As peak travel season approaches, new research from Confused.com has revealed a sharp disparity in airport parking costs across the UK—particularly between England and Scotland.
For business travellers and holidaymakers alike, the findings underscore the importance of planning ahead to avoid unnecessary expense.
According to the study, the average cost of short stay parking at UK commercial airports is £93.90 for a four-day trip. Long stay options are more affordable at £59, while meet and greet services—typically positioned as a premium offering—average £101. However, prices vary significantly by region, with England’s short stay rates coming in 61% higher than Scotland’s and 17% above the UK average. In some cases, travellers could pay up to £189 for just four days of parking.
Scotland’s lower average is partly due to smaller regional airports offering free parking, while Wales holds the unfortunate distinction of having the highest long stay rates—averaging £81, which is 63% more than Scotland.
Location also influences convenience. Short stay and meet and greet car parks are generally closer to the terminal, offering quicker access. Long stay facilities, on the other hand, often require shuttle transfers, which can add time and stress to the journey. Nearly a third of travellers (31%) expressed concern about the time it takes to reach the terminal, and 24% worry about delays caused by slow shuttle services.
Security is another key consideration. A third of respondents (34%) worry about potential damage to their vehicle, while 1 in 5 (19%) fear theft. Despite these concerns, over half (52%) of UK travellers have driven themselves and used official airport parking, while 49% have opted for taxis or rideshares.
Interestingly, the average round-trip taxi fare (£92) is nearly on par with short stay parking fees, and 29% cheaper on average. This has led nearly a quarter (23%) of travellers to actively compare taxi and parking costs when planning their airport transfer. Yet, more than 1 in 4 (28%) who’ve used airport parking said they were surprised by the final cost.
Cost remains the top priority for 42% of travellers, followed by convenience (40%) and time efficiency (37%). Lift sharing is the most popular money-saving option, with 55% preferring a lift from family or friends.
To help travellers make informed decisions, Confused.com has launched an airport journey planner. By entering their address, airport, luggage, and passenger details, users can compare local taxi fares with parking costs to find the best value.
Alvaro Iturmendi, travel insurance expert at Confused.com, commented: “While airport parking is often convenient, the cost can be a challenge, especially during peak travel times. Many travellers might end up overpaying simply because they book too late or don’t compare their options. Planning ahead—just like with flights and accommodation—can make a big difference to your overall travel budget.”