Airport parking prices have risen 72% since 2020 – here’s how to avoid paying more
If airport parking has felt noticeably more expensive lately, you’re not imagining it.
We’ve looked at parking prices across 22 UK airports, comparing what travellers were paying in 2020 with prices in 2026 — and the difference is pretty striking.
The average daily cost of airport parking has risen from £9.86 in August 2020 to £17.00 in August 2026, an increase of around 72%.
To put that into perspective, general consumer prices rose by around 32% over roughly the same period. At several UK airports, parking prices have more than doubled.
So, where have prices risen the most, what’s behind the increases, and — most importantly — what can you do to avoid paying more than you need to?
Where has airport parking increased the most?
Bournemouth has seen the biggest increase in our research. Average daily parking prices rose from £6.46 in 2020 to £18.61 in 2026 — an increase of 188%.
Newcastle came next, with prices up 152%, while Edinburgh airport parking increased by 136%.
Here are the 10 biggest increases:
| Airport | 2020 daily rate | 2026 daily rate | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bournemouth | £6.46 | £18.61 | 188.1% |
| Newcastle | £8.22 | £20.72 | 152.1% |
| Edinburgh | £6.37 | £15.05 | 136.3% |
| London City | £14.54 | £32.21 | 121.5% |
| Birmingham | £9.09 | £19.04 | 109.5% |
| Leeds Bradford | £7.22 | £14.51 | 101.0% |
| Exeter | £8.64 | £17.16 | 98.6% |
| Bristol | £12.51 | £23.60 | 88.6% |
| Liverpool John Lennon | £8.14 | £15.05 | 84.9% |
| Glasgow | £5.48 | £10.11 | 84.5% |
Not every airport has seen such dramatic increases. Manchester, for example, is up by around 26% since 2020, while London Southend recorded the smallest increase in the study at just over 8%.
Why is airport parking getting more expensive?
There isn’t one single reason.
The pandemic had a major impact on the travel industry, but more recent figures suggest that it can’t explain the increases on its own.
Our Operations Consultant, Alice Fowler, says several factors are likely playing a part:
“There are several factors behind the rise in prices. Demand is predictable, so we see dynamic pricing come into play more than ever, with prices rising as spaces sell out.
“Availability varies per airport, too, with some car parks closing after the pandemic resulting in fewer choices. And of course, we are seeing a rise in costs globally; staff wages, security systems, EV charging prices, and so on will all be contributing to the increases.”
And some of the biggest increases have happened much more recently.
Between August 2023 and August 2026, average daily parking prices in our data rose by 136% at Southampton, 72% at Newcastle and 71% at Edinburgh.
Does booking airport parking early actually save money?
In many cases, yes.
There isn’t one perfect booking window that guarantees the cheapest price at every airport, but our research shows that leaving airport parking until the last minute can be considerably more expensive.
At London Luton Airport, the average daily rate this summer was £27.45 when booked just one day ahead, compared with £17.54 when booked more than two months in advance.
At London Stansted Airport, the difference was similar: £25.98 one day ahead compared with £16.94 more than two months ahead.
That’s why it’s worth thinking about airport parking at the same time as your flights and accommodation, rather than leaving it until the day before you travel.
What type of airport parking should you choose?
Price is important, but it isn’t the only thing to consider.
Depending on the airport, you may have several different options, including Park & Ride, Meet & Greet and short-stay or multi-storey parking.
Each comes with different price points and levels of convenience, so the best option will depend on your trip.
For example, you may be happy to take a short shuttle ride in return for a lower price, while someone travelling with young children or lots of luggage may prefer the convenience of Meet & Greet.
Motoring journalist Maria McCarthy says:
“It’s a good reminder not to leave parking as an afterthought. Factor it into the cost of your trip from the start and shop around, as there can be a big difference between parking options at the same airport.”
How can you avoid overpaying for airport parking?
The good news is that airport parking prices aren’t fixed, and there are a few simple things you can do to give yourself a better chance of finding a good deal.
- Book early where possible. Waiting until the last minute can mean paying considerably more at some airports.
- Compare your options. Prices can vary between different car parks and providers at the same airport.
- Think about the type of parking you actually need. Meet & Greet may be convenient, while Park & Ride can often be a more budget-friendly option.
- Check independent reviews. Always make sure the car park and booking website are reputable before paying.
As Alice explains:
“The good news for passengers is that prices aren’t fixed, and there’s real money to be saved by booking early and comparing options rather than turning up on the day.”
Compare airport parking before you book
One of the easiest ways to avoid paying more than you need to is simply to compare your options before booking.
Airport Parking Shop compares parking options and prices from eight leading airport parking providers across more than 300 car parks at major UK airports, so you can see different options in one place rather than checking multiple sites individually.
Compare airport parking prices →
Methodology: The Airport Parking Inflation Index is based on the average daily cost of airport parking for stays of between two and 12 days starting between 1 and 14 August, booked via Airport Parking Shop. The analysis includes more than 300 Meet & Greet, short-stay multi-storey and Park & Ride car parks. Figures represent average daily rates across available parking options and should not be interpreted as the total cost of a specific stay.
General inflation figures are based on the Office for National Statistics Consumer Prices Index. CPI increased by 31.6% between August 2020 and July 2026, the latest available data at the time of publication.
The number and type of parking products available through third-party providers can change over time. At some airports, including Gatwick and Heathrow, changes to third-party sales mean fewer parking products may be represented in the dataset. Apparent price movements at these airports should therefore be interpreted in the context of changes to product availability.
