UK’s cheapest airports for parking

Reviewed by: Greg Wilson
Founder & Insurance Expert

Written by: Katie Gawley
Insurance Content Writer

Fact-checked by: Quotezone Editorial Team

This content follows our Editorial Guidelines

Last Updated: September 2026
Read time: 7 min

New research has revealed the UK’s cheapest airports for parking. Glasgow International offers the lowest price for a week’s stay – making travellers rethink the lift and consider taking the car.

Research by travel insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk investigated the cost of seven days’ official airport parking across the UK’s 14 busiest airports, based on a week’s stay.

They found drivers can pay as little as £57.99 to leave their car at Glasgow International Airport for a week, while motorists using Birmingham Airport face the highest bill at £128.49 – more than double the cost.

The research looked at the cheapest official parking option available at each airport, including long stay and park and ride services – cataloguing the distance from the terminal either by bus or by foot and any cancellation fees applicable, to help holidaymakers with their decisions.   

East Midlands ranked as the second cheapest airport for parking, with a week’s stay costing £69.34, followed by Belfast International at £71.70. At the other end of the scale, Birmingham topped the list as the most expensive airport for parking, charging £128.49 for a week.

It’s particularly relevant for those passengers travelling in and out of the London area, given prices range quite dramatically depending on where they choose to fly from. Heathrow is ranked the most expensive at £123.50, followed by Luton at £109.49, Gatwick £98 and the cheapest London airport, Stansted, cost £94.49 – a potential cost difference of nearly £30.

With household budgets still under pressure and travel costs remaining a concern for many families,* airport parking can add well over £100 to the overall cost of a trip before holidaymakers even step inside the terminal.

That’s why finding savings wherever possible is important. While flights and accommodation naturally get the most attention, comparing airport parking prices and booking in advance can be a simple way to help cut costs. 

Booking ahead doesn’t just help drivers secure a better price. It can also provide peace of mind, as turning up without a reservation could leave motorists struggling to find a space during busy holiday periods.

That extra time spent searching for parking could even put travellers at risk of missing their flight, which is something that is unlikely to be covered by standard travel insurance policies

It’s also worth considering off-site operators, as they can sometimes offer significant savings while still providing secure parking and shuttle transfers. It’s important however to make sure the company is credible, checking review sites and legitimate sources for reliability, given recent reports have shown some parking alternatives could come with issues.*

Greg Wilson, CEO and travel insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk, said: “Airport parking is one of those holiday costs that can easily catch people out.

“While holidaymakers often spend time comparing flight and accommodation prices, many leave parking until the last minute, and that can prove to be an expensive mistake.

“Our research shows there’s a difference of more than £70 between the cheapest and most expensive airports for a week’s parking, so it’s worth factoring these costs into the overall price when choosing where to fly from and how to get to the airport.

“Airport car parks can fill up quickly during peak holiday periods, so reserving a space in advance means one less thing to worry about on the day of travel.

“It’s also worth remembering that standard travel insurance is designed to cover unexpected events. If you’re delayed because you’ve left too little time to get to the airport or haven’t been able to find a parking space, you’re unlikely to be covered if you miss your flight.

“Parking prices can change constantly and often depend on exact dates, terminal, and how far ahead you book so it’s sensible to do some research at the same time you book your trip, to try and lock down some savings.”

Quotezone.co.uk top tips for saving money on airport parking costs:

• Check the terms and conditions – Be aware of your booking’s arrival and departure times. Some operators charge additional fees if you collect your vehicle later than planned, so it’s worth understanding the overstay policy before you travel. Flexible bookings may cost slightly more upfront but could save money if your travel plans change.
• Book as early as possible – Airport parking prices often work like airline tickets, with the cheapest spaces selling out first and prices rising closer to departure. Booking ahead also reduces the risk of delays searching for a space, which could leave you missing your flight – something you shouldn’t expect standard travel insurance to cover.
• Check for discounts – Some airports have online discount offers or voucher codes, just make sure you are using reputable promotional websites and check review sites for legitimacy.
• Compare all parking options – Meet and greet or car parks closest to the terminal are usually the most expensive. If you’re happy to take a short shuttle bus, a long-stay or park and ride option could save you a substantial amount.
• Consider off-site operators – Compare official airport parking with reputable off-site operators, which can often offer secure parking and shuttle transfers for less than on-site alternatives.
• Consider alternatives to driving – For some travellers, especially those travelling alone or living close to the airport, a train, coach, taxi or lift from friends or family could work out cheaper than paying for a week’s parking. Just remember that many airports now charge drop-off fees, and prices are on the rise, so be sure to factor those into the overall cost.

 Quotezone helps over 4 million people every year compare and find savings on everyday bills and essentials, including car and travel insurance. 

References:

Full table:

Methodology:

• Information correct as of 22nd of July 2026.
• All the information was found from the airports’ official websites.
• Search filters for looking up the parking price:
  • Dates: 19th to 26th of August 2026
  • Times: Entry – noon; exit – noon
  • Generally, if there were multiple terminals, Terminal 1 was selected. For Manchester and Heathrow, Terminal 2 was selected as 1 was unavailable. For Gatwick, North Terminal was selected.
  • For airports that asked how many people were travelling, 2 adults and 2 children were selected

Sources:
*https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn8ngxw5195o

Photo credit – iStock.com izusek