With the Summer holidays not far away, savvy travellers know that planning ahead usually pays off, not least when it comes to airport parking. Booking in the right way at the right time can not only save hundreds (yes, hundreds) of pounds but also provide peace of mind with a guaranteed parking space compared to turning up on the day.
To help travellers book the most affordable and convenient parking option, Airport Parking and Hotels (APH.com) has compared the airport parking costs at 20 of the UK’s largest airports. Available at https://www.aph.com/ukairports, the table reveals costs for drivers paying for on-the-day short-stay, mid-stay and long-stay parking plus pre-booking with an off-airport car park at major airports including London Gatwick, Manchester and Edinburgh.
Just turning up at a parking space (paying what is also known as the gate rate) in the short-stay, on-airport car park on the day of travel was found to be the most expensive option and by a considerable amount. Some airports can charge as much as £60 for a 24-hour stay whereas off-airport providers such as APH and Airparks will charge between £69 – £75 for an entire week.
When it comes to long-stay parking, the savings available by pre-booking are also considerable compared to booking on arrival at the airport. At Edinburgh Airport for example, the gate rate for long-stay parking is around £440 for two weeks, but if pre-booked with an off-airport company it would cost around £162, saving up to £278. At London Luton Airport, the gate rate for two weeks long-stay parking is around £490, while the APH pre-booked Drop & Go rate is just £152, resulting in a £338 saving. Similarly, at Cardiff Airport, turning up and booking two weeks long-stay parking could cost £368, but pre-booking with an off-airport car park would cost around £194, saving £174.
Drivers are also advised to do their research when it comes to choosing the right airport parking for their needs. Some on-airport car parks often have names such as ‘Car Park 1’ or ‘Car Park A’, which can make it more difficult to determine whether they are short-term or long-term parking options. By pre-booking airport parking, travellers can choose the right car park based on the duration of stay and ease of getting to the terminal. Pre-booking also secures a spot at the best price, saving travellers from the frustration of trying to find a parking place and potential higher costs of paying gate rates when you arrive.
Nick Caunter, Managing Director of Airport Parking and Hotels (APH.com), said, “Savvy travellers are always looking for ways to maximise their savings and our guide is designed to help travellers make smarter parking decisions and informed choices before heading to the terminal. We recommend travellers compare parking options early, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure the best rates and avoid last-minute increases in cost.”
For further information on Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) visit www.aph.com or call 01342 859515.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
- Research carried out in March 2025.
Images
- Image Caption 1: Aerial view of APH’s Gatwick Airport parking facilities.
- Image Caption 2: Airport Parking and Hotels (APH.com) has compared UK airport gate rate parking costs.
- High-res images can be downloaded from https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/wwgdqoa8ibx8x5c240uwz/AO0EiTk1A360oaukUzVaJNI?rlkey=9ta49inwjgi1ja3d0eyp55d0v&st=7p4w0w1o&dl=0
About Airport Parking and Hotels (APH)
Established in 1980, Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) is an award-winning airport parking operator and retailer, winning the ‘Best Airport Parking Company’ award at the British Travel Awards 2024 for the fourteenth year running. APH also carries Which? Recommended Provider status having been voted as one of the best services available in the airport parking industry in September 2024. In addition to APH’s own car parks serving Gatwick and Manchester Airports, APH also offers parking at all major UK airports as well as airport hotels, airport lounges and via trusted partners other extras such as car hire and travel insurance.