Choose What’s Best for You: Airport Parking Options Explained
Reserving airport parking beforehand is always a smart move, but understanding that each type of parking complements a different category of flier is more important. Some travellers only realise after their trip starts that they’ve picked a spot that’s too far, too pricey, or just not the right fit for their needs. That’s because there are several airport parking options to choose from, and each one comes with its own set of logistics, including cost, comfort, and time efficiency.
If you’re flying from a busy hub like Heathrow, knowing the differences between these options can save you money, stress, and a lot of walking with luggage. Let’s go through the main types of airport parking and how to pick the one that works best for you.
1. Park and Ride
Park and Ride airport parking is the most budget-friendly option, located far from the terminals, outside the airport grounds. Hence, it also comes under the category of off-site airport parking.
The Routine:
After you have booked a suitable park and ride service, you drive your car to the reserved park and ride slot, park your vehicle, and get onto a shuttle bus. The shuttle drops you right at your terminal, where you go ahead with the further flight procedure.
Recommendations:
- If you are a cost-conscious flier and won’t be bothered using a short shuttle ride, this is the best, most affordable parking option for you. If you’re booking early enough at Heathrow, you’ll find plenty of cheap park and ride Heathrow deals online.
- People with flexible schedules are also suggested to go for park and ride.
- Families with heavy luggage are not recommended to use the park and ride option. Dragging lots of luggage on a shuttle bus can be inconvenient.
- Time-conscious travellers should not choose park and ride, as this parking is far from the terminal and the shuttle services are not always guaranteed to get you there on time.
Pros:
- Cheaper than most options.
- Shuttle service available.
Cons:
- Shuttle services can sometimes be infrequent.
- Can be a bit problematic when carrying hefty luggage.
2. Meet and Greet Parking
Meet and greet parking offers you the ultimate convenience. It saves you from the hassle of even finding your pre-booked spot and parking your vehicle.
The Routine:
Skip the fuss of shuttles! You simply arrive at an assigned drop-off area with your vehicle, where you meet a vehicle attendant. Drop-off points are really close to the terminals, so you hand over your car to the valet and head straight inside the terminal. The driver parks your car in an off-site parking location while you go on with your flight procedure. When you return from your trip, the vehicle is brought back to you in a similar way.
Recommendation:
- Meet and greet service is best for families with kids and/or heavy luggage. When you already have your hands full, you definitely need an easy and comfortable option to avoid trouble.
- Business travellers who seek maximum convenience for trips, trying to rush to the terminals, or just need a relaxed routine before their important meetings, are highly recommended to go for the meet and greet option.
- Travellers with strict budgets are not advised to choose this option.
Pros:
- No chaos, only comfort.
- Maximum time saving.
Cons:
- Large price tag.
3. On-Site Short Stay Parking
Short-stay parking is one of the most expensive airport parking options as it comes with high security and comfort. Most airports offer short-stay parking options within walking distance of the terminals. This parking option falls under the category of on-site parking.
The Routine:
The short stay parking routine is very simple. Drive up to the parking area, park your vehicle, and continue ahead! There is no need to wait for any shuttles, and the parking is in close proximity to the terminal.
Recommendation:
- Strongly suggested for people picking someone up or drop them off at the airport.
- People going on short trips, for some hours or just a day or two, should go with the short stay option. But if your trip is expected to extend, it’s better to refrain from this option as the costs keep adding the longer you park.
- Vacationers should obviously avoid this option. Short-stay car parks are not designed for long stays.
- Short stay parking is not at all a budget-friendly option; thus, travellers looking for cheap parking spots to fit into their budgets are strongly NOT recommended to opt for the short stay parking. If you are flying from Heathrow and looking for an affordable deal, you should book cheap Heathrow airport parking online way in advance (weeks or even months).
Pros:
- The ultimate comfort.
- Advanced security
Cons:
- Pricey level: ridiculous.
4. Long Stay Parking
Long-stay parking is also a type of on-site parking. They are not located as close to the terminals as short stay, but are still on the airport grounds. Long stay parking option is relatively cheaper and more secure than the short stay, and closer than the off-site airport parking options.
The Routine:
Get your vehicle from your reserved parking area. As long-stay parking is not within walking distance of the terminal, a free shuttle service is available. Park your vehicle and hop onto the shuttle bus. It will take you to the terminal.
Recommendation:
- If you are travelling for a week or more, choose the long stay parking option. This option is way more convenient than park and ride and often cheaper than meet and greet.
- Long term parking option is not recommended for the travellers going on super short trips.
Pros:
- Cheaper than short stay and often even than meet and greet.
- More convenient than park and ride.
- Free shuttle service
Cons:
- Strict time limits make the plan less adjustable.
Park Sleep & Fly
Park Sleep & Fly is a ‘hotel plus parking’ package. This package is especially designed for travellers with early morning departures or late night returns. They often include a one-night stay at an airport hotel.
The Routine:
You simply check into the hotel the night before your departure or after your return. Park your vehicle, and have a comfortable stay with access to the hotel amenities. An airport shuttle bus is available to take you from the hotel to the terminal. After your return, you can take that shuttle back to the hotel to pick up your vehicle.
Recommendation:
- Most people live too far away from the airports, so they cannot risk getting stuck in morning traffic. And some do not prefer travelling by car at night. This package is recommended for travellers having an early-morning departure or a late-night return.
- People who need to rest before or after flights, such as business travellers, elderly people, disabled people, pregnant women, or women with breast-fed babies, should opt for the park sleep & fly package to have a comfortable travel experience.
- Travellers who live near the airports are not advised to choose this option.
Pros:
- No rushing through morning traffic, no stress of driving late at night
- Cheaper than long stay parking option
- Added security policies of hotels
- Relaxed journeys
Cons:
- Hotel quality concerns
- Unreliable shuttle services
- May include hidden fees and service charges
Understanding your airport parking options can turn a stressful last-minute decision into a smart travel choice. From convenient meet and greet airport parking to cheap park and ride services, there are options for everyone, regardless of their journey style. Whether you’re all about comfort or keeping costs down, there’s an option for you. So, before you book a parking space, study the options thoroughly to get the complete idea of which parking space would be the most suitable for your needs.