UK Airport Parking for Motorbikes - Motorcycle Parking

Airport Parking for Motorbikes

  • 13 Jan, 2014
  • Alice Fowler
  • 128 Comments

Find out which UK airports have free motorcycle parking

We get it, people don’t just drive cars to the airport; plenty of you have motorcycles too and often have the question of “Is parking for motorbikes free at my airport?”

The answer differs depending on the airport. Some have dedicated motorcycle parking, some charge the same as cars, while others offer free or discounted parking for motorbikes.

We’ve pulled together the latest information we can find on motorcycle parking at UK airports, including whether there’s a charge and, where possible, where you’ll find the dedicated motorbike parking.

Airport parking arrangements can change, so it’s always worth checking directly with the airport before you travel, particularly if you’re planning to leave your bike for several days.

Simply select your airport from the list below to be taken to the information we have.

Aberdeen | Belfast City | Belfast International | Birmingham | Bournemouth | Bristol | Cardiff | Dublin | East Midlands | Edinburgh | Exeter | Gatwick | Glasgow | Heathrow | Humberside | Inverness | Leeds Bradford | Liverpool | London City | Luton | Manchester | Newcastle | Norwich | Prestwick | Shannon | Southampton | Southend | Stansted | Teesside

Aberdeen Airport

Aberdeen Airport has a dedicated covered area for motorcycle parking near the car park exits.

As the airport’s current parking information doesn’t clearly list a separate motorcycle tariff, we’d recommend checking the latest details before you travel.

Belfast City Airport

Motorcycles can use Belfast City Airport’s parking facilities, although there isn’t currently a separate motorcycle parking product clearly listed online.

If you’re planning to leave your bike while you travel, it’s worth checking the latest parking arrangements and charges before you arrive.

Belfast International Airport

Older guidance listed free motorcycle parking underneath the canopy beside the car park office in the main car park.

However, clear current motorcycle parking instructions aren’t easy to find on Belfast International Airport’s public parking pages, so we’d recommend checking with the airport before travelling rather than relying on the older information.

Birmingham Airport

Birmingham Airport has a dedicated sheltered motorcycle parking area in Car Park 2.

Follow the signs for Car Park 2 and take the first left after the entry barriers. Make sure you use the designated motorcycle area rather than a normal car parking bay, as you may be charged the full parking rate if you park elsewhere.

There are currently no anchor points in the motorcycle area.

Bournemouth Airport

Motorcyclists have previously been directed to the bicycle shelter outside the terminal building, accessed via the airport’s main entrance.

As current motorcycle-specific pricing isn’t clearly published, we’d recommend checking the latest arrangements with Bournemouth Airport before travelling, particularly if you’re leaving your bike for a longer stay.

Bristol Airport

Motorcycle parking at Bristol Airport costs £12.50 per day.

There is a dedicated covered motorcycle parking area on Level 0 of the Multi-Storey Car Park.

Bristol Airport recommends booking your motorcycle bay in advance. You can pay on arrival, but if the motorcycle area is full and you haven’t pre-booked, you may be turned away.

There are ground anchors available so you can secure your bike, and a limited number of helmet storage lockers. You’ll need to bring your own padlock if you want to use a locker.

Cardiff Airport

Cardiff Airport previously confirmed that free motorcycle parking was available near the pick-up area.

However, we haven’t been able to find clear current motorcycle parking instructions on its public parking pages, so we’d recommend checking directly with Cardiff Airport before travelling rather than relying on the older information.

Dublin Airport

Older guidance allowed motorbikes to park free of charge in the short-term parking areas at Dublin Airport.

However, motorcycle parking isn’t currently explained particularly clearly on Dublin Airport’s public parking pages. If you’re planning to leave your bike at the airport, we’d recommend confirming the latest motorcycle parking arrangements before your trip.

East Midlands Airport

Motorcycle parking is available at East Midlands Airport, but you’ll need to arrange your booking directly rather than using the normal online parking journey.

The airport asks motorcyclists to contact its parking team to find out which parking options and prices are available for their dates.

Older information referred to a 50% motorcycle discount, but this isn’t currently advertised as a standard offer, so we’d check the price when booking.

Edinburgh Airport

For motorcycle parking at Edinburgh Airport, the same booking options and prices apply as they do for cars.

This means you can choose from the airport’s available parking options and either book ahead or, where available, pay the appropriate turn-up rate.

As prices vary depending on the car park and your travel dates, it’s worth checking the available options before you travel.

Exeter Airport

Motorcycles can be parked at Exeter Airport free of charge.

The airport asks motorcyclists to make arrangements with the Airport Car Park Customer Service Office before travelling.

There is currently no facility for motorcycle helmet storage.

Gatwick Airport

There are dedicated motorbike parking bays at Gatwick Airport in the Short Stay car parks.

Make sure you use the dedicated motorcycle bays rather than a normal car parking space. Gatwick warns that bikes parked outside the designated areas may be removed for security reasons.

There aren’t currently any anchor points in the motorbike bays.

Glasgow Airport

Glasgow Airport has dedicated motorbike spaces on the ground floor of Car Park 2, its Short Stay car park.

