How to Get a Discount for Airport Parking: 10 Proven Hacks for 2026

blog image John Doe | 11/05/2025

 

How to Get a Discount for Airport Parking: 10 Proven Hacks for 2026

Let's be honest: airport parking can feel like a necessary evil when you travel. The official airport car parks are notoriously expensive, and the cost can add a significant amount to your travel budget.

But what if we told you that you could routinely save 30%, 50%, or even 70% on secure, convenient airport parking? It’s not a myth—it’s all about knowing where to look.Forget paying premium prices. This definitive guide reveals the 10 most effective strategies for securing a discount for airport parking.

1. The #1 Rule: Always Use a Comparison Site (This is the Easiest Win)

This is, without a doubt, the single most effective way to find a guaranteed discount. Instead of visiting dozens of parking providers' websites individually, a specialist comparison site does the heavy lifting for you.

How it works: They have pre-negotiated deals with a huge network of car parks (both on-airport and off-airport) and instantly compare real-time prices to show you the cheapest options.

Why comparetheairportparking.com is your best choice: We are a dedicated comparison engine that scans every major UK airport and hundreds of trusted providers. We don’t just show you the price; we highlight exclusive discounts, promo codes, and "Sale" badges you won't find anywhere else, ensuring you get the lowest price from the start.

Actionable Tip: Simply enter your airport, travel dates, and times on our comparison page.- In seconds, you’ll see all the best deals in one place.

2. Book in Advance, Way in Advance

This is the golden rule of travel. The closer you get to your travel date, the more expensive parking becomes. Parking operators use dynamic pricing, similar to airlines and hotels.

· Ideal Booking Window: Aim to book your parking 4-8 weeks before your trip.
· The "Last-Minute" Penalty: Booking the night before can often cost double the price you would have paid a month earlier.

3. Be Flexible with Your Parking Location

The car park located a 2-minute walk from the terminal (on-airport) will always command a premium. By being open to a car park a 5-10 minute shuttle bus ride away (off-airport), you can unlock massive savings.

· On-Airport Parking: Maximum convenience, highest price.
· Off-Airport Parking: Excellent value, often with frequent and free shuttle transfers. These providers compete on price, which means bigger discounts for you.

4. Sign Up for Loyalty Schemes and Newsletters

Many parking providers and travel companies offer first-time user discounts and special promotions to their email subscribers.

· The Catch: You have to be willing to receive marketing emails. To keep your inbox clean, consider creating a dedicated email for travel deals.
· Pro Tip: After you compare prices on our site, it's worth checking the social media pages of the top-rated providers for flash sales.

5. Hunt for Voucher Codes (But Be Smart About It)

Before you complete any booking, always do a quick search for voucher codes.

· Where to look: Sites like VoucherCodes or HotUKDeals.
· A Word of Warning: This can be time-consuming, and many codes are expired or have specific terms. The beauty of using comparetheairportparking.com is that we automatically apply all valid promo codes at checkout, so the price you see is the price you pay—no hunting required.

6. Check Your Bank Account Benefits

Many current accounts, especially premium ones (e.g., Nationwide FlexPlus, Barclays Premier), and credit cards offer travel benefits. These can include discounts on airport parking, lounges, and insurance. Log in to your banking app or give them a call to see what you're entitled to.

7. Travel at Off-Peak Times

If you can fly mid-week or outside of school holidays, you'll not only find cheaper flights but also cheaper parking. Demand is lower, so car parks drop their prices to attract customers.

8. Consider Long-Stay vs. Short-Stay

This seems obvious, but always double-check. Some airports have separate "Short-Stay" and "Long-Stay" car parks. The short-stay option is astronomically priced for anything more than a day or two. Ensure you're looking at the correct, long-term parking products.

9. Look for Package Deals (Parking + Hotel)

If you have an early morning flight, a "Park, Stay, and Fly" package can be incredible value. You get a night's accommodation at an airport hotel, secure parking for the duration of your trip, and often a transfer to the terminal. When booked as a package, this can be cheaper than parking alone.

10. Don't Forget the Basics: Cashback Sites

Finally, after you've found the best deal, top it off with cashback. Websites like TopCashback and Quidco offer a percentage of your booking cost back. Simply go to the cashback site first, search for the parking provider, and click through to complete your booking.

Your Discount Parking Action Plan

1. Start Your Search at comparetheairportparking.com. This is your one-stop shop for the baseline best price.
2. Be flexible with dates and location.
3. Book as early as possible.
4. Do a final check for bank benefits and cashback.

 

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