Understanding the Costs of Airport Parking in the UK
For UK travelers, the cost of airport parking can be a significant expense, especially when planning a short trip. According to recent research by Confused.com, a UK-based price comparison platform, the average cost for short stay parking across commercial airports is £93.90 for four days. In some cases, this can go as high as £189. Long stay options are slightly cheaper, averaging £59 for the same period.
One of the most expensive options available is the meet and greet service, which averages around £101. However, not all airports offer this service. These premium options are typically located closer to the terminal, making them more convenient but also more costly. In contrast, long stay car parks are usually situated further from the terminal and often require shuttle transfers, which can add to the overall cost and time.
Regional Variations in Airport Parking Costs
The research also highlights notable regional differences in parking costs. In England, the average short stay parking cost is £110, which is 61% higher than Scotland’s average of £58 and 17% above the UK average. Scotland offers some of the cheapest options, with certain smaller regional airports providing free parking.
Wales, on the other hand, has the highest average long stay rate in the UK at £81, which is 63% more than Scotland’s £42 average. In Northern Ireland, the average short stay cost is £62.99, while long stay parking averages £45.
Traveler Priorities and Concerns
When choosing how to get to the airport, cost is the top concern for many travelers, with 42% citing it as their primary factor. Convenience follows closely at 40%, while 37% prioritize time efficiency. Despite taxi fares being an average of 29% cheaper than parking, only 23% of travelers actively compare these options before booking.
UK holidaymakers spend an average of £92 on a round-trip taxi to the airport, which equates to £46 each way. Interestingly, 28% of those who used airport parking said they were surprised by the high cost. Additional concerns include worries about vehicle damage (34%) and theft (19%). Nearly a third (31%) are concerned about the time it takes to reach the terminal from the car park, while 24% fear delays from shuttle services.
Preferred Travel Options and Cost-Saving Strategies
When it comes to travel preferences, 55% of holidaymakers prefer a lift from family or friends, making lift sharing the most popular and cost-effective choice. Over half (52%) have driven themselves and used official airport parking, while 49% have opted for a taxi or rideshare.
To address the confusion surrounding airport parking and transportation, Confused.com has launched a new airport journey planner. This tool allows users to input their address, airport, number of passengers, and luggage details, then compare the cost of local taxi companies versus airport parking.
Alvaro Iturmendi, a travel insurance expert at Confused.com, emphasized the importance of planning ahead. “While airport parking is often convenient, the cost can be a challenge, especially during peak travel times,” he said. “Many travelers might end up overpaying simply because they book too late or don’t compare their options.”
He added that more than one in five people cite driving and parking in an airport car park as their preferred airport transfer. “Finding ways to reduce the cost might make the choice even sweeter. Booking airport parking in advance and comparing different parking types from long stay to off-site park and ride can lead to savings.”
Iturmendi also highlighted that airport parking may not always be the best value. “If you’re traveling with others, splitting a taxi could reduce the burden of costs. And if public transport is available, it might be the most budget-friendly option.” He concluded by encouraging travelers to plan their airport transfer ahead of time, just like flights and accommodation, to make a big difference to their overall travel budget.
