If you are driving to an airport for the first time, one of the biggest questions you may have is: how does airport parking work?
The basic process is simple. You choose a parking service, book it for your travel dates, follow the provider’s arrival instructions and leave your vehicle while you travel.
However, the exact process depends on the type of airport parking you choose.
Park and Ride works differently from Meet and Greet, while on-airport and off-airport car parks can also have different arrival and collection procedures.
This guide explains the complete airport parking process so you know what to expect before you travel.
How Does Airport Parking Work?
Airport parking allows you to leave your vehicle at or near an airport while you are away.
In most cases, the process involves five main steps:
- Choose your airport parking option.
- Enter your travel and vehicle details.
- Book the parking service.
- Follow the provider’s arrival instructions.
- Collect your vehicle when you return.
The exact process changes depending on whether you choose Park and Ride, Meet and Greet, on-airport parking or another parking service.
Understanding these differences before booking can make your journey much easier.
Step 1: Choose Your Airport
The first step is selecting the airport you are flying from.
Major UK airports usually have several airport parking options available, including:
- Heathrow Airport
- Gatwick Airport
- Manchester Airport
- Stansted Airport
- Luton Airport
- Birmingham Airport
- Bristol Airport
- Edinburgh Airport
- Glasgow Airport
- East Midlands Airport
The number and type of parking services available can vary depending on the airport.
For this reason, it is useful to compare parking options specifically for your departure airport.
Step 2: Enter Your Travel Dates and Times
Airport parking prices and availability depend heavily on your travel dates.
You will normally need to provide:
- Drop-off date
- Approximate arrival time
- Return date
- Approximate return time
These details help determine the total parking period.
For example, someone travelling for three days may see very different prices from someone parking for two weeks.
Entering accurate travel times is important because your parking provider will use them to plan your arrival and return.
Step 3: Choose the Type of Airport Parking
The next step is deciding which type of airport parking suits your journey.
There are several common options.
What Is Park and Ride Airport Parking?
Park and Ride is a popular airport parking option.
With Park and Ride, you normally drive to a parking facility located away from the airport terminal.
You then travel from the parking facility to the airport using the transfer service provided.
The basic process usually looks like this:
- Drive to the Park and Ride car park.
- Follow the provider’s arrival instructions.
- Park or hand over your vehicle depending on the service.
- Take the transfer to the airport.
- Travel on your flight.
- Return to the airport.
- Follow the provider’s return instructions.
- Take the transfer back to the parking facility.
- Collect your vehicle.
Transfer arrangements and journey times vary between providers, so it is important to read the individual service information before booking.
What Is Meet and Greet Airport Parking?
Meet and Greet parking works differently.
Instead of driving to a remote parking location, you normally drive to an agreed meeting point close to the airport terminal.
A parking representative then receives your vehicle according to the provider’s instructions.
The typical Meet and Greet process is:
- Drive towards the airport.
- Follow the provider’s arrival instructions.
- Go to the designated meeting point.
- Meet the parking representative.
- Complete the vehicle handover.
- Walk towards the terminal.
- Take your flight.
- Follow the return instructions after landing.
- Go to the agreed collection point.
- Receive your vehicle.
Meet and Greet parking can reduce the need for additional transfer journeys between a parking facility and the airport.
How Does On-Airport Parking Work?
On-airport parking refers to car parks located within or close to the airport estate.
Depending on the parking facility, you may:
- Park and walk to the terminal
- Park and use an airport bus
- Park in a long-stay facility
- Use a short-stay car park
Some on-airport parking services use automatic number plate recognition.
Others may require a ticket or booking reference.
Always follow the instructions included with your booking.
How Does Off-Airport Parking Work?
Off-airport parking is located outside the airport’s main parking facilities.
Many Park and Ride services fall into this category.
The usual process involves:
- Driving to the parking facility.
- Checking in.
- Leaving your vehicle.
- Taking a transfer to the airport.
- Returning to the parking facility after your trip.
Off-airport parking options can differ in price, distance and transfer arrangements.
Step 4: Compare Airport Parking Options
Before booking, compare more than just the headline price.
Airport parking services can differ significantly.
Useful things to compare include:
- Total booking price
- Parking type
- Distance from the terminal
- Transfer arrangements
- Transfer frequency
- Drop-off procedure
- Return procedure
- Operating hours
- Cancellation terms
- Vehicle requirements
This helps you choose a service that fits your journey rather than simply selecting the first option you see.
Step 5: Enter Your Vehicle Details
Most airport parking bookings require information about your vehicle.
You may need to enter:
- Vehicle registration
- Make
- Model
- Colour
Make sure these details are accurate.
Some parking facilities use registration information to identify booked vehicles when they arrive.
Incorrect information can potentially delay your arrival process.
Step 6: Complete Your Airport Parking Booking
Once you have chosen your parking service, complete the booking.
