Money Saving Expert, founded by Martin Lewis, has shared some helpful tips on finding cheap airport parking deals
If you are one of the millions jetting off on holiday soon and you’ve not thought about parking, you may want to start. And there are simple ways to save money with a few clever tips.
Money Saving Expert (MSE), founded by Martin Lewis, has encouraged travellers to explore alternative options if booking directly through the airport proves too costly.
In guidance updated on March 31, 2026, the financial specialists warn that leaving your booking until the last minute may prove expensive. It suggests you could face charges exceeding £400 for a week’s parking if you simply turn up on the day.
However, by planning ahead and making savvy bookings, you can slash your parking costs. As a useful pointer, the site recommends checking comparison platforms for potential savings.
MSE writes: “The easiest way to find low-cost airport car parking is via a specialist site that compares parking deals to find you the best price – and remember to check your booking is flexible in case you can’t use it because of cancellation or future restrictions.
“They’ll often give you a cheaper price than you’ll get booking direct considering many offer airport parking discount codes.”
Having compared airport parking options, it’s also worthwhile to look into private parking near the airport, as well as hotel-and-parking bundles, to see whether they are cheaper.
Occasionally, it is possible to beat comparison sites by booking direct. MSE suggests checking the parking provider’s own prices against those quoted on comparison sites.
Private parking
Another cost-effective way to park your car is in private parking spaces. It continues: “eBay-style parking marketplaces allow those living close to airport car parks to offer their drives or spare land to drivers.
“Overheads are low, which means prices are too, but there’s a trade-off – they usually lack anything like the level of security offered by dedicated car parks.”
Other helpful tips
Even when you plan ahead, securing cheap airport parking can be tricky. The longer your trip, the higher the cost, so it’s worth weighing up alternatives. Aside from persuading a relative to drop you off or walking to the airport, assuming you live close and there’s a safe walking path, it’s often cheaper to:
- Book a dedicated coach – They may be the longest option but it could be worth it if it saves you money. There may even be deals on to save you extra cash
- Book a taxi – MSE suggests considering pre-booking a taxi and not relying on getting a return taxi at the airport. “Book ahead with your local firm, giving your flight number so it can vary pick-up time, and it’s often cheaper.”
- Use non-specialist train services – Some dedicated ‘airport express’ trains can be costly, yet the same lines are often used by normal rail services, meaning you can travel the same route more cheaply. There may be extra stops, but if it saves you money, it may be worth the extra journey time.
The experts at MSE have listed other helpful tips and discounts you may find useful.
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