With many Brits planning to jet off this year, a new study has revealed the UK’s priciest airport parking spots – and how a 24-hour stay at some locations can cost more than the flight itself.
New research has analysed short-stay (24 hours) and long-stay (seven days) parking prices at major airports across the UK, highlighting differences between locations and how factoring parking costs can help travellers save.
According to the MoneySuperMarket study, the most expensive long-stay airport car park is London City, where holidaymakers are forced to fork out £194.60 to drop off their vehicle for seven days.
Ranked second is Bournemouth, where a long-stay parking spot costs £123.84, followed by Belfast City in third place with a £95.99 charge for a week’s stay.
Other major airports charging a staggering amount for week-long stays are London Heathrow (£89.95), Bristol (£87.50), Newcastle (£84.99), Belfast International (£82.74) and Leeds Bradford (£78).
When it comes to short-stay parking (24 hours), the rankings change significantly.
London Heathrow, dropping out of the top five most expensive, ranks as one of the most affordable major airport car parks, where travellers pay just £13.95 for short stays.
On the flip side, parking for a single day at some airports can cost more than an entire week at hubs such as Edinburgh and Liverpool – with some 24-hour stays costing nearly twice as much as a £30 Ryanair flight from the same airport.
A new study has revealed the UK’s most expensive airport parking spots – with short stays at certain hubs costing more than the flight itself
The most expensive long-stay airport car park is London City (pictured), where travellers pay £194.60 for a seven-day stay
Birmingham Airport charges an eye-watering £61 for 24-hour parking, followed by Glasgow (£55.08), Bristol (£54), Bournemouth (£53.20), and London Stansted (£53.10).
Meanwhile, Edinburgh consistently ranks among the most budget-friendly short and long-term parking, while Aberdeen and Liverpool also offer competitive rates for extended stay
Edinburgh consistently ranks among the most affordable for both short and long-stay parking, while Liverpool and Aberdeen also perform well for longer stays.
For short stays, London Heathrow is surprisingly competitive compared to other major airports.
To help travellers keep costs low before jetting off, travel experts advise booking ahead, choosing airports with more affordable options, and taking advantage of exclusive member discounts at clubs like MoneySuperMarket SuperSaveClub, which offers 20 per cent off airport parking.
Alicia Hempsted, Travel Insurance Expert at MoneySuperMarket, explains: ‘Parking at airports can be surprisingly expensive, and costs can add up quickly, especially for long stays. In some cases, this can cost the same if not more than the flight itself.
‘By researching your options beforehand, you can find the balance between convenience and price. For frequent flyers, even small differences per day can save hundreds over the course of a year.
‘Even the best-planned trips can be disrupted. Holidays always carry risks, from cancellations and delays to medical emergencies far from home.
Meanwhile, Birmingham Airport (pictured) charges a staggering £61.00 for 24-hour parking
London Stansted charges an equally eye-watering £53.10 for a 24-hour stay
London Gatwick (pictured) is among the more affordable for long-stay parking, with a seven-day stay costing £62.00
‘Travel insurance can cover these eventualities, giving travellers peace of mind and protection against unexpected costs.’
It comes as Holiday Extras has issued its top tips to avoid fees and fines at select airports – including making use of free airport shuttles, long stay car parks and alternative parking options in the wider area.
Passengers heading to London Heathrow are advised to get dropped off at Hatton Cross Tube station, which is a part of the Heathrow free travel zone – meaning you can tap your Oyster card to travel to any of the terminals, but it won’t be charged.
As for the driver, Hatton Cross car park allows a five-minute window for dropping off and picking up, and the vehicle must also be ULEZ compliant.