You should normally receive a booking confirmation containing important information such as:
- Booking reference
- Parking address
- Arrival instructions
- Contact details
- Drop-off procedure
- Return instructions
- Parking dates
- Vehicle details
Read the full confirmation before travelling.
Do not wait until you arrive at the airport to check where you need to go.
Should You Print Your Airport Parking Confirmation?
In many cases, keeping the confirmation on your phone will be enough.
However, it can be useful to save a copy offline in case you have poor mobile reception.
You may also choose to print it.
The most important information to have easily available is:
- Booking reference
- Car park address
- Contact number
- Arrival instructions
- Return instructions
What Happens on the Day of Your Flight?
The exact arrival process depends on your airport parking type.
For Park and Ride
You will normally drive directly to the parking facility.
After arriving:
- Follow the provider’s check-in procedure.
- Park your vehicle or hand it over as instructed.
- Take your luggage.
- Use the transfer service.
- Travel to your airport terminal.
Allow extra time for the transfer.
For Meet and Greet
You normally drive towards the airport terminal or designated meeting area.
Depending on the provider, you may need to call before arriving.
Then:
- Drive to the agreed location.
- Meet the parking representative.
- Complete the handover process.
- Take your luggage.
- Walk towards the terminal.
Always follow the provider’s exact instructions because airport meeting points can vary.
For On-Airport Parking
You may simply drive into the booked car park.
Depending on the facility, entry may involve:
- Number plate recognition
- Booking reference
- Entry ticket
- Barrier code
You can then walk or take the available transfer to the terminal.
How Early Should You Arrive for Airport Parking?
How early you should arrive depends on the parking type and your airline’s recommended check-in time.
If you are using Park and Ride, allow additional time for:
- Parking
- Check-in at the parking facility
- Unloading luggage
- Waiting for a transfer
- Transfer journey
For Meet and Greet, allow enough time to reach the meeting point and complete the vehicle handover.
Airport parking should be treated as part of your total airport journey time.
What Happens to Your Keys?
Whether you keep your keys depends on the parking service.
Some self-parking services allow you to keep your vehicle keys.
Other services may require you to leave them with the parking operator.
Meet and Greet services generally involve handing over your vehicle keys because the vehicle needs to be moved to the provider’s parking location.
Before booking, check whether the service requires you to leave your keys.
What Happens When You Return From Your Trip?
Your return procedure depends on your parking type.
You should check the return instructions before travelling because the process differs between providers.
Returning to Park and Ride Parking
After collecting your luggage, you may need to:
- Call the parking provider.
- Go to a designated transfer point.
- Wait for the transfer.
- Travel back to the parking facility.
- Collect your vehicle.
Some providers operate regular transfers, while others have different collection procedures.
Returning to Meet and Greet Parking
With Meet and Greet, you may need to contact the provider after collecting your luggage.
You then follow the instructions to the agreed vehicle collection point.
The exact process can depend on:
- Airport
- Terminal
- Provider
- Arrival time
Always use the return instructions included in your booking confirmation.
What If Your Flight Is Delayed?
Flight delays are common, so it is important to understand your provider’s procedure.
Some airport parking bookings ask for your flight number, which can help the provider understand your expected return.
However, you should still check the terms of your specific booking.
If your return time changes significantly, you may need to contact the parking provider.
What If You Return Later Than Booked?
Returning later than the time shown on your booking may result in additional parking charges depending on the provider’s terms.
For example, delays could be caused by:
- Flight cancellations
- Flight delays
- Missed connections
- Baggage delays
- Travel disruption
Always check how additional parking time is handled when comparing services.
What If Your Travel Plans Change?
If your flight dates change, check whether your airport parking booking can be amended.
The available options depend on the booking terms.
Some bookings may allow changes while others may have restrictions.
Before booking airport parking, review:
- Cancellation policy
- Amendment policy
- Refund conditions
- Notice periods
This can be particularly important if your travel plans are not fully confirmed.
Do You Need to Book Airport Parking in Advance?
You may sometimes be able to arrange parking closer to your travel date, but booking in advance gives you more time to compare your options.
Airport parking availability can change, particularly during busy travel periods.
These may include:
- Summer holidays
- School holidays
- Christmas
- Easter
- Bank holidays
Booking earlier can give you a wider choice of Park and Ride, Meet and Greet and other airport parking services.
Can You Turn Up Without Booking?
Some airport car parks may accept vehicles without advance reservations.
However, availability and prices can differ from pre-booked options.
For travellers who want to compare different airport parking services, booking in advance usually provides more information and choice.
How Much Does Airport Parking Cost?
There is no single UK airport parking price.
Your booking cost can depend on:
- Departure airport
- Travel date
- Length of stay
- Parking provider
- Parking type
- Availability
- Booking time
For this reason, the best way to understand the price for your journey is to compare airport parking using your actual travel dates.
Is Airport Parking Charged Per Day?
Airport parking is generally priced according to the total length of your stay.