The airport’s current parking information doesn’t clearly list a separate motorcycle tariff alongside this, so check the latest parking charges before you travel.

Heathrow Airport

Motorcycle parking at Heathrow Airport is free, with dedicated motorbike parking available at all four terminals.

  • Terminal 2 – on Cessna Road, next to the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel.
  • Terminal 3 – at the back of Terminal Parking Car Park 1A, to the right of the exit. Access is via Chester Road.
  • Terminal 4 – on Salisbury Road, opposite the Arrivals forecourt.
  • Terminal 5 – next to Terminal Parking, on the left on Widgeon Road.

Motorcycles aren’t permitted in Heathrow’s multi-storey car parks, and bikes left anywhere other than the designated motorcycle spaces may be removed for security reasons.

Humberside Airport

The older version of this guide listed free motorcycle parking at Humberside Airport.

As clear current motorcycle parking instructions aren’t easy to find online, we’d recommend checking directly with Humberside Airport before travelling rather than relying on the older information.

Inverness Airport

Motorcycles can use Inverness Airport’s car parks and normal parking tariffs apply.

As there isn’t a separate free motorcycle rate, choose the parking option that best suits your trip and check the current price before travelling.

Leeds Bradford Airport

Motorcyclists can book a space in Leeds Bradford Airport’s two-wheel-friendly car parks.

Motorcycles aren’t exempt from the normal parking tariffs and you’ll need to park in a full parking bay.

Meet & Greet isn’t available for motorcycles.

Liverpool Airport

Older guidance allowed motorbikes to park in Liverpool John Lennon Airport’s Express Drop Off area without charge.

As dedicated motorcycle parking information isn’t currently prominent on the airport’s public parking pages, we’d recommend checking the latest arrangements before travelling.

London City Airport

Motorbike parking at London City Airport is free.

The airport provides dedicated parking information for motorbikes and bicycles. Check the latest access information before travelling so you know where to leave your bike when you arrive.

Luton Airport

Motorcycle parking at London Luton Airport is free for up to 14 days.

Use the dedicated motorcycle bays in the Mid Stay Car Park, which is around a 10-minute walk from the terminal.

You don’t need to pre-book motorcycle parking. Ride up to the barrier, take a ticket and use the designated motorcycle bays.

If you stay for longer than 14 days, the normal daily parking tariff applies.

The Mid Stay motorcycle area is uncovered and, although the airport car parks are monitored, riders are advised to lock and disable their bikes where possible.

Manchester Airport

There are a couple of different options for motorcycle parking at Manchester Airport.

Public motorcycle parking is available outside the railway station. The airport states that other public bike and motorcycle parking areas around the campus are restricted to staff.

If you’re travelling and want to leave your motorbike in one of Manchester Airport’s official car parks, motorcycles can also be booked into options including Multi-Storey, Mid Stay, JetParks and Long Stay. You’ll need to arrange a motorcycle booking by phone rather than through the standard online booking journey.

Newcastle Airport

Newcastle Airport recommends using the Long Stay Car Park for motorcycle parking if you’re leaving your bike for 24 hours or more.

For shorter visits, including picking up or dropping off passengers, the airport’s standard parking charges apply.

Norwich Airport

Norwich Airport has four dedicated motorcycle bays close to the exit of Car Park 1, its Short Stay car park.

When you enter, ride along the first lane beside the pick-up and drop-off area. The motorcycle parking is on the corner opposite the accessible parking bays.

Prestwick Airport

Older information said Glasgow Prestwick Airport couldn’t accommodate motorcycles because of its ANPR parking system.

The airport’s current public parking pages don’t clearly confirm the latest motorcycle parking arrangements, so we’d recommend checking directly with Prestwick Airport before travelling rather than relying on the older information.

Shannon Airport

Clear current information specifically for motorcycle parking isn’t easy to find on Shannon Airport’s public parking pages.

Older guidance allowed motorcyclists to use the airport’s normal parking facilities, but we’d recommend confirming the latest arrangements with the airport before you travel.

Southampton Airport

Motorcycle parking at Southampton Airport is free of charge.

Motorbikes can use the designated motorcycle parking area in the Short Stay Car Park, and the airport confirms that its barriers are motorcycle-friendly.

Make sure you use the designated area, as motorbikes parked elsewhere may be removed for security reasons.

Southend Airport

Older information listed free motorcycle parking in Long Stay 3 at London Southend Airport.

However, clear up-to-date motorcycle parking information isn’t currently easy to find on the airport’s public parking pages, so we’d recommend checking with Southend Airport before you travel rather than relying on the older arrangement.

Stansted Airport

Motorcyclists currently receive a 50% discount on pre-booked parking at London Stansted Airport.

Motorcycle parking is available in the Short Stay Orange car park and Long Stay Zone Q.

You’ll need to book your motorcycle parking through Stansted’s contact centre rather than through the standard online booking system.

Alternatively, you can book Stansted Easy Motorbike Parking through Airport Parking Shop if it’s available for your dates.

