Airport Parking

A mini guide to the pros & cons of airport parking

If you are considering parking your car at one of the car parks near the airport you are departing from, you should keep in mind that airport parking has both advantages and disadvantages.

Price

Airport parking is a relatively cheap option for families or small groups taking short (one or two week) trips abroad. Suppose you are a family of four living in Leeds and you have booked a 7 day holiday departing from London Gatwick. If you book ahead, the cheapest train fare would be four standard returns to London Gatwick at approximately £200. You may be lucky enough to find a good deal on a coach to the airport but coach travel has its own disadvantages. Taking a taxi isn't even worth considering.

Comfort

Another reason for choosing to park your car at or near the airport is comfort. You don't have to stand around waiting for the train or coach, drag your luggage up and down escalators or sit in an uncomfortable seat (or stand if you're travelling at peak times). If parking at the airport itself you simply arrive, park your car, unload your luggage, and check in. If parking near the airport the car parks are usually a bit cheaper, and they offer shuttle buses to take you to and from the airport.

Convenience and Reliability

The upside to driving is that you can schedule the trip yourself and come back at any time of night without having to worry about waiting 4 hours for the next train. The downside is the possibility of unexpected traffic jams, but this will also apply to coaches. So the question is how reliable is the train on this route and is the timetable compatible with your flight times?

Security

The one issue that might concern some people is security. A parked car will always be a target for those with bad intentions, whether it's in an airport car park or in your car port at home. Reassuringly, nearly all of the on-airport car parks, and a many of those near the airports, use CCTV and have guards on the premises.

Conclusion

Airport parking is the way to go if there are a few of you travelling; you're going away for one or two weeks; your outward or return trip is very late; public transport isn't reliable or convenient on that route. Airport car parks offer value for money and they are a relatively safe place to leave your car. If you decide to try airport parking, you can find more information and book online by browsing our directories below.

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