However, pricing structures can vary.
A seven-day booking may not simply equal seven times the advertised daily rate.
When comparing parking options, focus on the total booking price rather than calculating from a headline daily figure.
Which Airport Parking Option Should You Choose?
The right option depends on what matters most to you.
Choose Park and Ride If:
You are comfortable travelling from a separate parking facility to the airport using a transfer service.
Choose Meet and Greet If:
You want to reduce the need for an additional transfer between a car park and the terminal.
Consider On-Airport Parking If:
You prefer parking within or close to the airport estate.
Consider Long-Stay Parking If:
You are travelling for several days or weeks and want to compare options designed for longer parking periods.
There is no single airport parking option that is right for every traveller.
How Does Airport Parking Work for Families?
The process is broadly the same, but families may need to consider additional luggage and travel equipment.
This can include:
- Pushchairs
- Car seats
- Suitcases
- Hand luggage
- Children’s bags
Families choosing Park and Ride should consider the transfer process.
Those choosing Meet and Greet may prefer being able to unload closer to the airport terminal.
Compare both options before deciding which process is more convenient for your family.
How Does Airport Parking Work for Disabled Passengers?
Parking arrangements and assistance vary between airports and individual providers.
Before booking, check the parking provider’s information regarding:
- Accessibility
- Transfer arrangements
- Vehicle collection
- Drop-off locations
- Additional assistance
You may also want to contact the provider directly if you have specific accessibility requirements.
Airport Parking Checklist for First-Time Travellers
Before leaving home, make sure you have checked the following:
- Parking booking confirmation
- Parking address
- Correct airport terminal
- Provider phone number
- Arrival procedure
- Return procedure
- Flight number
- Vehicle registration
- Parking dates
- Travel time to the parking location
- Additional transfer time if required
Checking these details beforehand can help make your airport parking experience much smoother.
Common Airport Parking Mistakes to Avoid
First-time travellers can avoid many parking problems with a little preparation.
Going to the Wrong Address
Do not assume the parking facility is located at the airport terminal.
Always use the address provided in your confirmation.
Not Allowing Transfer Time
If you choose Park and Ride, include the parking and transfer process when deciding what time to leave home.
Ignoring Arrival Instructions
Some services have very specific arrival procedures.
Read them before travelling.
Entering the Wrong Vehicle Registration
Double-check your registration number when booking.
Forgetting the Return Instructions
Read the collection process before your return flight.
Keeping the booking confirmation available on your phone can help.
Choosing Based Only on Price
The lowest displayed price may not necessarily suit your journey.
Compare the service type, location and procedures alongside the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does airport parking work?
Airport parking works by allowing you to book a place to leave your vehicle while you travel. You select your airport, dates and parking type, follow the provider’s arrival instructions, leave your vehicle and then collect it after your return flight.
How does Park and Ride airport parking work?
With Park and Ride, you drive to a parking facility away from the terminal and then take a transfer to the airport. After your return flight, you normally travel back to the parking facility to collect your vehicle.
How does Meet and Greet airport parking work?
With Meet and Greet parking, you normally drive to a designated meeting point near the terminal and hand your vehicle to a parking representative. You then collect the vehicle from an agreed location after your return flight.
Do I need to book airport parking before flying?
Advance booking is not always mandatory, but booking earlier can provide more parking choices and allows you to compare prices, parking types and provider procedures before travelling.
Do I leave my car keys at airport parking?
It depends on the service. Some self-parking facilities allow you to keep your keys, while other services require them to be left with the operator. Meet and Greet usually requires the keys to be handed over.
How early should I arrive at airport parking?
Allow enough time to complete the parking procedure and reach the terminal before your airline’s recommended check-in time. Park and Ride travellers should also include transfer time between the parking facility and terminal.
What happens if my flight is delayed?
The process varies by provider. Check your booking conditions and return instructions. If your return time changes considerably, you may need to contact your parking provider.
Can I change my airport parking booking?
Whether a booking can be changed depends on the provider and booking conditions. Check cancellation and amendment terms before completing your reservation.
Is airport parking available for long trips?
Yes. Airport parking can usually be booked for trips lasting several days or weeks. Long-stay, Park and Ride, Meet and Greet and off-airport options may all be available depending on the airport.
Is Park and Ride cheaper than Meet and Greet?
Not always. Airport parking prices depend on the airport, dates, availability and provider. Comparing both Park and Ride and Meet and Greet for your specific travel dates is the best way to see the price difference.
Compare Airport Parking Before You Travel
Understanding how airport parking works makes choosing the right service much easier.
The main decision is whether you want to park at a separate facility and transfer to the airport, use a Meet and Greet service near the terminal, or choose another airport parking option.
Each service can differ in price, location, transfer arrangements and arrival procedures.
Compare airport parking options for your airport and travel dates before booking so you can choose the service that best fits your journey.
Compare airport parking with Compare Meet and Greet and review available options before your next flight.