Our guide to booking airport parking and port parking

What type of parking should I choose?

There are three main types of parking:

• On Airport - is where car parking is adjacent to the airport terminals and is split into short term parking and long term parking.  Short term is usually very expensive per day and is geared around business travellers wanting a quick getaway, with long term being a better bet for a week or two away. However many airports have special rates on short term for weekends when business travellers are fewer. Long term parking is usually connected to the terminals by a short complimentary bus ride. Most on airport parking schemes are run by the airport authorities themselves or companies such as NCP on behalf of the airport.  Parking is gate controlled with entry and exit by ticket barriers and security cameras generally linked to the airport police.
  
  
• Off Airport - this is where the big savings can often be made.  Parking is usually further away from the terminals and is accessed by a bus transfer from the parking location. This parking is generally secure with patrols and security cameras and you often leave your keys with the park so they can have your car ready on your return.  You place a call to them on your arrival back at your departure point and catch the bus back to the park to pick your car up and drive away.  These parks are best suited to longer stays of 4-5 days or more.  You need to allow a little extra time when booking due to the transfer to the terminals.
  
  
• Meet & greet - sometimes know as Valet Parking, you simply drive up to the airport drop off points, be met by a parking representative, unload your car and your vehicle is driven away to be parked.  On return, your car is delivered back to the pick up point and off you go - no fuss, no hassle and a great service.  This option is limited and is not available at all UK airports. Whilst it's a more expensive option than most, you can still save on rates in short term parking as well as having the luxury of what is effectively a concierge style parking option.  Why not treat yourself?
  
  
• Port Parking and beyond - with so many cruises now departing from the UK to the Mediterranean and beyond there has been a growth in port parking options. Many UK port car parks have the same levels of security and convenience as airports.  You can even leave your car at Dover for a day trip to Calais!

Our airport guides detail the main parking sites for each airport and the providers that have deals for that location, so click on our airport links for the airport of your choice.

How do I save money?

The key to saving money is to book early.  All parking options have a limit on the number of places available and the parking companies often have deals to encourage you to book as early as possible.  By booking ahead you will bag a great price and save huge amounts on the 'gate price' - as high as 60% on some parking, but typically around 30-40%.

Many of the parking locations are sold by several companies, each with their own prices.  It's wise to check all of the suppliers we recommend to get the best price they have for the dates you are travelling.  By shopping around you will then bag the best price for that car park.  Off airport is generally cheaper, however weekend specials on short term airport parking can be very attractive at the big airports such as Manchester and London.

What do I need to know when booking?

When you book, use your check-in information to ensure that you have allowed enough time to arrive at the airport, park and transfer to your terminal. Bear in mind how often the transfer buses run if you need to take one. Our provider sites will state how long it takes to reach the terminal from the car park, so build this in to the time you need to be there prior to your flight for check in.  Also when you return, allow time to collect your bags before proceeding to your car.

When you are ready to book you will be required to give some information for the parking company :

• Name
• Number of people in the vehicle
• Car Make and Model
• Car Registration
• Flight number and time outbound from the airport
• Flight number and arrival time back to the airport
• Payment method
• Your home address and contact numbers

Don't worry if you change your car - you can just amend this after booking with the parking provider.  If your flights change, then also let your provider know so they can amend your booking and recalculate the charges as appropriate.

Most companies accept all major credit and debit cards for payment, however some will add a handling charge for some of those - so check with the provider when booking.

Once booked you will receive a confirmation via e-mail with all the details you need for your parking arrangements and instructions for what to do and where to go.  Keep this safe and put it with your travel documents - don't forget to take it with you when you travel!

Who do we recommend?

With so many companies to choose from, we've researched the market to find those with a wide range of choice as well as some that are more specialist.  Browse our list below to find the right company for you, then click through to their web site for more information and how to book.  It couldn't be easier!

Further guides on airport parking and hotels