Airport Parking: How to Save Money and Time
Quick answer
To save on airport parking, book online in advance instead of driving up on the day, and match the car park to your trip: short-stay for drop-offs, long-stay or off-site for holidays, and meet-and-greet only when convenience is worth the premium. Pre-booked rates are usually far cheaper than the gate price, so compare a few providers and read the transfer details before you pay.
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The main types of airport parking
Knowing the options is half the battle — the right choice depends on how long you are away and how much you value time versus money.
| Type | Best for | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Short-stay | Drop-offs and pick-ups, a few hours | High per day |
| Long-stay (on-airport) | Holidays, several days, with shuttle | Lower per day |
| Off-site / park-and-ride | Longer trips, budget travellers | Often cheapest |
| Meet-and-greet | Convenience, early flights, families | Premium |
How to cut the cost
- Book ahead online. Drive-up gate prices are typically the most expensive; pre-booking days or weeks in advance locks in a lower rate.
- Compare providers. Official and independent car parks vary a lot for the same dates — check a few before committing.
- Match the type to the trip. Terminal parking for a quick drop-off, long-stay or off-site for anything over a day or two.
- Look at nearby hotels with parking. A "park, stay and fly" hotel deal can bundle a night plus parking for less than parking alone on early departures.
- Avoid the terminal for long trips. A week in short-stay can cost several times what long-stay would.
Booking smart
When you book, read past the headline price. Check whether the quote covers your full dates, whether there is a shuttle and how often it runs, and what happens if your return flight is delayed. Screenshot your confirmation and note the car park's address and any access code, because signage on the day can be confusing.
On the day: timing and transfers
Off-site and long-stay car parks add a shuttle ride to your journey, so build in extra time. As a rough guide, allow 20–40 minutes on top of your usual airport buffer for the transfer and walk to the terminal. For meet-and-greet you hand the car over at the terminal, saving that step, but you should still arrive with a comfortable margin.
| Parking type | Extra time to allow |
|---|---|
| Terminal / short-stay | Little extra — just the walk in |
| Long-stay with shuttle | 20–40 minutes |
| Off-site park-and-ride | 30–45 minutes |
| Meet-and-greet | Minimal, but arrive early |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Turning up without booking and paying the premium gate rate.
- Choosing short-stay for a week-long holiday.
- Forgetting to account for the shuttle when timing your arrival.
- Not checking the delayed-return policy if your flight lands late.
- Overlooking cheaper public transport or a drop-off if you do not truly need to park.
Is parking even the best option?
Before booking, compare parking against alternatives. A taxi, ride-share, or a friend dropping you at the terminal can be cheaper than a week of parking, and public transport or an airport express is often the lowest-cost choice of all. Parking wins when you value the flexibility of your own car at both ends.
Track your flight on the day
If you are meeting someone or timing a pick-up, a live flight tracker shows whether the flight is early or late — often before the terminal board updates. Track any flight live on ScanFlyGo →
Frequently asked questions
How can I save money on airport parking?
Book online in advance, pick long-stay or off-site for multi-day trips, and compare a few providers — pre-booked rates beat the drive-up price.
What is the difference between short-stay and long-stay?
Short-stay is nearest the terminal and priced for hours; long-stay is further out with a shuttle and much cheaper per day for holidays.
Is meet-and-greet worth it?
It saves time and hassle at a premium, so it suits early flights, families, or anyone who values convenience.
How early should I arrive if I am parking?
Add roughly 20–40 minutes for long-stay or off-site shuttles on top of your usual check-in buffer.
The bottom line
Airport parking rewards a little planning: book ahead, match the car park to your trip length, and factor in the shuttle. Compare it against a drop-off or public transport too, since the cheapest option is not always the car park. Search flights on ScanFlyGo and browse popular routes as you plan the rest of your trip.
Some links on ScanFlyGo are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Parking prices and services vary by airport and provider and are confirmed at booking.