company with a proven track record may offer greater peace of mind compared to a lesser-known provider.
For meet and greet parking services, once you’ve handed over your keys, there’s generally limited protection against potential damage to your vehicle while it’s in their care. Although damage is unlikely, it’s prudent to review the parking company’s terms and conditions before finalizing your booking.
In the event that the company goes out of business and your total payment is under £100, you might be eligible for a refund through chargeback if you used a Visa or Mastercard debit, credit, or prepaid card, or an American Express credit or charge card.
Using a credit card might provide some protection under the Consumer Credit Act, but this generally applies only to purchases exceeding £100, which is unlikely for the least expensive parking options. For comprehensive details, refer to the Section 75 guide. Beyond this, protection is generally limited, so opting for cheaper parking reduces your potential loss.
6 – If you DON’T park at the airport, watch where you leave your car
Be cautious if you typically park on the street with a resident’s parking permit or a similar pass. Unfortunately, if the parking space where you left your car is suspended, councils generally won’t accept the excuse that you were away on vacation and didn’t check for updates. Here are some helpful tips:
- Check your council’s website. It’s a good idea to regularly check council websites for updates on upcoming roadworks and parking restrictions. If needed, relocate your vehicle to an area that won’t be impacted.
- Allow a trusted neighbour who has their own car insurance to move it for you. When someone holds a fully comprehensive insurance policy, it frequently—though not universally—includes a feature known as “driving other cars” cover. This coverage offers third-party protection in the event of an accident while driving a different vehicle. However, it’s crucial to review your specific insurance provider’s terms to confirm the details.
- Park in a council’s special car park. Certain local councils offer designated car parks where you can safely leave your vehicle for £5-£10 a day while you’re away on vacation, ensuring you won’t incur any parking fines. Although this arrangement might seem like a cleverly concealed revenue generator designed to increase council income through the threat of penalties, it could be a practical solution for some travelers check with the local council.
Check comparison sites with discounts
To find affordable airport car parking, the simplest approach is to use a specialized website that compares various parking options to secure the best rate. Make sure your booking is flexible, so you’re covered in case of cancellations or future restrictions.
These comparison sites often provide better prices than booking directly, thanks to airport parking discount codes they offer. We’ve also managed to secure a few additional discounts from the following comparison platforms.
We’ve ranked these sites based on the size of their discounts, considering fees and the range of airports they cover. However, a larger discount doesn’t always mean the best overall price, as rates fluctuate daily. Therefore, it’s wise to check several sites to find the most favorable deal.
In addition to comparing parking options, it might be beneficial to explore private parking spaces near the airport and airport hotel parking packages to see if they offer further savings.
Note: Please be aware that the discount ranges shown in the table below are derived from information provided by the comparison sites we use, along with our own random checks. However, these rates can fluctuate frequently, so the discounts you receive might be somewhat higher or lower than the maximum and minimum values listed.
Top comparison sites with discounts
FHR 8%-45% off
SkyParkSecure 5%-45% off
Looking4Parking 5%-45% off
Holiday Extras 10%-40% off
Other sites worth checking
| Provider | Discount via our link (no booking fee unless stated) |
| FHR* | 8%-45% off |
| SkyParkSecure* | 5%-45% off (i) |
| Looking4Parking* | 5%-45% off (ii) |
| Holiday Extras* | 10%-40% off |
| Other sites worth checking for a comprehensive search | |
| Airparks* | 10%-40% off |
| Airport Parking & Hotels* | 16%-20% off |
| Park BCP* | 10%-20% off |
Important. Some airports charge an access fee for meet and greet services which isn’t always included in the price, so check before booking.
Check directly with parking operators too
Occasionally, you can save money by booking directly rather than through comparison websites. Check the prices for parking when booking directly and compare them with the quotes you received from the comparison sites. Opt for the more affordable option.
Try renting a private space
Rent a private space near the airport – or find another cheap alternative. If you’re looking to save on airport parking, consider exploring smaller, private parking options. By utilizing eBay-style parking marketplaces, locals near airports can list their driveways or extra land for rent.
These private parking spaces often come at a lower cost due to reduced overheads. However, it’s important to note that they typically offer less security compared to dedicated parking facilities.
Several websites specialize in listing these parking spaces, allowing you to find a good deal in just a few minutes. Websites like Just Park*, Park Let*, and Your Parking Space are worth checking out. For more information, refer to our guide on how to rent out a private parking space.
Look locally for other options, such as train station car parks
Exploring alternative parking options near the airport could lead to cost savings. For instance, some members have found that parking at nearby train stations can be a more economical choice.
Be sure to thoroughly review the terms and conditions of any parking facility before leaving your vehicle, and assess whether the security measures meet your expectations.
Additionally, we’ve created a series of dedicated discussions for each airport to help you discover the best local parking options.
Check if airport hotel and parking packages do better
Many airport hotels provide room packages that include parking for the duration of your trip. This can be especially convenient if you’re traveling from a considerable distance or have an extremely early flight. What’s even better is that these hotel and parking bundles often cost just a bit more than parking alone and sometimes even less—effectively giving you a hotel room at little to no extra cost.
Be sure to check how transfers to the terminal are handled. While some hotels offer a free shuttle service around the clock, others might have separate charges for transportation. Additionally, to ensure you’re getting the best deal, it’s a good idea to explore our broader UK hotels guide.
Typical weekly prices and savings
| Airport | On-the-day drive-up (1) | Pre-booked (3) | Pre-booked with hotel (4) | Max saving by pre-booking |
| Birmingham | £127 | £76 | £87 | £51 |
| Gatwick | £180 | £83 | £144 | £97 |
| Heathrow | Off-peak dates: £220
Peak dates: £250 (2) |
£54 | £138 | Off-peak dates: £166
Peak dates: £196 |
| Manchester | £350 | £67 | £94 | £283 |
| Stansted | £210 | £98 | £72 | £128 |
- Cheapest listed official airport parking prices. 2. Peak dates listed on the Heathrow Airportwebsite. 3. Prices from listed comparison sites. 4. Prices from listed comparison sites, including one night in double room pre-flight. Prices for July 2023.
After securing the most affordable airport parking option, it’s a good idea to see if you can earn some cashback as well. If you’re new to using cashback sites, you can start by exploring our guide on the Top cashback sites.