Booking airport parking directly through the airport can be costly, but there are ways to reduce the expense. Money Saving Expert (MSE), founded by Martin Lewis, has shared advice for those looking to park their car affordably while flying.
Plan Ahead to Save
According to MSE, updated on March 31, 2026, leaving parking booking until the last minute can be expensive, with on-the-day fees potentially exceeding £400 for a week. However, by planning ahead and booking smartly, you can cut costs significantly. The experts recommend using comparison sites that specialize in airport parking deals to find the best price. They note that these sites often offer discount codes, providing cheaper rates than booking directly with the airport.
Check Private Spaces and Packages
After comparing deals, MSE suggests exploring private parking spaces near the airport or hotel-and-parking packages, which may offer further savings. It also advises checking directly with parking operators, as their own prices might beat comparison site quotes.
Alternative Transport Options
For those seeking even lower costs, MSE recommends considering private parking spaces via eBay-style marketplaces, where locals offer driveways or spare land. While cheaper, these options typically have lower security. Other alternatives include pre-booking a taxi with a local firm, using non-specialist train services (which may be cheaper than airport express trains), or booking a dedicated coach. Walking to the airport is also an option if you live close and have a safe route.
Key Tips:
- Book ahead and use comparison sites for discounts.
- Consider private parking or hotel-and-parking packages.
- Compare direct booking with comparison site prices.
- Explore alternative transport like coaches, taxis, or trains.
By following these tips, travellers can save money on airport parking and allocate their budget to other travel expenses.
