If you're flying from a UK airport this year, parking costs can vary dramatically depending on where you travel from and how long you're away. Many travellers focus on finding cheap flights, only to discover that parking and drop-off fees add a significant amount to the overall holiday cost.
To help you plan ahead, we've compared parking prices and drop-off charges at some of the UK's busiest airports.
What Is the Difference Between Short Stay, Mid Stay and Long Stay Parking?
Short Stay
Best for:
- Dropping off passengers
- Picking up arrivals
- Business trips
- Weekend breaks
Located closest to the terminal but usually the most expensive option.
Mid Stay
Best for:
- Trips of 2 to 7 days
- Travellers wanting a balance of convenience and cost
Usually involves a short walk or shuttle bus to the terminal.
Long Stay
Best for:
- Holidays of a week or more
- Budget-conscious travellers
Typically requires a shuttle bus but offers the best value. Many airports also operate off-site long stay car parks that can reduce costs further.
Birmingham Airport Parking Prices
Birmingham Airport is one of the best-value major airports in the UK when it comes to parking and drop-offs.
Drop-Off Charges
- Free for the first 10 minutes
Typical Short Stay Parking
- Around £12 to £15 for one hour
Typical Mid Stay Parking
- Around £50 to £80 for five days
Typical Long Stay Parking
- Around £60 to £100 for one week
Verdict: Birmingham offers some of the best value overall thanks to its free drop-off area and competitive parking prices.
Cardiff Airport Parking Prices
Cardiff remains one of the more affordable airports in the UK.
Drop-Off Charges
- Approximately £3
Typical Short Stay Parking
- Around £10 for one hour
Typical Mid Stay Parking
- Varies, but generally cheaper than many larger UK airports
Typical Long Stay Parking
- Usually among the more affordable options in Britain
Verdict: One of the cheapest airports for simply dropping off passengers.
Liverpool John Lennon Airport Parking Prices
Liverpool consistently performs well for travellers looking to keep costs down.
Drop-Off Charges
- Around £6
Typical Short Stay Parking
- Around £10 to £12 for one hour
Typical Mid Stay Parking
- Around £45 to £70 for five days
Typical Long Stay Parking
- Around £50 to £90 for one week
Verdict: Often one of the cheapest UK airports for longer stays.
Newcastle Airport Parking Prices
Newcastle offers reasonable parking costs compared with many southern airports.
Drop-Off Charges
- Around £6
Typical Short Stay Parking
- Around £12 for one hour
Typical Mid Stay Parking
- Around £55 to £85 for five days
Typical Long Stay Parking
- Around £55 to £95 for one week
Verdict: Good value for holidaymakers travelling from the North East.
Manchester Airport Parking Prices
As one of the UK's busiest airports, Manchester offers plenty of parking options.
Drop-Off Charges
- Around £6.50
Typical Short Stay Parking
- Around £12 to £15 for one hour
Typical Mid Stay Parking
- Around £55 to £85 for five days
Typical Long Stay Parking
- Around £65 to £110 for one week
Verdict: Not the cheapest airport, but the large number of parking operators creates plenty of opportunities to save money by booking early.
Heathrow Airport Parking Prices
London Heathrow offers convenience and choice, but usually at a premium.
Drop-Off Charges
- £7
Typical Short Stay Parking
- Around £12 to £15 for one hour
Typical Mid Stay Parking
- Around £60 to £100 for five days
Typical Long Stay Parking
- Around £70 to £130 for one week
Verdict: Expect to pay more than average, particularly during peak travel periods.
Glasgow Airport Parking Prices
Glasgow sits in the middle of the pack when it comes to parking costs.
Drop-Off Charges
- £7
Typical Short Stay Parking
- Around £12 to £15 for one hour
Typical Mid Stay Parking
- Approximately £60 to £90 for five days
Typical Long Stay Parking
- Approximately £70 to £120 for one week
Verdict: Fair value compared with many airports in southern England.
Luton Airport Parking Prices
Luton is popular with low-cost airlines, but parking costs can quickly add up.
Drop-Off Charges
- £7
Typical Short Stay Parking
- Around £12 to £15 for one hour
Typical Mid Stay Parking
- Around £60 to £100 for five days
Typical Long Stay Parking
- Around £70 to £130 for one week
Verdict: Cheap flights do not always mean cheap parking.
Bristol Airport Parking Prices
Bristol's popularity has resulted in increasing parking demand.
Drop-Off Charges
- £8.50
Typical Short Stay Parking
- Around £15 for one hour
Typical Mid Stay Parking
- Around £60 to £100 for five days
Typical Long Stay Parking
- Around £70 to £120 for one week
Verdict: More expensive than many regional airports, particularly for drop-offs.
Edinburgh Airport Parking Prices
Edinburgh is Scotland's busiest airport and one of the more expensive options for motorists.
Drop-Off Charges
- £8.50
Typical Short Stay Parking
- £15+ for one hour
Typical Mid Stay Parking
- Around £60 to £100 for five days
Typical Long Stay Parking
- Around £70 to £120 for one week
Verdict: Convenient, but parking costs can be relatively high.
Gatwick Airport Parking Prices
Gatwick is regularly among the UK's most expensive airports for drivers.
Drop-Off Charges
- £10
Typical Short Stay Parking
- Around £15 to £20 for one hour
Typical Mid Stay Parking
- Around £70 to £120 for five days
Typical Long Stay Parking
- Around £80 to £150 for one week
Verdict: One of the most expensive airports in Britain for both parking and drop-offs.
Stansted Airport Parking Prices
Like Gatwick, Stansted has some of the highest drop-off charges in the country.
Drop-Off Charges
- £10
Typical Short Stay Parking
- Around £15 to £20 for one hour
Typical Mid Stay Parking
- Around £70 to £120 for five days
Typical Long Stay Parking
- Around £80 to £140 for one week
Verdict: Expensive for motorists, especially during busy holiday periods.
Which UK Airports Have the Cheapest Drop-Off Charges?
If you're simply dropping somebody off before a flight, these airports offer the best value:
Birmingham Airport – Free
Cardiff Airport – £3
Liverpool John Lennon Airport – £6
Newcastle Airport – £6
Manchester Airport – £6.50
Which UK Airports Have the Most Expensive Drop-Off Charges?
The highest charges are currently found at:
Gatwick Airport – £10
Stansted Airport – £10
Bristol Airport – £8.50
Edinburgh Airport – £8.50
Heathrow, Glasgow and Luton Airports – £7
Tips for Saving Money on Airport Parking
Airport parking is almost always cheaper when booked in advance. Waiting until the day of travel can significantly increase the cost, particularly during school holidays and summer.
It is also worth comparing official airport car parks against independent providers. Many off-site operators offer secure parking, shuttle transfers and substantially lower prices than the airport itself.
Finally, if you're only dropping someone off, check whether the airport offers a free alternative drop-off zone. Walking for five minutes or taking a short shuttle bus could save you £10 or more.