Planning a family holiday can be exciting, but it also comes with plenty of costs to juggle. Between flights, luggage, travel insurance and spending money, parking at the airport might not seem like a big concern, until you see the prices.
Research from Confused.com has found that airport parking costs across the UK have soared, with some travellers paying as much as £189 for just four days of short-stay parking. That’s a big chunk of any holiday budget, especially for families.
How much does airport parking really cost?
The study looked at parking fees across major UK airports and found that:
- Short-stay parking costs an average of £93.90 for four days.
- Long-stay parking averages £59.
- The most expensive short-stay option reached £189 for the same four-day period.
Prices vary quite a lot depending on where you fly from. Travellers in England pay around £110 on average for short-stay parking, 90% more than in Scotland, where the average is £58.
In Wales, long-stay parking averages £81, almost double Scotland’s £42. Some smaller regional airports in Scotland even offer free parking, which helps bring the national average down.
Could a taxi be cheaper?
When you’re planning a family trip, getting everyone (and their suitcases) to the airport smoothly is key. Many of us assume driving and parking at the airport is easiest, but that might not always be the most cost-effective option.
Confused.com found that the average cost of a return taxi journey to the airport is £92 (£46 each way). That’s very similar to, and sometimes cheaper than, airport parking, yet only 1 in 4 people actually compare the two before they travel.
If you’re wondering which works out best for your family, Confused.com has created an Airport Journey Planner. Simply enter your address, airport, number of passengers and luggage details, and the tool compares the cost of local taxis versus parking. It’s a quick way to see which option will save you more.
Planning ahead to avoid stress
Beyond cost, convenience and security are important for families. Around a third of travellers worry about leaving their car at the airport, with concerns about damage or theft. Others worry about the time it takes to reach the terminal from long-stay car parks, especially when shuttle transfers are involved.
For families with young children or lots of luggage, short-stay or “meet and greet” parking can feel worth the extra money for the convenience. But for others, booking long-stay parking in advance, or sharing a taxi, can make the journey much easier on both your wallet and your nerves.
Tips for a smoother airport journey
- Compare costs early: Use tools like the Airport Journey Planner to check whether parking or a taxi works out better.
- Book ahead: Prices often rise the closer you get to your travel date.
- Think about timing: Allow extra time if you’ll need a shuttle transfer.
- Travel smart: If you’re going travelling as a group, sharing a taxi could be cheaper than parking multiple cars.
Make the most of your travel budget
Alvaro Iturmendi, travel insurance expert at Confused.com, explains:
“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.”
Whether you’re flying out for a summer holiday or a weekend break, a little extra planning before you go could help you save money, and start your family trip feeling relaxed, not rushed.
