Park and ride is almost always the cheapest airport parking service. Travellers drive to a car park near the airport, park up, and take a shuttle service or walk to the terminal. The vast majority of the time, these shuttles are frequent and free of charge.
Want to compare park and ride to our other options? Check out our guide to meet and greet parking, and on-airport parking explained.
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How Does Airport Park and Ride Work?
If you’re booking a park and ride service, here’s what to expect once you arrive at the car park. It can be daunting if you’ve never done it before, but if you follow the steps below you’ll be at the airport terminal in no time:
- Drive to your chosen car park and enter through the barrier.
- If you’re able to keep your keys, simply find a free space.
- If the car park will be keeping your keys, you’ll usually be able to park in a space near reception. Your car will be parked for you later.
- Check-in at reception (if required) and then wait for the park and ride airport shuttle bus that takes you straight to the terminal.
Once you get back, the process is just as simple:
- Hop on the transfer bus to take you back to the car park.
- Report to reception (if required).
- If you left your keys, your car will be returned to where you parked it, or brought to reception.
- If you kept your keys, simply get straight into your car and head home!
Why is Airport Park and Ride Cheaper?
It’s a cheaper option because there’s more involvement from the driver, compared to Meet and Greet services. With Meet and Greet, you’d stop directly outside the terminal and hand your keys over to a valet driver. The driver then takes it to a car park elsewhere, and brings it back to the terminal when you return from holiday. While it’s very convenient, it does demand additional costs.
Park and Ride, however, is ideal if you don’t mind a short transfer. Because there is less staff involvement and the car parks are often located slightly further from the airport, operating costs are lower.
For most travellers, it’s a simple trade off. Save money in exchange for a transfer that typically takes between 5 and 15 minutes. If keeping costs down is your priority, Park and Ride is often the best value airport parking option available.
Airport Park and Ride by Location
Park and Ride is a staple airport parking service, available at any major UK airport. Here are five examples of the options available, if you book through SkyParkSecure.
| Airport | No. of Park and Ride Options | Closest to Airport | Usually Cheapest | Top-Rated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester | 13+ | Official Drop and Go | Airport Parking – Park & Ride | NCP Flightpath – Short Stay |
| Heathrow | 12+ | Maple Parking Express Park & Ride | Purple Parking Park and Ride T2 – Non Flex | Maple Parking Express Park & Ride |
| Stansted | 7+ | Stansted Peak Park & Ride | CSL Park & Ride | Bubble Park and Ride |
| Edinburgh | 7+ | Drop & Go | Secure Airparks Self Park | Secure Airparks Self Park |
| Glasgow | 4+ | Direct Parking | Flying Scot Parking | SkyPort Park & Ride |
Who is Airport Park and Ride Parking For?
Park and ride is a fantastic service that’s suitable for almost anyone, but we find it particularly benefits the following kinds of people:
Bargain Hunters
Park and ride is almost always the cheapest kind of parking that’s on offer. It’s usually more affordable than taxis, too. So if you don’t mind a quick transfer to the airport via a shuttle bus, why not save a few quid on your parking?
Nervous Drivers
For some, driving in a city centre or near a busy airport can be stressful. Park and ride car parks are a great alternative. They allow you the convenience of driving in, but they’re located a couple of miles from the airport. This way, you can avoid the heavy traffic and let the shuttle bus handle the rest.
People Who Just Want a Simple Experience
With park and ride, there’s no calling up before you arrive to check in with someone. You won’t need to arrange a meeting point, and there’s no waiting for your car when you return. Public transport can be very unreliable, which is a huge risk with a holiday at stake. It can be far simpler to drive into the car park and board the shuttle bus!
And to Help You Save When You Book…
Hopefully you’ve learned a little more about how park and ride works. And as a thank you for booking with us, you can get up to 30% off with a SkyParkSecure airport parking discount code. Simply enter it when doing your quote!
FAQs
Yes. Reputable park and ride car parks have security measures like CCTV, secure fencing, entry barriers, regular patrols, and staff on-site. Check the reviews of the car park you’re using before you book, if you’re not sure.
Transfer times vary depending on the location of the car park, but most park and ride services take between 5 and 15 minutes to reach the terminal. Transfer buses usually run frequently throughout the day and night.
It depends on the car park. Some park and ride services allow you to keep your keys throughout your trip, while others require you to leave them with staff so they can move your vehicle if necessary. This information will always be provided before you book.
It’s recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes before the time you want to be at the airport terminal. This gives you enough time to park, check in (if required), and catch the shuttle bus without feeling rushed.
In most cases, yes. Park and ride is generally the most affordable airport parking option because you’ll park slightly further from the terminal and take a complimentary shuttle bus. If convenience is your priority, meet and greet may be worth the extra cost.
Most airport parking providers monitor flight arrivals, so if your return flight is delayed, your car will still be available when you arrive. Depending on the length of the delay, you may need to pay an additional parking charge for any extra time beyond your original booking.
Absolutely. Park and ride is suitable for families and travellers with luggage. Shuttle buses are designed to carry passengers with suitcases, and staff are often available to help if needed. Just allow a little extra time when travelling with young children.
Most airport park and ride services operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with shuttle buses running to match airport schedules. However, it’s always worth checking the opening hours and transfer times of your chosen car park before booking.
Main image: Markus Krisetya – Unsplash