Teesside Airport

Motorcycles are allowed at Teesside International Airport, but they need to be parked in a designated motorcycle bay.

The airport’s current parking terms specifically state that motorcycles shouldn’t be left elsewhere in the car park, so make sure you follow the designated parking signs when you arrive.

Check the latest parking tariff before travelling, as a separate motorcycle rate isn’t clearly published.

The above information has been updated to the best of our knowledge using the latest information available. Airport motorcycle parking arrangements can change, so we’d always recommend checking directly with the airport before you travel. If you’re aware of any changes, please let us know!

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128 responses to “Airport Parking for Motorbikes”

  1. Hi Zak,

    As per a previous comment on this thread, and the fact the official website doesn’t mention free motorcycle parking, I’d assume you are unable to park for free – best to contact them directly for a definite answer, though!

    Franki

  2. Hi im travelling from gatwick airport for 4 days and im looking to ride my scooter down, am i allowed to park it there free of charge for that long?

  3. Hi
    I’m flying from Liverpool airport this weekend for a couple of days. Does anyone know if there is free parking available for my scooter?
    Thanks
    D

    • Hi Damon

      On their website, it says there is free outside parking for motorcycles in the Express Drop Off zone, which I’m sure would be fine for your scooter. If you want to double check, I’d suggest giving them a call on 0345 319 2781

      Franki

    • Hi Paddy

      As per Leeds Bradford Airports website, they state;

      “Motorcycles and are permitted to take up a car parking bay in the most appropriate car park for their visit.

      Motorcyclists are not exempt from payment of parking tariffs.”

      Not to say there isn’t any free parking around the airport though! It’s worth looking into

      Franki

  4. Hi I’m flying from East Midlands next week, anyone know what the situation for parking motorbikes ?
    Wayne

  5. Stansted has now effectively banned motorcycle parking. You can’t book online. You have to phone to book. However, both phone numbers published are not connected. They don’t respond to emails.

    Turn up and pay is not available for the specified car park and would cost £42 per day.

    Other operators don’t permit motorcycles. I have absolutely no idea how I’m going to get to the airport.

    • Hi Christian,

      We contacted the airport and they said to us that motorbike parking does not need to be booked and is free, in both the Red short stay car park and Zone Q in Long Stay – which is a conflicting message to their website. Airports really need to make their motorbike parking policies much clearer!

      Hope that helps – Alice

      • Yes, My bike is there now and for free. Along with maybe 100 others!!
        There is plenty of room for easy exit.

  6. Hi Franki, Is parking Cardiff Airport free for motorcycle?, can’t find any information about .

    • Hi Aitor,

      We are unable to verify this information either I’m afraid! I’d suggest you contact Cardiff Airport directly and ask them to confirm.

      Good Luck!
      Franki

  7. I’m picking my pillion passenger up at Glasgow Airport – is there any free parking for motorbikes whilst I am in the terminal waiting for her?

    • Hi Tony,

      There is nothing on Glasgow’s website about motorcycle parking, but they do state they have a dedicated pick up area which costs £3 for up to 20 minutes. I would contact the airport directly to enquire as to whether this is applies to motorcycles too.

      Thanks!
      Franki, Airport Parking Shop

  8. Gatwick now charges full short stay car parking prices for motorcycles. There is no long term (cheap) parking for bikes. This is amazingly discriminatory against bikers £45 per day unless you pre book and also must not use car spaces. Diabolical.

    • I’m not sure this is correct. I parked for free at Gatwick for a week or more about half a dozen times since your message here, without any notifications or PCNs etc.

      • Hi Tony,

        You’re correct, as per the official Gatwick Site;

        “Parking for motorcyclists is free at Gatwick Airport if you park in the North and South terminal short stay car parks.

        There are dedicated parking bays for motorcyclists in our short stay car parks. These are marked with yellow hatches and are located on one side of each floor of the car park. Please don’t park motorbikes in other car parking spaces, as you may be charged the full parking rate.

        Please note that anchor points are not available, and that for security reasons bikes will be removed if not parked in the designated areas. “

    • Hi David,

      As per Aberdeens website,

      “Motorcycle parking is free in the designated areas within the car park. For security reasons motorbikes must not be parked anywhere else.”

      Hope that helps!

  9. Hey Everyone. I can most of the info is is quite old so I’d rather ask again. I’m going to Barcelone Friday from North Terminal and back on Monday so:

    1. Is it Motorcycle parking still free?
    2. How busy it is? Leaving work at 3pm for my flight at 6:10pm, any chances of not finding a space?
    3. I’m away just for the weekend,/does that qualify as short stay?

    I appreciate any information!
    Cheers.

  10. Stansted airport now charges 50% of the car rate for parking motorcycles. Booking must be made over the phone (charges apply), as the online system does not apply the discounted rate. Short term is bookable for up to 4 days only, longer than that, one needs to book mid- or long-stay. Thank you Manchester Airports Group for the new policy.

  11. Hi Tim, there doesn’t appear to be any information on their website regarding this and they have not responded to our own request, so it might be worth trying to call the airport directly to find out!

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