Traveling from London’s airports can be exciting, but finding the right parking solution is crucial for a stress-free journey. With six major airports serving the city—Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City, and Southend—each offers a range of parking options, from budget-friendly Park and Ride to convenient Meet and Greet services. Comparing these options helps you save money, time, and hassle. This guide breaks down parking choices across London’s airports, highlights key factors to consider, and answers common questions to help you make an informed decision.
Why Compare Airport Parking in London?
London’s airports handle millions of passengers annually, and parking demands vary based on your travel needs, budget, and the airport’s location. Comparing parking options ensures you find a secure, cost-effective solution that fits your schedule. Factors like proximity to the terminal, transfer times, security features, and cost play a significant role. Pre-booking often saves up to 70% compared to turn-up rates, and services like Purple Parking, Holiday Extras, and compare your parking deals offer competitive deals across multiple airports. Let’s explore the parking options at each London airport.
Heathrow Airport Parking
Heathrow, the UK’s busiest airport, serves airport parking terminal 5, 4, 3, and 2 with parking options to suit all travelers. You can choose from:
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Short Stay Parking: Located closest to the terminals, ideal for quick drop-offs or short trips. Prices start at around £10 for up to two hours, but costs rise for longer stays.
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Long Stay Parking: Perfect for extended trips, with rates as low as £5.85 per day when pre-booked. Free shuttle buses connect to terminals every 10–15 minutes.
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Park and Ride: Off-site car parks like Purple Parking’s Multi-Storey Car Park offer budget-friendly rates, with transfers taking 5–10 minutes. Prices start at £6 per day.
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Meet and Greet: Drive to the terminal, hand your keys to a driver, and collect your car upon return. Convenient but pricier, starting at £80 for a week.
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Motorcycle Parking: Free at dedicated motorcycle parks near Short Stay areas.
Heathrow’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charge of £12.50 applies to non-compliant vehicles, so check your car’s compliance to avoid extra costs. Pre-booking with providers like Purple Parking or official heathrow car parking can save up to 70%.
Gatwick Airport Parking
Gatwick, with its North and South Terminals, offers a mix of convenience and affordability:
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Short Stay Parking: Steps from the terminals, starting at £8 for up to two hours.
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Long Stay Parking: Budget-friendly for longer trips, with rates around £5 per day when pre-booked. Shuttles run every 10 minutes, taking 5–7 minutes to reach terminals.
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Park and Ride: Operators like Airparks and Purple Parking provide secure off-site parking with frequent shuttles, starting at £4 per day.
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Meet and Greet: Ideal for business travelers, with prices starting at £60 for a week.
Gatwick’s parking options are praised for affordability, with Airparks often cited as one of the cheapest. Booking in advance through comparison sites like Compare your parking deals can yield significant savings.
Stansted Airport Parking
Stansted, a hub for budget airlines, offers straightforward parking solutions:
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Short Stay Parking: Close to the terminal, starting at £10 for two hours.
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Mid Stay Parking: A 5–10-minute shuttle ride away, with rates around £6 per day.
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Long Stay Parking: Ideal for extended trips, starting at £4.50 per day with pre-booking. Shuttles operate every 15 minutes.
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Meet and Greet: Convenient for quick transfers, starting at £70 for a week.
Stansted uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) for pre-booked parking, so ensure your vehicle registration is clear to avoid issues. Pre-booking can save up to 80% compared to drive-up rates.
Luton Airport Parking
London Luton, popular for short-haul flights, provides various parking options:
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Short Stay Parking: Next to the terminal, starting at £9 for two hours.
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Mid Stay Parking: A 5-minute walk or short shuttle ride, with rates around £5.50 per day.
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Long Stay Parking: Budget-friendly at £4 per day with pre-booking, with shuttles every 10 minutes.
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Meet and Greet: Starting at £65 for a week, ideal for those prioritizing convenience.
Luton’s official parking offers up to 60% savings when booked online, and comparison sites like A2Z Airport Parking can help find cheaper deals.
London City Airport Parking
London City, located in the Docklands, caters primarily to business travelers with compact parking options:
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Short Stay Parking: A 2–3-minute walk to the terminal, starting at £8 for two hours.
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Long Stay Parking: Slightly farther but still within walking distance, with rates around £7 per day when pre-booked.
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Meet and Greet: Limited but available through providers like Purple Parking, starting at £50 for a week.
Due to its small size, London City’s parking is pricier but highly convenient. All car parks hold the Park Mark award for security. Pre-booking saves up to 70%.
Southend Airport Parking
Southend, the smallest of London’s airports, offers affordable and simple parking:
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Short Stay Parking: Adjacent to the terminal, starting at £7 for two hours.
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Long Stay Parking: A 5-minute walk, with rates as low as £4 per day when pre-booked.
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Meet and Greet: Available through third-party providers, starting at £55 for a week.
Southend’s smaller size means shorter transfer times, and pre-booking through comparison sites can maximize savings.
Factors to Consider When Comparing Parking
When choosing parking, consider these factors:
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Cost: Pre-booking saves significantly—up to 70% at most airports. Comparison sites like Holiday Extras, Looking4.com, and Airport Parking Shop offer deals across all London airports.
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Convenience: Meet and Greet is fastest but priciest. Park and Ride offers savings but requires shuttle transfers.
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Security: Look for Park Mark accreditation, CCTV, and 24-hour patrols. Most official and third-party car parks meet these standards.
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Terminal Proximity: Short Stay is closest, followed by Mid Stay, while Long Stay and Park and Ride are farther but cheaper.
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Booking Flexibility: Providers like Holiday Extras offer free cancellations up to the day before, ideal for changing plans.
Tips for Saving on Airport Parking
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Book Early: Prices are lowest 2–3 months in advance.
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Use Comparison Sites: Platforms like TravelSupermarket and Purple Parking compare multiple providers for the best rates.
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Sign Up for Discounts: Many sites offer 10–15% off for newsletter subscribers.
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Check for Price Guarantees: Purple Parking refunds the difference if you find a cheaper deal within 24 hours.
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Combine with Extras: Bundle parking with airport hotels or lounges for additional savings.
FAQs
1. Which London airport offers the cheapest parking?
Southend and Gatwick typically offer the lowest rates, with Long Stay parking starting at £4 per day when pre-booked. Compare deals on sites like Purple Parking for the best prices.
2. Is Meet and Greet parking worth the cost?
Meet and Greet is ideal for convenience, especially at busy airports like Heathrow or Gatwick, but it’s pricier (starting at £50–£80 for a week). It’s best for short trips or travelers with heavy luggage.
3. How safe are off-site parking options?
Most off-site car parks, like those from Purple Parking or Airparks, have Park Mark accreditation, CCTV, and 24-hour security, ensuring safety comparable to on-site options.
4. Can I cancel my parking booking if plans change?
Many providers, such as Holiday Extras, offer free cancellations up to the day before your booking starts. Check the terms when booking.
5. Do London airports use ANPR systems for parking?
Yes, airports like Stansted and Heathrow use Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) for pre-booked parking. Ensure your vehicle’s registration is clear to avoid issues.
6. Are there discounts for frequent travelers?
Some providers offer loyalty programs or discounts for regular bookings. Sign up for newsletters from Purple Parking or Looking4.com for exclusive offers.
Conclusion
Comparing parking options at London’s airports—Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City, and Southend—helps you find a solution that balances cost, convenience, and security. Pre-booking and using comparison sites can save up to 70%, while choosing the right parking type ensures a smooth start to your trip. Use this guide to make an informed choice and enjoy your travels with peace of mind.