Difference Between Long Stay and Short Stay Parking at Birmingham Airport: Your Complete Guide

blog image John Doe | 12/20/2025

Difference Between Long Stay and Short Stay Parking at Birmingham Airport: Your Complete Guide

When planning a trip from Birmingham Airport, one key decision is where to leave your car. Choosing between long stay and short stay parking can save time, money, and stress. At comparetheairportparking.com, we help travellers make the right choice for their schedule, budget, and convenience. This guide explains the difference between long stay and short stay parking at Birmingham Airport so you can plan your journey with confidence.

What Is Short Stay Parking at Birmingham Airport?

Short stay parking at Birmingham Airport is designed for travellers who need to leave their car for a few hours to a couple of days. Ideal for business trips, quick city breaks, or dropping off passengers, these car parks are located within walking distance of the terminals, making them extremely convenient.

Key Features:

  • Immediate proximity to terminals

  • Perfect for stays under 48 hours

  • Secure car parks with CCTV, fencing, and regular patrols

  • Quick access for dropping off or picking up passengers

Short stay parking is about speed and convenience rather than long-term cost savings. If you need to park close to the terminal and don’t mind paying slightly more for convenience, short stay is your best option.

What Is Long Stay Parking at Birmingham Airport?

Long stay parking is tailored for travellers going on extended holidays or business trips lasting several days or weeks. While slightly farther from the terminals, long stay car parks are linked via frequent shuttle buses, making the transfer quick and hassle-free.

Key Features:

  • Cost-effective for multi-day trips

  • Secure, monitored car parks with the Park Mark award

  • Shuttle transfers to terminals available 24/7

  • Ideal for week-long holidays or longer

Long stay parking offers significant savings compared to short stay, especially if you’re planning a week or more away. The trade-off is a slightly longer transfer time, usually just a few minutes by shuttle.

Comparing Short Stay vs Long Stay: Which One Should You Choose?

Feature Short Stay Long Stay

Ideal for#

A few hours to 2 days Several days to weeks

Location

Walking distance to terminals Shuttle transfer required

Cost

Higher per day More economical for extended stays

Convenience    

Extremely convenient for drop-offs                   

Best for longer trips with pre-booking                  

Security

CCTV, fencing, patrols CCTV, fencing, patrols, Park Mark approved

If convenience and speed are your top priorities, short stay is perfect. If budget and duration are your focus, long stay provides excellent value for money. Booking in advance through comparetheairportparking.com ensures availability and often lower rates.

Tips for Booking Birmingham Airport Parking

  1. Pre-book early – Waiting until the day of your flight can mean higher costs or limited spaces.

  2. Check transfer options – For long stay, confirm shuttle frequency to avoid delays.

  3. Look for security certifications – Choose car parks with CCTV, fencing, and Park Mark accreditation.

  4. Consider your trip length – Short trips often benefit from short stay, while holidays or extended business trips are better suited to long stay.

By planning ahead, you can reduce stress and ensure your car is safe while you travel.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the difference between long stay and short stay parking at Birmingham Airport is essential for smart travel planning. Short stay offers convenience and immediate access to the terminal, while long stay provides affordability for longer trips without sacrificing security. At comparetheairportparking.com, we make it easy to compare options, book securely, and enjoy peace of mind before your flight.

Plan ahead, choose the right car park, and make your Birmingham Airport experience smooth and stress-free.