How to get a cheap deal on airport parking

Off-site airport parking trumps pricier official options in both cost and quality, according to the latest Which? survey of over 3,000 UK travellers. The surprising finding challenges most travellers’ common assumption that official on-site parking is the safest and most convenient choice.

The survey highlighted several standout performers among off-site providers. Sentinel Car Park at Leeds Bradford airport topped the list with an impressive 93% customer score, earning five stars for ease of parking, transfer time, comfort and security. APH (Airport Parking and Hotels) also shone, particularly at London Gatwick and Manchester airports, with a 79% customer satisfaction rate.

Other notable mentions include Cophall Parking at Gatwick Airport and I Love Meet and Greet, both scoring 74% and praised for their efficiency and convenience. These off-site options consistently outperformed official on-site parking across multiple airports, including Birmingham, Gatwick, Heathrow and Manchester.

Airport parking costs have also been soaring, according to the survey, with a last-minute week's stay at a Heathrow short-stay car park potentially setting travellers back an eye-watering £616. In contrast, the top-rated off-site providers often offer significant savings without compromising on service quality.

To help you navigate the complex world of airport parking and find the right option for your needs, we’ve answered all of your parking questions.

Whether you're considering a park and ride service, meet and greet option, or on-site parking, our guide will help you make an informed decision that balances cost, convenience and peace of mind.

How do I avoid booking through a dodgy airport parking company?

The best way to avoid cowboy operations is to plan ahead and book your parking with a trusted supplier. To make sure a company is trustworthy, there are a number of things you can check.

To ensure peace of mind before booking, always check the company's credentials, including its length of trading, quality and quantity of customer reviews, plus its broader reputation for customer service.

If you're still unsure, go for a belt-and-braces approach and book through a trusted provider such as Holiday Extras (via TravelSupermarket, of course!) as all of the car parking services on reputable sites are vetted before they are made available to book.

What are the types of airport parking on offer?

Airport parking is not a one-size-fits-all service, there are many different options available, each with its own function and specific benefits.

The type of parking you choose can also affect the price, but the main thing to bear in mind is picking the option that suits your situation.

Park and ride

This is often the cheapest service and involves parking in a secured site outside of the airport's grounds.

It can be some distance from the airport, but regular shuttles take you to the terminal (usually departing between 10-30 minutes and are generally included in the price you pay).

This may be the best option if price is your priority, but remember to allow for that bit of extra time to get to the terminal before your flight.

On-airport

This is effectively parking at the airport itself, which means shorter journey times to the terminal.

Sometimes there are shuttles to the terminal, but these are usually pretty quick.

This is a mid-range option and strikes a compromise between the price and the distance.

Meet and greet

Meet and greet has become more popular over the last few years as people prefer to pay a little extra to save time and effort at the airport.

With this option, you simply drop your car off at a car park close to the terminal and leave it with a driver who will take it to a secured car park nearby while you head straight into the terminal.

This is the quickest and easiest option and can be particularly popular with families who have lots to carry.

Hotel and parking

Increasingly popular, this option involves staying overnight in a hotel close to the airport and either leaving your car at the hotel for the duration of your trip, or parking it in a secured car park on the day of departure.

Transfers to and from the airport are normally available, but may incur a small additional charge.

The package price for hotel and parking is cheaper than parking alone on a surprisingly frequent basis so this option is well worth investigating, especially if you fancy starting your holiday a day earlier.

Should I opt for short or long-stay parking options?

Within the types of parking you'll also find short-stay and long-stay options. Short stay tends to be closer to the terminal but can be considerably more expensive. Generally if you're leaving your car for at least a week while you're away, long-stay will be the most cost-effective option.

How do I get cheap airport parking?

Once you've decided on the type of parking, it's time to find the cheapest price. Booking in advance is crucial, as this can reduce the cost by up to 70% compared to paying on arrival, according to our partners at Holiday Extras.

However, it's not just about booking early; the timing of your booking can significantly impact the price you pay.

Statistics from Holiday Extras show that around 87% of bookings are made within nine weeks of the departure date. Interestingly, those who book earlier than nine weeks tend to secure better deals, meaning cheaper prices per night.

This is because price and availability are closely linked. When availability is low, suppliers increase their prices to slow demand. Therefore, the best time to book your airport parking is as soon as possible, perhaps at the same time as booking your holiday, so you can guarantee both availability and the cheapest prices.

Shopping around is also essential for finding the best deal. Search tools like TravelSupermarket allow you to compare various options side-by-side, enabling you to select the most suitable and cost-effective option for your needs.

Is there anything else I need to know?

When comparing deals, it's crucial to carefully review the terms and conditions. This ensures you understand exactly what you're getting for your money and what your cancellation rights are.

It's also worth considering the timing of your flight and how you'll get to the terminal. If you already have an early flight, think about whether you want to make it even earlier by factoring in time for a shuttle bus, for example.

These practical considerations can help you choose the most convenient parking option for your travel plans.